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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Mark 12:20 Now there were seven brothers. The first one married and died, leaving no children.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/mark/12-20.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/18/41_Mrk_12_20.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Mark 12:20 - The Sadducees and the Resurrection" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Now there were seven brothers. 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The first one married and died without leaving any children.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/mark/12.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Well, suppose there were seven brothers. The oldest one married and then died without children.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/mark/12.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />There were seven brothers; the first took a wife, and when he died left no offspring.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/mark/12.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now there were seven brothers. The first one married and died, leaving no children.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/mark/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />There were seven brothers; and the first took a wife, and dying, left no seed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/mark/12.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Now there were seven brethren: and the first took a wife, and dying left no seed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/mark/12.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Now there were seven brothers. The first took a wife; and dying, he left no offspring.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/mark/12.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />There were seven brothers; and the first took a wife, and died leaving no children.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/mark/12.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220There were seven brothers; and the first took a wife, and died leaving no children.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/mark/12.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“There were seven brothers; and the first took a wife, and died, leaving no offspring.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/mark/12.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />There were seven brothers; and the first married a wife, and died leaving no seed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/mark/12.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />There were seven brothers; the first [one] took a wife, and died leaving no children.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/mark/12.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />There were seven brothers. The first married a woman, and dying, left no offspring.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/mark/12.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />There were seven brothers. The first took a wife, and dying, left no offspring. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/mark/12.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />There were seven brethren: and the first took a wife, and dying left no seed;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/mark/12.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />There were once seven brothers. The first one married, but died without having any children. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/mark/12.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />There were seven brethren: and the first took a wife, and dying left no seed;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/mark/12.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />There were seven brothers. The first got married and died without having children.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/mark/12.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Once there were seven brothers; the oldest got married and died without having children. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/mark/12.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />There were seven brothers. The first one married and died without having children. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/mark/12.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now there were seven brothers. The first one married and died, leaving no children.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/mark/12.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />There were seven brothers. The first one married, and when he died he had no children.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/mark/12.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />There were seven brothers. The first took a wife, and dying left no offspring.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/mark/12.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Now there were seven brothers: and the first took a wife, and dying left no seed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/mark/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />There were once seven brothers, the eldest of whom married a wife, but at his death left no family.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/mark/12.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />There were seven brothers. The first took a wife, and dying left no offspring. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/mark/12.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />There were then seven brothers, and the first took a wife, and dying, he left no seed;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/mark/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />There were seven brothers; and the first took a wife, and dying, left no seed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/mark/12.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> 'There were then seven brothers, and the first took a wife, and dying, he left no seed;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/mark/12.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />There were seven brethren: and the first took a wife, and dying left no seed.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/mark/12.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Now there were seven brethren; and the first took a wife, and died leaving no issue. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/mark/12.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />So then, there were seven brothers. And the first took a wife, and he died without leaving behind offspring.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/mark/12.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Now there were seven brothers. The first married a woman and died, leaving no descendants.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/mark/12.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />There were seven brothers; the first married and, when he died, left no children;<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/mark/12.