Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Now there were seven brothers. The first one married and died without leaving any children. New Living Translation Well, suppose there were seven brothers. The oldest one married and then died without children. English Standard Version There were seven brothers; the first took a wife, and when he died left no offspring. Berean Standard Bible Now there were seven brothers. The first one married and died, leaving no children. Berean Literal Bible There were seven brothers; and the first took a wife, and dying, left no seed. King James Bible Now there were seven brethren: and the first took a wife, and dying left no seed. New King James Version Now there were seven brothers. The first took a wife; and dying, he left no offspring. New American Standard Bible There were seven brothers; and the first took a wife, and died leaving no children. NASB 1995 “There were seven brothers; and the first took a wife, and died leaving no children. NASB 1977 “There were seven brothers; and the first took a wife, and died, leaving no offspring. Legacy Standard Bible There were seven brothers; and the first married a wife, and died leaving no seed. Amplified Bible There were seven brothers; the first [one] took a wife, and died leaving no children. Christian Standard Bible There were seven brothers. The first married a woman, and dying, left no offspring. Holman Christian Standard Bible There were seven brothers. The first took a wife, and dying, left no offspring. American Standard Version There were seven brethren: and the first took a wife, and dying left no seed; Contemporary English Version There were once seven brothers. The first one married, but died without having any children. English Revised Version There were seven brethren: and the first took a wife, and dying left no seed; GOD'S WORD® Translation There were seven brothers. The first got married and died without having children. Good News Translation Once there were seven brothers; the oldest got married and died without having children. International Standard Version There were seven brothers. The first one married and died without having children. NET Bible There were seven brothers. The first one married, and when he died he had no children. New Heart English Bible There were seven brothers. The first took a wife, and dying left no offspring. Webster's Bible Translation Now there were seven brothers: and the first took a wife, and dying left no seed. Weymouth New Testament There were once seven brothers, the eldest of whom married a wife, but at his death left no family. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleNow there were seven brothers. The first one married and died, leaving no children. World English Bible There were seven brothers. The first took a wife, and dying left no offspring. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionThere were then seven brothers, and the first took a wife, and dying, he left no seed; Berean Literal Bible There were seven brothers; and the first took a wife, and dying, left no seed. Young's Literal Translation 'There were then seven brothers, and the first took a wife, and dying, he left no seed; Smith's Literal Translation There were seven brethren: and the first took a wife, and dying left no seed. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleNow there were seven brethren; and the first took a wife, and died leaving no issue. Catholic Public Domain Version So then, there were seven brothers. And the first took a wife, and he died without leaving behind offspring. New American Bible Now there were seven brothers. The first married a woman and died, leaving no descendants. New Revised Standard Version There were seven brothers; the first married and, when he died, left no children; Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleNow there were seven brothers; the first one took a wife and died, and left no off- spring. Aramaic Bible in Plain English “There were seven brothers; the first took a wife and he died and left no son behind.” NT Translations Anderson New TestamentNow there were seven brothers; and the first took a wife, and dying, left no child; Godbey New Testament There were seven brothers, and the first took a wife, and dying left no seed. Haweis New Testament Now there were seven brothers; and the first took a wife, and dying left no issue: Mace New Testament now there were seven brothers: the first married a wife and died, leaving her without any children. Weymouth New Testament There were once seven brothers, the eldest of whom married a wife, but at his death left no family. Worrell New Testament There were seven brothers; and the first took a wife; and, dying, left no seed. Worsley New Testament Now there were seven brethren: and the first took a wife and died and left no seed; Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Sadducees and the Resurrection…19“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. 20Now there were seven brothers. The first one married and died, leaving no children. 21Then the second one married the widow, but he also died and left no children. And the third did likewise.… Cross References Matthew 22:24-28 “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. ... Luke 20:28-33 “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 ... Deuteronomy 25:5-6 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. Genesis 38:8 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.” Ruth 4:5 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.” Numbers 27:8-11 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. ... 1 Corinthians 7:39 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. Romans 7:2-3 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. 1 Timothy 5:14 So I advise the younger widows to marry, have children, and manage their households, denying the adversary occasion for slander. 1 Corinthians 15:29 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? Genesis 38:11 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. Ruth 1:11-13 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.” 1 Chronicles 2:34-35 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. Matthew 22:23 That same day the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to Jesus and questioned Him. Luke 20:27 Then some of the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to question Him. Treasury of Scripture Now there were seven brothers: and the first took a wife, and dying left no seed. Matthew 22:25-28 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: … Luke 20:29-33 There were therefore seven brethren: and the first took a wife, and died without children… Jump to Previous Children Death Died Dying Eldest Family First Leaving Married Offspring Once Seed Seven WifeJump to Next Children Death Died Dying Eldest Family First Leaving Married Offspring Once Seed Seven WifeMark 12 1. Jesus tells the parable of the tenants13. He avoids the snare of the Pharisees and Herodians about paying tribute to Caesar; 18. convicts the Sadducees, who denied the resurrection; 28. resolves the scribe, who questioned of the first commandment; 35. refutes the opinion that the scribes held of the Christ; 38. bidding the people to beware of their ambition and hypocrisy; 41. and commends the poor widow for her two mites, above all. Now there were seven brothers. 