Mark 12:32
New International Version
“Well said, teacher,” the man replied. “You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him.

New Living Translation
The teacher of religious law replied, “Well said, Teacher. You have spoken the truth by saying that there is only one God and no other.

English Standard Version
And the scribe said to him, “You are right, Teacher. You have truly said that he is one, and there is no other besides him.

Berean Standard Bible
“Right, Teacher,” the scribe replied. “You have stated correctly that God is One and there is no other but Him,

Berean Literal Bible
And the scribe said to Him, "Right, Teacher. You have spoken according to truth that He is One, and there is not another besides Him,

King James Bible
And the scribe said unto him, Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but he:

New King James Version
So the scribe said to Him, “Well said, Teacher. You have spoken the truth, for there is one God, and there is no other but He.

New American Standard Bible
And the scribe said to Him, “Well said, Teacher; You have truly stated that HE IS ONE, AND THERE IS NO OTHER BESIDES HIM;

NASB 1995
The scribe said to Him, “Right, Teacher; You have truly stated that HE IS ONE, AND THERE IS NO ONE ELSE BESIDES HIM;

NASB 1977
And the scribe said to Him, “Right, Teacher, You have truly stated that HE IS ONE; AND THERE IS NO ONE ELSE BESIDES HIM;

Legacy Standard Bible
And the scribe said to Him, “Right, Teacher; You have truly stated that HE IS ONE, AND THERE IS NO ONE ELSE BESIDES HIM;

Amplified Bible
The scribe said to Him, “Admirably answered, Teacher; You truthfully stated that HE IS ONE, AND THERE IS NO OTHER BUT HIM;

Christian Standard Bible
Then the scribe said to him, “You are right, teacher. You have correctly said that he is one, and there is no one else except him.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then the scribe said to Him, “You are right, Teacher! You have correctly said that He is One, and there is no one else except Him.

American Standard Version
And the scribe said unto him, Of a truth, Teacher, thou hast well said that he is one; and there is none other but he:

Contemporary English Version
The man replied, "Teacher, you are certainly right to say there is only one God.

English Revised Version
And the scribe said unto him, Of a truth, Master, thou hast well said that he is one; and there is none other but he:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The scribe said to Jesus, "Teacher, that was well said! You've told the truth that there is only one God and no other besides him!

Good News Translation
The teacher of the Law said to Jesus, "Well done, Teacher! It is true, as you say, that only the Lord is God and that there is no other god but he.

International Standard Version
Then the scribe told him, "Well said, Teacher! You have told the truth that 'God is one, and there is no other besides him.'

NET Bible
The expert in the law said to him, "That is true, Teacher; you are right to say that he is one, and there is no one else besides him.

New Heart English Bible
The scribe said to him, "Truly, Teacher, you have said well that he is one, and there is none other but he,

Webster's Bible Translation
And the scribe said to him, Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is no other but he.

Weymouth New Testament
So the Scribe said to Him, "Rightly, in very truth, Rabbi, have you said that He stands alone, and there is none but He;
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
“Right, Teacher,” the scribe replied. “You have stated correctly that God is One and there is no other but Him,

World English Bible
The scribe said to him, “Truly, teacher, you have said well that he is one, and there is none other but he;
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And the scribe said to Him, “Well, Teacher, in truth You have spoken that there is one God, and there is none other but He;

Berean Literal Bible
And the scribe said to Him, "Right, Teacher. You have spoken according to truth that He is One, and there is not another besides Him,

Young's Literal Translation
And the scribe said to him, 'Well, Teacher, in truth thou hast spoken that there is one God, and there is none other but He;

Smith's Literal Translation
And the scribe said to him, Well, Teacher, in truth hast thou spoken: for one God is; and there is no other but he:
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And the scribe said to him: Well, Master, thou hast said in truth, that there is one God, and there is no other besides him.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And the scribe said to him: Well said, Teacher. You have spoken the truth that there is one God, and there is no other beside him;

New American Bible
The scribe said to him, “Well said, teacher. You are right in saying, ‘He is One and there is no other than he.’