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Now there were seven brothers; the first one took a wife and died, and left no off- spring.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/mark/12.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />“There were seven brothers; the first took a wife and he died and left no son behind.”<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/mark/12.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />Now there were seven brothers; and the first took a wife, and dying, left no child;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/mark/12.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />There were seven brothers, and the first took a wife, and dying left no seed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/mark/12.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />Now there were seven brothers; and the first took a wife, and dying left no issue:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/mark/12.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />now there were seven brothers: the first married a wife and died, leaving her without any children.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/mark/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />There were once seven brothers, the eldest of whom married a wife, but at his death left no family.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/mark/12.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />There were seven brothers; and the first took a wife; and, dying, left no seed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/mark/12.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />Now there were seven brethren: and the first took a wife and died and left no seed;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/mark/12-20.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DmwDTC71zvQ?start=4051" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/mark/12.htm">The Sadducees and the Resurrection</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">19</span>“Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies and leaves a wife but no children, the man is to marry his brother’s widow and raise up offspring for him. <span class="reftext">20</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: ēsan (V-IIA-3P) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">Now there were</a> <a href="/greek/2033.htm" title="2033: hepta (Adj-NMP) -- Seven. A primary number; seven.">seven</a> <a href="/greek/80.htm" title="80: adelphoi (N-NMP) -- A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote.">brothers.</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">The</a> <a href="/greek/4413.htm" title="4413: prōtos (Adj-NMS) -- First, before, principal, most important. Contracted superlative of pro; foremost.">first one</a> <a href="/greek/2983.htm" title="2983: elaben (V-AIA-3S) -- (a) I receive, get, (b) I take, lay hold of. ">married</a> <a href="/greek/1135.htm" title="1135: gynaika (N-AFS) -- A woman, wife, my lady. Probably from the base of ginomai; a woman; specially, a wife."></a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/599.htm" title="599: apothnēskōn (V-PPA-NMS) -- To be dying, be about to die, wither, decay. From apo and thnesko; to die off.">died,</a> <a href="/greek/863.htm" title="863: aphēken (V-AIA-3S) -- From apo and hiemi; to send forth, in various applications.">leaving</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ouk (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.">no</a> <a href="/greek/4690.htm" title="4690: sperma (N-ANS) -- From speiro; something sown, i.e. Seed; by implication, offspring; specially, a remnant.">children.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">21</span>Then the second one married the widow, but he also died and left no children. And the third did likewise.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/22-24.htm">Matthew 22:24-28</a></span><br />“Teacher,” they said, “Moses declared that if a man dies without having children, his brother is to marry the widow and raise up offspring for him. / Now there were seven brothers among us. The first one married and died without having children. So he left his wife to his brother. / The same thing happened to the second and third brothers, down to the seventh. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/20-28.htm">Luke 20:28-33</a></span><br />“Teacher,” they said, “Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies and leaves a wife but no children, the man is to marry his brother’s widow and raise up offspring for him. / Now there were seven brothers. The first one married a wife but died childless. / Then the second ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/25-5.htm">Deuteronomy 25:5-6</a></span><br />When brothers dwell together and one of them dies without a son, the widow must not marry outside the family. Her husband’s brother is to take her as his wife and fulfill the duty of a brother-in-law for her. / The first son she bears will carry on the name of the dead brother, so that his name will not be blotted out from Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/38-8.htm">Genesis 38:8</a></span><br />Then Judah said to Onan, “Sleep with your brother’s wife. Perform your duty as her brother-in-law and raise up offspring for your brother.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ruth/4-5.htm">Ruth 4:5</a></span><br />Then Boaz said, “On the day you buy the land from Naomi and also from Ruth the Moabitess, you must also acquire the widow of the deceased in order to raise up the name of the deceased on his inheritance.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/27-8.htm">Numbers 27:8-11</a></span><br />Furthermore, you shall say to the Israelites, ‘If a man dies and leaves no son, you are to transfer his inheritance to his daughter. / If he has no daughter, give his inheritance to his brothers. / If he has no brothers, give his inheritance to his father’s brothers. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/7-39.htm">1 Corinthians 7:39</a></span><br />A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, as long as he belongs to the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/7-2.htm">Romans 7:2-3</a></span><br />For instance, a married woman is bound by law to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is released from the law of marriage. / So then, if she is joined to another man while her husband is still alive, she is called an adulteress; but if her husband dies, she is free from that law and is not an adulteress if she marries another man.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/5-14.htm">1 Timothy 5:14</a></span><br />So I advise the younger widows to marry, have children, and manage their households, denying the adversary occasion for slander.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/15-29.htm">1 Corinthians 15:29</a></span><br />If these things are not so, what will those do who are baptized for the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why are people baptized for them?