Mark 12:38

KJV

And he said unto them in his doctrine, Beware of the scribes, which love to go in long clothing, and [love] salutations in the marketplaces,

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} he said {G3004} unto them {G846} in {G1722} his {G846} doctrine {G1322}, Beware {G991} of {G575} the scribes {G1122}, which {G3588} love {G2309} to go {G4043} in {G1722} long clothing {G4749}, and {G2532} love salutations {G783} in {G1722} the marketplaces {G58},

Complete Jewish Bible

As he taught them, he said, "Watch out for the kind of Torah-teachers who like to walk around in robes and be greeted deferentially in the marketplaces,

Berean Standard Bible

In His teaching Jesus also said, “Watch out for the scribes. They like to walk around in long robes, to receive greetings in the marketplaces,

American Standard Version

And in his teaching he said, Beware of the scribes, who desire to walk in long robes, andto have salutations in the marketplaces,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Mark 12:38, Jesus issues a profound warning to His disciples and the surrounding crowds, cautioning them against the scribes, who epitomized a superficial religiosity. This verse initiates a broader critique of religious hypocrisy, highlighting how these influential leaders prioritized outward displays of piety, social recognition, and honor over genuine humility and devotion to God, thereby misleading the people through their self-serving practices.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Jesus' final days of public ministry in Jerusalem, specifically during His teaching in the Temple courts. It follows a series of intense theological confrontations where various Jewish factions—the Pharisees, Herodians, and Sadducees—attempted to trap Jesus with challenging questions, only to be silenced by His wisdom ([Mark 12:13-34](/mark/12-13-34 "Jesus' Debates in the Temple")). Immediately preceding this warning, Jesus Himself poses a question to the scribes regarding the Messiah's identity, demonstrating His theological superiority and exposing their limited understanding ([Mark 12:35-37](/mark/12-35-37 "Jesus Questions the Scribes about the Messiah")). The warning in [Mark 12:38](/mark/12-38 "Jesus Warns Against the Scribes") serves as a transition, leading into a more comprehensive denunciation of the scribes' self-serving practices, culminating in His condemnation of their exploitation of widows and their ostentatious prayers in [Mark 12:39-40](/mark/12-39-40 "Jesus Condemns the Scribes' Hypocrisy").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The scribes (Greek: *grammateis*) were a highly respected and influential class in first-century Jewish society. They were experts in the Mosaic Law, responsible for copying, interpreting, and teaching it, often serving as legal advisors and judges. Their authority was immense, and they were seen as paragons of piety and knowledge. Their "long clothing" (Greek: *stolē*) refers to flowing robes, a mark of dignity and status, distinguishing them from common people. "Salutations in the marketplaces" (Greek: *aspasmós en agorá*) speaks to the public squares or thoroughfares where people gathered for commerce and social interaction. In this setting, public greetings were not merely polite exchanges but formal expressions of honor and deference, reflecting one's social standing. Jesus' critique targets not the symbols themselves, but the scribes' *love* for these outward displays, revealing a heart motivated by pride and human approval rather than divine glory.
* **Key Themes:** This passage significantly contributes to several overarching themes in Mark's Gospel and Jesus' ministry. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the theme of **Hypocrisy vs. Authenticity**. Jesus consistently challenges outward religiosity that lacks inner transformation, and here, He directly exposes the scribes' preoccupation with external appearances and public acclaim over genuine devotion. This resonates with His broader teachings on seeking God's approval over human praise, as seen in the [Sermon on the Mount](/matthew/5 "The Sermon on the Mount"). Secondly, the passage highlights the dangers of **Pride and Status Seeking**. The scribes' desire for distinctive attire and public deference reveals a deep-seated pride and a craving for social status, which Jesus consistently condemns as contrary to the humble spirit of the Kingdom of God (e.g., [Mark 9:35](/mark/9-35 "The First Will Be Last")). Finally, Jesus' instruction to "beware" emphasizes the critical theme of **Discernment and Warning Against Misleading Leaders**. He urges His followers to look beyond superficial piety and to discern the true motives and character of those who claim spiritual authority, a warning echoed in His teachings about false prophets (cf. [Matthew 7:15-20](/matthew/7-15-20 "You Will Recognize Them by Their Fruits")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **doctrine (Greek, _didachḗ_):** Derived from the verb "to teach," *didachḗ* refers to instruction, teaching, or doctrine, encompassing both the act of teaching and the content taught. Here, it emphasizes that Jesus' warning is not a casual remark but a deliberate, authoritative teaching, part of His established body of instruction to His disciples and the public.
* **scribes (Greek, _grammateús_):** From *gramma* (a letter or writing), *grammateús* denotes a writer, but in the New Testament, it specifically refers to highly educated experts in Jewish Law. They were the authoritative interpreters and teachers of the Torah, holding significant religious and social power. Jesus' warning is directed at this specific, influential class of religious leaders.
* **love (Greek, _thélō_):** This verb signifies "to determine," "to choose," or "to prefer," often implying a strong subjective impulse or desire. It can also mean "to wish" or "to delight in." In this context, it highlights the scribes' *active preference* and *strong desire* for these outward displays and honors, revealing their internal motivation and the misplaced object of their affection. It's not merely that they *do* these things, but that they *love* to do them.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said unto them in his doctrine,"**: This opening phrase establishes the authoritative nature of Jesus' words. He is not merely commenting but delivering a formal teaching, a part of His established instruction (`didachḗ`). This underscores the gravity and importance of the warning that follows, indicating it is a fundamental principle for His followers to grasp.
* **"Beware of the scribes,"**: The imperative "Beware" (Greek: *blépō*, meaning "to look at," "to perceive," "to take heed") is a strong admonition, urging vigilance and discernment. Jesus directly identifies the scribes as a source of spiritual danger, not because of their office, but because of their corrupt practices and motivations. This is a call to critical evaluation of religious leadership.
* **"which love to go in long clothing,"**: This clause describes the first characteristic Jesus critiques. The "long clothing" (Greek: *stolḗ*) refers to the distinctive, flowing robes worn by those of high status and authority. The phrase "love to go in" (Greek: *thélō peripatéō en*) indicates their active desire and pleasure in parading these garments, not for their practical purpose, but for the social recognition and awe they commanded, signifying an excessive pride in their external appearance and the status it conferred.
* **"and [love] salutations in the marketplaces,"**: The second characteristic highlights their craving for public honor. "Salutations" (Greek: *aspasmós*) were formal greetings and expressions of respect. "In the marketplaces" (Greek: *en agorá*) refers to public squares where people gathered, emphasizing the public nature of their desire for recognition. The implied "love" (from the previous clause) underscores their active pursuit of public deference and human applause, valuing social affirmation over genuine humility before God.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 12:38 employs several effective literary devices to convey Jesus' warning. **Irony** is prominent, as the scribes, who were supposed to be paragons of piety and interpreters of God's law, are exposed as prioritizing human praise over divine approval, a stark contrast to their purported role. **Synecdoche** is also present, where "long clothing" and "salutations in the marketplaces" stand in for the broader concept of superficiality, pride, and the pursuit of external validation. These specific actions represent a larger pattern of behavior. Furthermore, the passage uses **Contrast** by implicitly setting the scribes' self-exalting behavior against Jesus' consistent teaching and embodiment of humility and service. The very public nature of the scribes' desired recognition (marketplaces) is contrasted with the private, heart-level devotion that Jesus advocates.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jesus' warning in Mark 12:38 extends beyond a mere critique of specific individuals; it serves as a timeless theological principle about the nature of true righteousness and leadership within God's kingdom. It underscores that God values the inner condition of the heart—humility, sincerity, and love for Him—far above any outward display of piety, religious status, or human acclaim. The scribes' pursuit of "long clothing" and "salutations" reveals a fundamental misunderstanding of spiritual authority, which, according to Jesus, is found in humble service rather than self-exaltation. This passage challenges believers across all generations to examine their motives, ensuring that their spiritual practices are driven by a desire to honor God alone, rather than to gain human recognition or elevate their own status.

