And he said unto them in his doctrine, Beware of the scribes, which love to go in long clothing, and love salutations in the marketplaces,

MARK 12:38KJV
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Mark 12:38 (KJV)

What does Mark 12:38 mean?

Mark 12:38 records Jesus warning the crowd to watch out for the scribes, describing how these religious experts enjoy wearing long robes and being greeted with respect in public places. The verse highlights Jesus’ concern about the scribes’ desire for outward honor and status rather than genuine devotion.

In this scene, Jesus is teaching publicly in Jerusalem, addressing both His disciples and the larger crowd. The scribes were respected teachers of the Jewish law, but Jesus points out their love for special treatment and visible displays of importance. This warning sets the stage for His criticism of religious hypocrisy and calls attention to the difference between outward appearance and true character.

The Greek behind Mark 12:38

  • The word βλέπετε (blepete, “Beware”) is a strong command, urging the listeners to be alert and cautious, not just mildly aware.
  • The term στολαῖς (stolais, “long clothing”) refers to formal, impressive robes that signified status and authority, not just ordinary dress.
  • The word ἀσπασμούς (aspasmous, “salutations”) means more than a simple greeting; it suggests elaborate, public acknowledgments of honor.
  • The phrase ἐν ταῖς ἀγοραῖς (en tais agorais, “in the marketplaces”) points to busy public spaces where recognition would be most visible, emphasizing the scribes’ desire for public admiration.

Why Mark 12:38 matters

  • Mark 12:38 clarifies that Jesus’ main concern is not with the scribes’ knowledge, but with their motives and love for public recognition.
  • This verse helps explain why Jesus goes on to criticize religious leaders more sharply in the following verses, showing that the issue is pride and hypocrisy.
  • By focusing on outward displays, Mark 12:38 challenges readers to consider the difference between genuine faith and seeking approval from others.

Where else these words appear

“clothing” Greek G4749 · used in 8 verses

  • Mark 16:5 And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted.
  • Luke 20:46 Beware of the scribes, which desire to walk in long robes, and love greetings in the markets, and the highest seats in the synagogues, and the chief rooms at feasts;
  • Revelation 7:9 After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;

“salutations” Greek G783 · used in 10 verses

  • Matthew 23:7 And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.
  • Luke 1:44 For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.
  • 1 Corinthians 16:21 The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand.

“marketplaces” Greek G58 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 11:16 But whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto children sitting in the markets, and calling unto their fellows,
  • Mark 6:56 And whithersoever he entered, into villages, or cities, or country, they laid the sick in the streets, and besought him that they might touch if it were but the border of his garment: and as many as touched him were made whole.
  • Luke 11:43 Woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye love the uppermost seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets.

“doctrine” Greek G1322 · used in 29 verses

  • Matthew 7:28 And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine:
  • John 7:17 If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.
  • 1 Corinthians 14:26 How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.