Section 12:38–40

Jesus warned the people about the teachers of the law

In this section Jesus continued to teach people in the temple courtyard. He warned the people about the teachers of the law (or “scribes”). He told them that the scribes were very proud. They wanted people to notice them and to admire and praise them. Jesus warned the people not to follow the bad example of these scribes or act the way they acted.

It is good to translate this section before you decide on a heading for it.

Here are some other possible headings for this section:

Jesus denounces the teachers of the law
-or-
Beware of the Scribes (English Standard Version)

There are parallel passages for Mark 12:38–40 in Matthew 23:1–8 and Luke 20:45–47.

Paragraph 12:38–40

12:38a

In His teaching Jesus also said: Jesus had been teaching the people. While he was teaching, he said what is in 12:38–40.

12:38b

Watch out for the scribes: Here Jesus warned the people to be careful not to follow the example of the scribes.

Here are some other ways to translate this warning:

Be careful not to act like the scribes.
-or-
Do not follow the example of the scribes.
-or-
Do not let the scribes deceive you.

Watch out: In this context the words Watch out imply that the scribes did or said things that could harm the people. If the people followed their example, they would not please God.

the scribes: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as scribes refers to men who studied, interpreted, and taught the law of Moses. These men are called scribes because their original work was to copy the laws of Moses by hand. In New Testament times, this was no longer their main task. This word is sometimes translated as “teachers of the law,” as in the New International Version.

See how you translated scribes in 12:35b.

See also teacher of the law in the Glossary.

12:38c

They like to walk around in long robes:

In Greek, this part of the verse does not begin a new sentence. It is literally “the ones desiring to walk about.” This has led to two interpretations: (1) This is a nonrestrictive clause. It describes the scribes as a group. This interpretation is followed by most versions and commentaries and in the notes. (2) This is a restrictive clause. Jesus was warning people about a particular group of the scribes, specifically, those who liked to walk around in flowing robes, etc. This interpretation is followed by the New American Standard Bible, New Jerusalem Bible and Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English. It is also supported by UBS Handbook (page 390) and others.
The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as long robes refers to fancy, expensive clothes. The scribes liked to wear these clothes to show how important they were. The text implies that they like to walk around so that many people could see them. If you must say where the scribes walked, you could supply “in public places” or “where people can see them.”

12:38d

to receive greetings: The scribes wanted people to greet them with respect and honor. In some languages it may be more natural to express the verb to receive greetings as a direct quote. For example:

for people to speak to them, saying, “Good morning, sir.”

If you use a direct quote here, use a respectful greeting that is common in your language.

in the marketplaces: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as marketplaces refers to large, open areas where many people came to buy and sell things. See how you translated this word in 7:4a.

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