New Revised Standard Version
Then the scribe said to him, “You are right, Teacher; you have truly said that ‘he is one, and besides him there is no other’;
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
The scribe said to him, Well, Teacher, you have said the truth, that he is one, and there is no other beside him;

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And that scribe said to him, “Excellent, Rabbi! You have spoken the truth, for he is One, and there is not another outside of him.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And the scribe said to him: Teacher, in truth you have well said, that there is one God, and there is no other beside him;

Godbey New Testament
And the scribes said to Him, Truly, Teacher; thou hast spoken in truth that He is One; and there is no other besides Him.

Haweis New Testament
And the scribe said unto him, Admirably, Master! thou hast spoken the very truth: for there is one God; and there is no other besides him:

Mace New Testament
the Scribe replied, what you have said, master, is very true, there is one God, and no other but he.

Weymouth New Testament
So the Scribe said to Him, "Rightly, in very truth, Rabbi, have you said that He stands alone, and there is none but He;

Worrell New Testament
The scribe said to Him, "Well, Teacher, Thou didst say truly that He is One, and there is not another beside Him;

Worsley New Testament
And the scribe said unto Him, Truly, Master, thou hast spoke exceeding well; for there is one God, and there is no other beside Him.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Greatest Commandment
31The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.” 32“Right, Teacher,” the scribe replied. “You have stated correctly that God is One and there is no other but Him, 33and to love Him with all your heart and with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself, which is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.”…

Cross References
Deuteronomy 6:4-5
Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is One. / And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.

Matthew 22:37-40
Jesus declared, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ / This is the first and greatest commandment. / And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ ...

Luke 10:27
He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’ and ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

Romans 3:30
since there is only one God, who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through that same faith.

1 Corinthians 8:4-6
So about eating food sacrificed to idols: We know that an idol is nothing at all in the world, and that there is no God but one. / For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as there are many so-called gods and lords), / yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we exist. And there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we exist.

James 2:19
You believe that God is one. Good for you! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.

Isaiah 45:21-22
Speak up and present your case—yes, let them take counsel together. Who foretold this long ago? Who announced it from ancient times? Was it not I, the LORD? There is no other God but Me, a righteous God and Savior; there is none but Me. / Turn to Me and be saved, all the ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other.

John 17:3
Now this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent.

1 Timothy 2:5
For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,

Galatians 3:20
A mediator is unnecessary, however, for only one party; but God is one.

Exodus 20:3
You shall have no other gods before Me.

1 John 5:20
And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true—in His Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.

Ephesians 4:6
one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

Zechariah 14:9
On that day the LORD will become King over all the earth—the LORD alone, and His name alone.

Hosea 13:4
Yet I am the LORD your God ever since the land of Egypt; you know no God but Me, for there is no Savior besides Me.


Treasury of Scripture

And the scribe said to him, Well, Master, you have said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but he:

for.

Deuteronomy 4:39
Know therefore this day, and consider it in thine heart, that the LORD he is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath: there is none else.

Deuteronomy 5:7
Thou shalt have none other gods before me.

Deuteronomy 6:4
Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:

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Alone Besides Master Rabbi Right Rightly Scribe Stands Stated Teacher Truth
Mark 12
1. Jesus tells the parable of the tenants
13. 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.














“Right, Teacher,” the scribe replied.
The scribe's response indicates a moment of agreement and respect towards Jesus, acknowledging His authority and understanding of the Scriptures. In Jewish culture, scribes were experts in the Law, often involved in teaching and interpreting the Torah. This interaction highlights a rare moment of concord between Jesus and a religious leader, as many scribes and Pharisees often opposed Him. The term "Teacher" (Rabbi) was a title of respect, showing the scribe's recognition of Jesus' wisdom.

