Mark 12:37 Meaning and Explanation
“David therefore himself calleth him Lord; and whence is he then his son? And the common people heard him gladly.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →If David himself calls him Lord, how is he merely David's son? The common people hear Jesus gladly.
What Does Mark 12:37 Mean?
Jesus draws the riddle tight: David calls the Messiah "my Lord," and no father addresses a mere descendant that way. How then is the Christ simply David's son? The scribes have no answer; the common people, Mark notes, listen with delight.
The answer to the riddle stands before them: Jesus is David's son by birth and David's Lord by a greater right -- the son of David who is also the Son of God (Romans 1:3-4). He leaves the question open on purpose, drawing his hearers toward a conclusion only faith can speak. And it was the ordinary crowd, not the experts, who heard him gladly; open hearts often outrun trained ones.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mark 12:37
What does Mark 12:37 mean?
If David himself calls him Lord, how is he merely David's son? The common people hear Jesus gladly.