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/38-11.htm">Genesis 38:11</a></span><br />Then Judah said to his daughter-in-law Tamar, “Live as a widow in your father’s house until my son Shelah grows up.” For he thought, “He may die too, like his brothers.” So Tamar went to live in her father’s house.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ruth/1-11.htm">Ruth 1:11-13</a></span><br />But Naomi replied, “Return home, my daughters. Why would you go with me? Are there still sons in my womb to become your husbands? / Return home, my daughters. Go on, for I am too old to have another husband. Even if I thought there was hope for me to have a husband tonight and to bear sons, / would you wait for them to grow up? Would you refrain from having husbands? No, my daughters, it is much more bitter for me than for you, because the hand of the LORD has gone out against me.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/2-34.htm">1 Chronicles 2:34-35</a></span><br />Sheshan had no sons, but only daughters. He also had an Egyptian servant named Jarha. / Sheshan gave his daughter in marriage to his servant Jarha, and she bore to him Attai.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/22-23.htm">Matthew 22:23</a></span><br />That same day the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to Jesus and questioned Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/20-27.htm">Luke 20:27</a></span><br />Then some of the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to question Him.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Now there were seven brothers: and the first took a wife, and dying left no seed.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/22-25.htm">Matthew 22:25-28</a></b></br> Now there were with us seven brethren: and the first, when he had married a wife, deceased, and, having no issue, left his wife unto his brother: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/20-29.htm">Luke 20:29-33</a></b></br> There were therefore seven brethren: and the first took a wife, and died without children… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/mark/12-19.htm">Children</a> <a href="/mark/12-9.htm">Death</a> <a href="/mark/6-51.htm">Died</a> <a href="/mark/9-48.htm">Dying</a> <a href="/matthew/22-25.htm">Eldest</a> <a href="/mark/6-4.htm">Family</a> <a href="/mark/10-44.htm">First</a> <a href="/mark/11-12.htm">Leaving</a> <a href="/mark/10-19.htm">Married</a> <a href="/mark/12-19.htm">Offspring</a> <a href="/mark/12-1.htm">Once</a> <a href="/mark/12-19.htm">Seed</a> <a href="/mark/8-20.htm">Seven</a> <a href="/mark/12-19.htm">Wife</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/mark/12-21.htm">Children</a> <a href="/mark/12-21.htm">Death</a> <a href="/mark/12-21.htm">Died</a> <a href="/mark/12-22.htm">Dying</a> <a href="/john/8-9.htm">Eldest</a> <a href="/mark/12-21.htm">Family</a> <a href="/mark/12-28.htm">First</a> <a href="/mark/12-21.htm">Leaving</a> <a href="/mark/12-21.htm">Married</a> <a href="/mark/12-21.htm">Offspring</a> <a href="/mark/14-39.htm">Once</a> <a href="/mark/12-21.htm">Seed</a> <a href="/mark/12-22.htm">Seven</a> <a href="/mark/12-23.htm">Wife</a><div class="vheading2">Mark 12</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/mark/12-1.htm">Jesus tells the parable of the tenants</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/mark/12-13.htm">He avoids the snare of the Pharisees and Herodians about paying tribute to Caesar;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/mark/12-18.htm">convicts the Sadducees, who denied the resurrection;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">28. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/mark/12-28.htm">resolves the scribe, who questioned of the first commandment;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">35. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/mark/12-35.htm">refutes the opinion that the scribes held of the Christ;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">38. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/mark/12-38.htm">bidding the people to beware of their ambition and hypocrisy;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">41. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/mark/12-41.htm">and commends the poor widow for her two mites, above all.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/mark/12.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/mark/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/mark/12.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Now there were seven brothers.</b><br>In Jewish culture, the number seven often symbolizes completeness or perfection, which may suggest a comprehensive scenario being presented. The context of this passage is a question posed by the Sadducees, a Jewish sect that denied the resurrection. They are attempting to challenge Jesus with a hypothetical situation based on the law of levirate marriage, as outlined in <a href="/deuteronomy/25-5.htm">Deuteronomy 25:5-6</a>. This law required a man to marry his deceased brother's widow if the brother died without leaving an heir, ensuring the family line and property remained intact. The Sadducees' use of seven brothers emphasizes the extremity of their hypothetical situation, aiming to ridicule the concept of resurrection.<p><b>The first one married and died,</b><br>The mention of marriage here is crucial as it sets the stage for the levirate marriage law to be invoked. In ancient Jewish society, marriage was not only a personal union but also a social and economic contract that ensured the continuation of a family line. The death of the first brother without offspring is significant because it triggers the levirate obligation. This scenario reflects the vulnerability of women in that era, who relied on male relatives for social and economic security. The death of the first brother without children introduces the problem the Sadducees are using to question the resurrection.<p><b>Leaving no children.</b><br>The absence of children is a critical element in this narrative, as it is the condition that necessitates the levirate marriage. In biblical times, having children was seen as a blessing and a means of preserving one's legacy and name. The lack of offspring not only posed a personal tragedy but also a communal concern, as it threatened the continuity of the family line. This detail underscores the importance of the levirate law and sets the stage for the Sadducees' challenge to Jesus regarding the resurrection. Theologically, this phrase also highlights the human concern for legacy and continuity, which contrasts with the eternal perspective Jesus offers in His teachings on the resurrection.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/seven_brothers.htm">Seven Brothers</a></b><br>This refers to a hypothetical scenario presented by the Sadducees to Jesus. The brothers are part of a question about the resurrection, which the Sadducees deny.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_first_brother.htm">The First Brother</a></b><br>He marries but dies without leaving any children, setting the stage for the question about levirate marriage and resurrection.