* [Matthew 6:1-6](/matthew/6-1-6 "Jesus Teaches About True Righteousness")
* [Luke 14:7-11](/luke/14-7-11 "Parable of the Wedding Feast")
* [Philippians 2:3-4](/philippians/2-3-4 "Christ's Humility")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 12:38 offers a piercing challenge for contemporary believers, urging us to deeply examine the motivations behind our actions, particularly within the realm of faith and service. Are we genuinely seeking to honor God and serve others, or are we subtly, perhaps even unconsciously, driven by a desire for human applause, recognition, or a perceived spiritual status? This verse compels us to cultivate a radical humility, recognizing that true spiritual authority and impact flow from a heart surrendered to God, not from outward displays or the accolades of others. It reminds us that the essence of Christian living is found in authentic devotion and humble service, often in hidden places, rather than in public spectacle. We are called to be discerning, not only of external religious leaders but also of our own hearts, ensuring that our pursuit is always for God's glory, not our own.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life, particularly my spiritual life, might I be seeking human approval or recognition more than God's approval?**
* **How does Jesus' warning against the scribes challenge my understanding of true spiritual leadership and authority?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate greater humility and authenticity in my daily walk with God?**
* **Am I discerning enough to recognize when religious practices or leaders prioritize outward show over genuine inner transformation?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of "long clothing" and "salutations in the marketplaces" for the scribes?**

Answer: For the scribes, "long clothing" (Greek: *stolḗ*) referred to their distinctive, flowing robes, which were a visible sign of their high status, dignity, and authority as experts in the Law. They were a mark of respect and distinction. "Salutations in the marketplaces" (Greek: *aspasmós en agorá*) meant formal greetings and expressions of honor given to them in public spaces where people gathered. The significance lay not just in the items or actions themselves, but in the scribes' *love* for them, indicating their desire for public recognition, deference, and the social status these displays conferred. Jesus was critiquing their pride and their motivation to be seen and honored by people, rather than to humbly serve God and His people ([Matthew 23:5-7](/matthew/23-5-7 "Jesus Denounces the Scribes and Pharisees")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 12:38, with its stark warning against the hypocrisy of the scribes, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodied the antithesis of their self-exalting spirit. While the scribes "loved" to parade their status and seek human acclaim, Jesus, though God incarnate, "did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant" ([Philippians 2:6-7](/philippians/2-6-7 "Christ's Humility and Exaltation")). He consistently shunned public fanfare and taught His disciples that true greatness in His kingdom comes through humble service, not through seeking honor or status (e.g., [Mark 10:42-45](/mark/10-42-45 "Jesus Teaches About Servant Leadership")). The scribes sought glory *from* men, but Jesus sought to bring glory *to* God, even to the point of suffering the ultimate humiliation of the cross, where He became the "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John the Baptist Points to Jesus")). His life, death, and resurrection stand as the definitive contrast to the scribes' superficiality, calling all who follow Him to an authentic, humble, and self-giving faith that mirrors His own.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Luke 20:45

Then in the audience of all the people he said unto his disciples,

Luke 20:47

Which devour widows' houses, and for a shew make long prayers: the same shall receive greater damnation.

Matthew 23:1

¶ Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples,

Matthew 23:7

And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.

Luke 11:43

Woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye love the uppermost seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets.

Matthew 6:5

¶ And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites [are]: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

Luke 14:7

¶ And he put forth a parable to those which were bidden, when he marked how they chose out the chief rooms; saying unto them,