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 Deuteronomy 25:5-6. 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. The first one married and died, Leaving no children. Persons / Places / Events 1. Seven BrothersThis 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. 2. The First Brother He marries but dies without leaving any children, setting the stage for the question about levirate marriage and resurrection. 3. Sadducees A Jewish sect that did not believe in the resurrection. They posed this question to Jesus to challenge His teachings on the resurrection. 4. Jesus The central figure in the Gospel of Mark, who is being questioned by the Sadducees in this passage. 5. Jerusalem The location where this interaction takes place, during Jesus' final week before His crucifixion. Teaching Points Understanding the ResurrectionThe Sadducees' question highlights a misunderstanding of the resurrection. Jesus' response (in the following verses) clarifies that earthly relationships do not define heavenly realities. The Authority of Scripture Jesus often refers back to Scripture to correct misunderstandings. This emphasizes the importance of knowing and applying God's Word accurately. Faith Beyond Logic 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. The Importance of Context Understanding the cultural and historical context of biblical passages helps us grasp their full meaning and application. Eternal Perspective This passage encourages believers to focus on eternal truths rather than temporal concerns, reminding us of the hope and reality of the resurrection. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Mark 12:20?2. How does Mark 12:20 illustrate the importance of understanding cultural context in Scripture? 3. What does the scenario in Mark 12:20 teach about the complexities of human relationships? 4. How can Mark 12:20 help us address modern-day questions about family responsibilities? 5. How does Mark 12:20 connect with Old Testament laws on marriage and family? 6. What practical steps can we take to honor family commitments as shown in Mark 12:20? 7. How does Mark 12:20 fit into the context of Jesus' teachings on marriage and resurrection? 8. What historical evidence supports the cultural practice described in Mark 12:20? 9. How does Mark 12:20 challenge modern views on marriage and family obligations? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Mark 12? 11. Why did Abram claim Sarai was his sister? 12. Who are my true family members? 13. 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? 14. Will there be marriage in the afterlife? What Does Mark 12:20 Mean Now there were seven brothers• The Sadducees (Mark 12:18) spin a scenario involving seven siblings to challenge Jesus on the resurrection they deny. • Similar setups appear in Matthew 22:25–28 and Luke 20:29–33, underscoring that this was a well-worn hypothetical. • The number seven highlights repetition and completeness, stressing how hopeless the case looks to those who reject life after death. The first one married • Marriage is God-ordained (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:4-6) and, in Israel, carried covenant responsibilities that extended beyond the couple. • Under the Levirate command (Deuteronomy 25:5-6; Ruth 4:5), marriage within a family line protected inheritance and preserved the deceased brother’s name. • The Sadducees cite this law, yet overlook its deeper purpose: safeguarding God’s promise of a future people—one ultimately fulfilled in resurrection life. and died • Death is the universal appointment for fallen humanity (Hebrews 9:27; Psalm 90:10). • The Sadducees use mortality to dismiss the possibility of eternal life, yet Jesus will soon declare, “He is not the God of the dead, but of the living” (Mark 12:27). • Their story reveals a worldview that ends at the grave, contradicting Scripture’s consistent hope (Job 19:25-27; Isaiah 26:19). leaving no children • Childlessness in ancient Israel meant the family line—and its allotment—would vanish (Numbers 27:8-11). • The Levirate provision stepped in precisely when no offspring existed, as seen with Judah’s family (Genesis 38:8-10) and foreshadowed in Ruth’s redemption story (Ruth 4:13-17). • By ending the first brother’s life without heirs, the Sadducees set up their riddle about whose wife the widow will be “at the resurrection” (Mark 12:23), exposing their misunderstanding of both Scripture and God’s power. summary Mark 12:20 introduces a strategic hypothetical: seven brothers, the first dying childless after marriage. The verse anchors the Sadducees’ challenge, invoking the Levirate law to trap Jesus on the resurrection. Yet every detail—multiple brothers, marriage, death, and childlessness—underscores God’s sovereign design to preserve His people and point to a life beyond the grave. Rather than undermining resurrection hope, the scenario prepares the ground for Jesus to affirm it, revealing that God’s covenant purposes cannot be thwarted by death. Greek [Now] there wereἦσαν (ēsan) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. seven ἑπτὰ (hepta) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural Strong's 2033: Seven. A primary number; seven. brothers. ἀδελφοὶ (adelphoi) Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural Strong's 80: A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote. The ὁ (ho) Article - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. first [one] πρῶτος (prōtos) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 4413: First, before, principal, most important. Contracted superlative of pro; foremost. married ἔλαβεν (elaben) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 2983: (a) I receive, get, (b) I take, lay hold of. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. died, ἀποθνῄσκων (apothnēskōn) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 599: To be dying, be about to die, wither, decay. From apo and thnesko; to die off. leaving ἀφῆκεν (aphēken) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 863: From apo and hiemi; to send forth, in various applications. no οὐκ (ouk) Adverb Strong's 3756: No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not. children. σπέρμα (sperma) Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular Strong's 4690: From speiro; something sown, i.e. Seed; by implication, offspring; specially, a remnant. Links Mark 12:20 NIVMark 12:20 NLT Mark 12:20 ESV Mark 12:20 NASB Mark 12:20 KJV Mark 12:20 BibleApps.com Mark 12:20 Biblia Paralela Mark 12:20 Chinese Bible Mark 12:20 French Bible Mark 12:20 Catholic Bible NT Gospels: Mark 12:20 There were seven brothers (Mar Mk Mr) |
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