“You have stated correctly that God is One
This phrase affirms the central tenet of Jewish monotheism, rooted in the Shema from Deuteronomy 6:4, "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one." This declaration is foundational to Jewish faith and identity, emphasizing the uniqueness and singularity of God. In the context of Jesus' ministry, this affirmation also serves to align His teachings with the core beliefs of Judaism, countering any accusations of heresy or blasphemy.

and there is no other but Him,
This statement reinforces the exclusivity of the God of Israel, rejecting the polytheistic beliefs prevalent in the surrounding cultures of the time. It echoes passages like Isaiah 45:5, "I am the LORD, and there is no other; apart from me there is no God." This exclusivity is crucial in understanding the nature of God as presented in the Bible, emphasizing His sovereignty and the call for undivided worship. In the New Testament context, it also sets the stage for understanding Jesus' identity and mission as the embodiment of this one true God.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus
The central figure in the Gospel of Mark, Jesus is teaching in the temple courts and engaging with various religious leaders.

2. The Scribe
A Jewish legal expert who approaches Jesus with a question about the greatest commandment and acknowledges Jesus' response.

3. Temple Courts
The setting for this interaction, a place of teaching and debate in Jerusalem.

4. The Commandment Discussion
The broader context of this verse involves a discussion about the greatest commandment, where Jesus emphasizes love for God and neighbor.
Teaching Points
Affirmation of Monotheism
The scribe's response underscores the foundational Jewish and Christian belief in one God. This monotheistic faith is central to understanding God's nature and His relationship with humanity.

Recognition of Truth
The scribe acknowledges Jesus' teaching as truth, demonstrating the importance of recognizing and affirming truth when we encounter it, even from unexpected sources.

Unity in Belief
The agreement between Jesus and the scribe on the oneness of God highlights the potential for unity among believers when foundational truths are upheld.

The Role of the Law
The scribe's engagement with Jesus shows the importance of understanding the law not just as rules, but as a guide to loving God and others.

Application of Knowledge
Knowing that God is one should lead to a life that reflects His character, encouraging believers to live out their faith in love and obedience.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Mark 12:32?

2. How does Mark 12:32 affirm the importance of loving God wholeheartedly today?

3. What does "rightly said" in Mark 12:32 teach about understanding God's commandments?

4. How does Mark 12:32 connect with Deuteronomy 6:4-5 on loving God?

5. In what ways can we prioritize loving God above all else in daily life?

6. How can Mark 12:32 guide our interactions with others in a godly manner?

7. How does Mark 12:32 affirm the oneness of God in Christian theology?

8. Why does the scribe agree with Jesus in Mark 12:32?

9. What historical context influences the dialogue in Mark 12:32?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Mark 12?

11. Is God only for the living, not the dead?

12. What is Dispensationalism?

13. What does 'The LORD said to my Lord' mean?

14. Why have Christians committed atrocities (e.g., Crusades, Inquisitions, colonialism) in the name of God?
What Does Mark 12:32 Mean
Right, Teacher

The scribe begins with a respectful affirmation of Jesus’ instruction.

• By calling Jesus “Teacher,” he recognizes the Lord’s authority just as Nicodemus did when he said, “Rabbi, we know that You have come from God as a teacher” (John 3:2).

• Others, even opponents, acknowledged Jesus’ role in teaching truth (Matthew 22:16; Luke 20:21).

• His opening word, “Right,” signals that—at least in this moment—the scribe’s heart is receptive to what Jesus has said, setting a contrast with many religious leaders who resisted Him (Mark 3:22; John 5:18).


the scribe replied

Scribes were experts in the Law, often challenging Jesus, yet here one engages positively.

• Mark notes earlier that this particular scribe “heard them debating” and saw “that Jesus had answered them well” (Mark 12:28), motivating his question about the greatest commandment.

• The dialogue shows that even among religious authorities, individuals could be moved by Christ’s wisdom (Luke 10:25–28).

• Jesus later tells him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God” (Mark 12:34), highlighting that right understanding must lead to wholehearted faith.


You have stated correctly

An expert in Scripture affirms Jesus’ interpretation—remarkable evidence of the Lord’s flawless teaching.