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/s/sadducees.htm">Sadducees</a></b><br>A Jewish sect that did not believe in the resurrection. They posed this question to Jesus to challenge His teachings on the resurrection.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/j/jesus.htm">Jesus</a></b><br>The central figure in the Gospel of Mark, who is being questioned by the Sadducees in this passage.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a></b><br>The location where this interaction takes place, during Jesus' final week before His crucifixion.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_the_resurrection.htm">Understanding the Resurrection</a></b><br>The Sadducees' question highlights a misunderstanding of the resurrection. Jesus' response (in the following verses) clarifies that earthly relationships do not define heavenly realities.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_authority_of_scripture.htm">The Authority of Scripture</a></b><br>Jesus often refers back to Scripture to correct misunderstandings. This emphasizes the importance of knowing and applying God's Word accurately.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faith_beyond_logic.htm">Faith Beyond Logic</a></b><br>The Sadducees relied on human logic to deny the resurrection. Believers are called to trust in God's power and promises, even when they transcend human understanding.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_context.htm">The Importance of Context</a></b><br>Understanding the cultural and historical context of biblical passages helps us grasp their full meaning and application.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/e/eternal_perspective.htm">Eternal Perspective</a></b><br>This passage encourages believers to focus on eternal truths rather than temporal concerns, reminding us of the hope and reality of the resurrection.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_mark_12.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Mark 12</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_did_abram_call_sarai_his_sister.htm">Why did Abram claim Sarai was his sister?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/are_you_with_me_or_against_me.htm">Who are my true family members?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/mark_12_18-27__is_resurrection_plausible.htm">Mark 12:18-27: How is the scenario of a woman marrying seven brothers historically plausible, and what does it imply about any scientific or cultural foundation for resurrection?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_is_jesus_portrayed_in_films.htm">Will there be marriage in the afterlife?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/mark/12-20.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">[Now] there were</span><br /><span class="grk">ἦσαν</span> <span class="translit">(ēsan)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> </span><span class="str2">I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">seven</span><br /><span class="grk">ἑπτὰ</span> <span class="translit">(hepta)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2033.htm">Strong's 2033: </a> </span><span class="str2">Seven. A primary number; seven.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">brothers.</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀδελφοὶ</span> <span class="translit">(adelphoi)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_80.htm">Strong's 80: </a> </span><span class="str2">A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">The</span><br /><span class="grk">ὁ</span> <span class="translit">(ho)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">first [one]</span><br /><span class="grk">πρῶτος</span> <span class="translit">(prōtos)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4413.htm">Strong's 4413: </a> </span><span class="str2">First, before, principal, most important. Contracted superlative of pro; foremost.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">married</span><br /><span class="grk">ἔλαβεν</span> <span class="translit">(elaben)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2983.htm">Strong's 2983: </a> </span><span class="str2">(a) I receive, get, (b) I take, lay hold of. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">and</span><br /><span class="grk">καὶ</span> <span class="translit">(kai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> </span><span class="str2">And, even, also, namely. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">died,</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀποθνῄσκων</span> <span class="translit">(apothnēskōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_599.htm">Strong's 599: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be dying, be about to die, wither, decay. From apo and thnesko; to die off.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">leaving</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀφῆκεν</span> <span class="translit">(aphēken)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_863.htm">Strong's 863: </a> </span><span class="str2">From apo and hiemi; to send forth, in various applications.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">no</span><br /><span class="grk">οὐκ</span> <span class="translit">(ouk)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3756.htm">Strong's 3756: </a> </span><span class="str2">No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">children.</span><br /><span class="grk">σπέρμα</span> <span class="translit">(sperma)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4690.htm">Strong's 4690: </a> </span><span class="str2">From speiro; something sown, i.e. Seed; by implication, offspring; specially, a remnant.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/mark/12-20.htm">Mark 12:20 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/mark/12-20.htm">Mark 12:20 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/mark/12-20.htm">Mark 12:20 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/mark/12-20.htm">Mark 12:20 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/mark/12-20.htm">Mark 12:20 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/mark/12-20.htm">Mark 12:20 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/mark/12-20.htm">Mark 12:20 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/mark/12-20.htm">Mark 12:20 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/mark/12-20.htm">Mark 12:20 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/mark/12-20.htm">Mark 12:20 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/mark/12-20.htm">NT Gospels: Mark 12:20 There were seven brothers (Mar Mk Mr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/mark/12-19.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Mark 12:19"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Mark 12:19" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/mark/12-21.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Mark 12:21"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Mark 12:21" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>