Mark 12:35

¶ And Jesus answered and said, while he taught in the temple, How say the scribes that Christ is the Son of David?

And {G2532} Jesus {G2424} answered {G611} and said {G3004}, while he taught {G1321} in {G1722} the temple {G2411}, How {G4459} say {G3004} the scribes {G1122} that {G3754} Christ {G5547} is {G2076} the Son {G5207} of David {G1138}?

As Yeshua was teaching in the Temple, he asked, "How is it that the Torah teachers say the Messiah is the Son of David?

While Jesus was teaching in the temple courts, He asked, “How can the scribes say that the Christ is the Son of David?

And Jesus answered and said, as he taught in the temple, How say the scribes that the Christ is the son of David?

In Mark 12:35, Jesus shifts from being questioned by the religious leaders to asking them a profound question about the Messiah's identity. This pivotal moment occurs during His final week in Jerusalem, as He teaches publicly in the temple courts.

Context

This verse is part of a series of intense confrontations Jesus had with the Jewish religious establishment during the week leading up to His crucifixion. After successfully answering challenging questions from the Pharisees, Herodians, and Sadducees (see Mark 12:13-27), Jesus takes the initiative. He poses a question that directly challenges the scribes' understanding of the Messiah, setting the stage for His own declaration about His true nature in the subsequent verses (Mark 12:36-37). This shows Jesus' supreme wisdom and authority in a public setting.

Key Themes

  • Jesus' Authority and Wisdom: Jesus demonstrates His divine wisdom and authority by turning the tables on His interrogators. He doesn't just defend Himself but exposes the limitations and incomplete nature of their theological understanding of the Messiah.
  • The Messiah's True Identity: The question "How say the scribes that Christ is the Son of David?" highlights a common but incomplete understanding of the Messiah. While the Messiah was indeed prophesied to be a descendant of King David (e.g., 2 Samuel 7:12, Isaiah 9:6-7), Jesus implies there is a deeper, more divine aspect to His identity that the scribes, despite their learning, overlooked.
  • Challenging Traditional Interpretations: Jesus frequently challenged the established religious norms and interpretations of His day, urging people to look beyond superficial understandings to the spiritual truth. He pushes them to consider the Messiah's divine nature alongside His human lineage.

Linguistic Insights

The term "Christ" (Greek: Christos) is the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew "Messiah" (Mashiach), both meaning "Anointed One." This title was universally understood to refer to the promised deliverer who would restore Israel. The phrase "Son of David" was a universally accepted Messianic title, rooted in Old Testament prophecies that the Messiah would come from David's royal lineage. Jesus' question doesn't deny this lineage but expands upon it, pushing the scribes to consider the Messiah's divine nature as David's Lord, not just his human heir, as further explained in the following verses.

Practical Application

This verse encourages us to examine our own understanding of Jesus. Do we fully grasp who He is—not just a great teacher, a historical figure, or even merely the "Son of David," but also the divine Son of God and Lord? It reminds us that true understanding of Christ goes beyond mere lineage or human expectations. We are called to continually deepen our knowledge of His full identity and authority, allowing it to transform our lives and perspectives. Just as Jesus challenged the scribes, we too should allow His words to challenge our preconceived notions and lead us to a fuller apprehension of His glory.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Luke 20:41

    And he said unto them, How say they that Christ is David's son?

  • Luke 20:44

    David therefore calleth him Lord, how is he then his son?

  • Matthew 22:41

    ¶ While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them,

  • Matthew 22:45

    If David then call him Lord, how is he his son?

  • Matthew 26:55

    In that same hour said Jesus to the multitudes, Are ye come out as against a thief with swords and staves for to take me? I sat daily with you teaching in the temple, and ye laid no hold on me.

  • John 7:42

    Hath not the scripture said, That Christ cometh of the seed of David, and out of the town of Bethlehem, where David was?

  • Matthew 9:27

    ¶ And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, [Thou] Son of David, have mercy on us.

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