• The crowd had marveled at His authority (Matthew 7:28–29); even officers sent to arrest Him exclaimed, “Never has anyone spoken like this man!” (John 7:46).

• Jesus personifies truth itself (John 14:6), so His words cannot be anything but “correct.”

• Agreement from a scribe underscores that adherence to God’s Word, not human tradition, is the real measure of sound doctrine (Colossians 2:8).


that God is One

The heart of Jesus’ answer quotes the Shema: “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is One” (Deuteronomy 6:4).

• Scripture consistently teaches monotheism: “I am the LORD, and there is no other” (Isaiah 45:5–6).

• The New Testament echoes this truth: “There is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5); “You believe that God is one. Good!” (James 2:19).

• Affirming God’s oneness guards against polytheism and syncretism—common temptations in every age (1 Kings 18:21).


and there is no other but Him

This clause excludes every rival deity and calls for exclusive devotion.

• The first commandment says, “You shall have no other gods before Me” (Exodus 20:3), a standard reiterated by prophets: “Apart from Me there is no god” (Isaiah 44:6–8).

• In salvation, too, exclusivity stands: “There is salvation in no one else” (Acts 4:12).

• For believers today, this means rejecting modern idols—anything that competes with God’s rightful place (1 Corinthians 8:4–6; 1 John 5:21).


summary

Mark 12:32 records a rare moment when a religious scholar openly agrees with Jesus. The scribe affirms three core truths: Jesus teaches rightly, God is singular in His divine essence, and no rival can share His glory. Embracing these realities moves a person, then and now, closer to the kingdom—provided that intellectual assent blossoms into loving, whole-hearted obedience.

(32) Well, Master, thou hast said the truth.--Better, Well hast Thou said truly that there is one God. The words seem intentionally repeated from Mark 12:14, but are uttered now, not with the covert sneer of the hypocrite, but in the sincerity of admiration. Note also the real reverence shown in the form of address, "Master," i.e., "Teacher, Rabbi." He recognises the speaker as one of his own order. This, and all that follows, is peculiar to St. Mark, and is an addition of singular interest, as showing the existence among the scribes of some who accepted our Lord's teaching as to the spiritual meaning of the Law, and were able to distinguish between its essence and its accidents.

Verse 32. - The first words of this verse should be rendered thus: Of a truth, Master, thou hast well said that he is one. In the remainder of the scribe's answer we find a different word used in the Greek for" mind," or "understanding," from that just used by our Lord. In our Lord's answer the word is διάνοια. Here it is σύνεσις. Both words are well rendered by "understanding." It is an act of understanding. It is the thought associating itself with the object, and "standing under" it so as to support it. (See Dr. Morison on St. Mark.)

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
“Right,
Καλῶς (Kalōs)
Adverb
Strong's 2573: Well, nobly, honorably, rightly. Adverb from kalos; well.

Teacher,”
Διδάσκαλε (Didaskale)
Noun - Vocative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1320: A teacher, master. From didasko; an instructor.

the
(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.

scribe
γραμματεύς (grammateus)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1122: From gramma. A writer, i.e. scribe or secretary.

replied.
εἶπεν (eipen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2036: Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.

“You have stated
εἶπες (eipes)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 2036: Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.

correctly
ἀληθείας (alētheias)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 225: From alethes; truth.

that
ὅτι (hoti)
Conjunction
Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.

[God] is
ἐστιν (estin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

One
εἷς (heis)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1520: One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

there is
ἔστιν (estin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

no
οὐκ (ouk)
Adverb
Strong's 3756: No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.

other
ἄλλος (allos)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 243: Other, another (of more than two), different. A primary word; 'else, ' i.e. Different.

but
πλὴν (plēn)
Preposition
Strong's 4133: However, nevertheless, but, except that, yet. From pleion; moreover, i.e. Albeit, save that, rather, yet.

Him,
αὐτοῦ (autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.


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NT Gospels: Mark 12:32 The scribe said to him Truly teacher (Mar Mk Mr)
Mark 12:31
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