And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that he had answered them well, asked him, Which is the first commandment of all?

MARK 12:28KJV
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Mark 12:28 (KJV)

What does Mark 12:28 mean?

Mark 12:28 describes a moment when one of the scribes, after hearing Jesus answer others well, approaches Jesus to ask which commandment is the most important of all. The verse highlights the scribe’s genuine interest in understanding which commandment should be considered first or greatest.

In this scene, the scribe is a religious teacher who has been listening to Jesus debate with others in the temple. Noticing that Jesus gives thoughtful and wise answers, the scribe asks a sincere question about the priority of God’s commandments. This sets the stage for Jesus to summarize the heart of the Jewish law in the verses that follow.

The Greek behind Mark 12:28

  • "πρώτη" (prōtē) — translated as "first": This word often means "first in rank or importance," not just first in a sequence. The scribe is asking about the commandment that stands above all others in significance.
  • "ἐντολή" (entolē) — translated as "commandment": This word refers to a specific command or instruction, especially those given by God in the law. The scribe’s question is about which divine instruction is most foundational.
  • "καλῶς" (kalōs) — translated as "well": The Greek here carries the sense of answering in a way that is fitting, correct, or commendable. The scribe recognizes that Jesus’ previous answers were not just clever but genuinely good and insightful.

Why Mark 12:28 matters

  • Mark 12:28 shows that not all religious leaders opposed Jesus; some, like this scribe, were genuinely curious and open to learning from him.
  • The verse introduces a key teaching moment where Jesus will soon clarify what truly matters most in God’s law, which is central to understanding his message.
  • This question about the "first commandment" connects Jesus’ teaching to the heart of Jewish faith, showing continuity and depth in his understanding of Scripture.

Where else these words appear

“together” Greek G4802 · used in 10 verses

  • Mark 1:27 And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him.
  • Mark 9:14 And when he came to his disciples, he saw a great multitude about them, and the scribes questioning with them.
  • Luke 24:15 And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them.

“Which” Greek G4169 · used in 33 verses

  • Matthew 19:18 He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness,
  • Mark 11:33 And they answered and said unto Jesus, We cannot tell. And Jesus answering saith unto them, Neither do I tell you by what authority I do these things.
  • John 18:32 That the saying of Jesus might be fulfilled, which he spake, signifying what death he should die.

“well” Greek G2573 · used in 36 verses

  • Matthew 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
  • John 4:17 The woman answered and said, I have no husband. Jesus said unto her, Thou hast well said, I have no husband:
  • Galatians 5:7 Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?

“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?