Mark 12:34 Meaning and Explanation
“And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. And no man after that durst ask him any question.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Seeing that the scribe has answered wisely, Jesus tells him he is not far from the kingdom of God; after that no one dares ask him anything more.
What Does Mark 12:34 Mean?
Jesus, who has parried every hostile question, now speaks a word of striking warmth: "Thou art not far from the kingdom of God." The scribe answered "discreetly" -- with an engaged and understanding mind -- and Jesus honors it. With that, the day's interrogations end; no one dares question him further.
"Not far" is hope and holy urgency in a single phrase. The scribe has grasped the heart of the law, and the kingdom's King is standing in front of him; what remains is to follow. Nearness to the kingdom is not yet entrance, and Jesus loves him enough to say so. The verse leaves him -- and every reader who stands close to the truth -- at an open door.
Mark 12:34 in the Original Language
nounechos (νουνεχῶς), 'discreetly' -- thoughtfully, with an engaged and understanding mind.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mark 12:34
What does Mark 12:34 mean?
Seeing that the scribe has answered wisely, Jesus tells him he is not far from the kingdom of God; after that no one dares ask him anything more.