Then come unto him the Sadducees, which say there is no resurrection; and they asked him, saying,

MARK 12:18KJV
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Mark 12:18 (KJV)

What does Mark 12:18 mean?

Mark 12:18 describes a group called the Sadducees approaching Jesus with a question, specifically noting that they do not believe in the resurrection of the dead. The verse sets up an encounter where the Sadducees are about to challenge Jesus on a theological issue they reject.

In this scene, Jesus is in Jerusalem, teaching publicly. The Sadducees, a religious group known for their denial of resurrection, come forward to question him. This introduction prepares the reader to understand that their question is not sincere curiosity, but an attempt to challenge or trap Jesus on a point of belief that divided Jewish groups at the time.

The Greek behind Mark 12:18

  • ἀνάστασις (anastasis, G386): This word means "resurrection." The verse highlights that the Sadducees specifically deny this concept, which is central to the upcoming discussion and shows the root of their disagreement with Jesus and other Jewish groups.
  • Σαδδουκαῖοι (Saddukaioi, G4523): This is the Greek term for "Sadducees." Knowing who they are matters because their beliefs set them apart from other groups like the Pharisees, especially in their rejection of resurrection.
  • λέγουσιν (legousin, G3004): This verb means "they say." The Greek here suggests an ongoing or characteristic statement—the Sadducees are known for saying there is no resurrection, not just in this moment but as a defining belief.

Why Mark 12:18 matters

  • Mark 12:18 clarifies that the Sadducees' question is rooted in their disbelief in resurrection, not in honest inquiry, which helps the reader understand the tone and purpose of their approach to Jesus.
  • The verse sets up a contrast between different Jewish groups, showing that debates about resurrection were active and significant in Jesus' time.
  • By introducing the Sadducees and their beliefs, Mark prepares the reader for Jesus' response, which will address not only the immediate question but also the broader issue of resurrection and scriptural interpretation.

Where else these words appear

“Sadducees” Greek G4523 · used in 14 verses

  • Matthew 3:7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
  • Matthew 16:12 Then understood they how that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.
  • Acts 4:1 And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them,

“resurrection” Greek G386 · used in 40 verses

  • Matthew 22:23 The same day came to him the Sadducees, which say that there is no resurrection, and asked him,
  • John 11:25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
  • Romans 6:5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:

“asked” Greek G1905 · used in 58 verses

  • Matthew 12:10 And, behold, there was a man which had his hand withered. And they asked him, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath days? that they might accuse him.
  • Mark 9:33 And he came to Capernaum: and being in the house he asked them, What was it that ye disputed among yourselves by the way?
  • Luke 9:18 And it came to pass, as he was alone praying, his disciples were with him: and he asked them, saying, Whom say the people that I am?

“is” Greek G1511 · used in 124 verses

  • Matthew 16:13 When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?
  • Acts 8:37 And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
  • 2 Corinthians 5:9 Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.