Mark 12:34
New International Version
When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And from then on no one dared ask him any more questions.

New Living Translation
Realizing how much the man understood, Jesus said to him, “You are not far from the Kingdom of God.” And after that, no one dared to ask him any more questions.

English Standard Version
And when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And after that no one dared to ask him any more questions.

Berean Standard Bible
When Jesus saw that the man had answered wisely, He said, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And no one dared to question Him any further.

Berean Literal Bible
And Jesus, having seen him that he answered wisely, said to him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God." And no one dared to question Him any longer.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
Now when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, He said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” But after that no one dared question Him.

New American Standard Bible
When Jesus saw that he had answered intelligently, He said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And then, no one dared any longer to question Him.

NASB 1995
When Jesus saw that he had answered intelligently, He said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” After that, no one would venture to ask Him any more questions.

NASB 1977
And when Jesus saw that he had answered intelligently, He said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And after that, no one would venture to ask Him any more questions.

Legacy Standard Bible
And when Jesus saw that he had answered thoughtfully, He said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” After that, no one would dare to ask Him any more questions.

Amplified Bible
When Jesus saw that he answered thoughtfully and intelligently, He said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And after that, no one would dare to ask Him any more questions.

Christian Standard Bible
When Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And no one dared to question him any longer.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
When Jesus saw that he answered intelligently, He said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And no one dared to question Him any longer.

American Standard Version
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.

Contemporary English Version
When Jesus saw that the man had given a sensible answer, he told him, "You are not far from God's kingdom." After this, no one dared ask Jesus any more questions.

English Revised Version
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.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
When Jesus heard how wisely the man answered, he told the man, "You're not too far from the kingdom of God." After that, no one dared to ask him another question.

Good News Translation
Jesus noticed how wise his answer was, and so he told him, "You are not far from the Kingdom of God." After this nobody dared to ask Jesus any more questions.

International Standard Version
When Jesus saw how wisely the man answered, he told him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God." After that, no one dared to ask him another question.

Majority Standard Bible
When Jesus saw that the man had answered wisely, He said, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And no one dared to question Him any further.

NET Bible
When Jesus saw that he had answered thoughtfully, he said to him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God." Then no one dared any longer to question him.

New Heart English Bible
When Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, "You are not far from the Kingdom of God." No one dared ask him any question after that.

Webster's Bible Translation
And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said to him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. And no man after that durst ask him any question.

Weymouth New Testament
Perceiving that the Scribe had answered wisely Jesus said to him, "You are not far from the Kingdom of God." No one from that time forward ventured to put any question to Him.

World English Bible
When Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from God’s Kingdom.” No one dared ask him any question after that.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Jesus, having seen him that he answered with understanding, said to him, “You are not far from the Kingdom of God”; and no one dared question Him anymore.

Berean Literal Bible
And Jesus, having seen him that he answered wisely, said to him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God." And no one dared to question Him any longer.

Young's Literal Translation
And Jesus, having seen him that he answered with understanding, said to him, 'Thou art not far from the reign of God;' and no one any more durst question him.

Smith's Literal Translation
And Jesus having seen him that he answered understandingly, said to him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. And none dared to ask him any more.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And Jesus seeing that he had answered wisely, said to him: Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. And no man after that durst ask him any question.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And Jesus, seeing that he had responded wisely, said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And after that, no one dared to question him.

New American Bible
And when Jesus saw that [he] answered with understanding, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And no one dared to ask him any more questions.

New Revised Standard Version
When Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” After that no one dared to ask him any question.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
When Jesus saw that he replied wisely, he answered and said to him, You are not far from the kingdom of God. And no man dared again to question him.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But Yeshua, seeing that he had answered wisely, answered and said to him, “You are not far from the Kingdom of God.” And no man again dared to question him.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And Jesus perceiving that he answered with understanding, said to him: You are not far from the kingdom of God. And no one, after that, ventured to ask him a question.

Godbey New Testament
And Jesus seeing that he answered intelligently, said to him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. And no one dared to ask Him any more,

Haweis New Testament
And Jesus perceiving that he had answered as a man of intelligence, said to him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. And no man thenceforth presumed to question him.

Mace New Testament
Jesus observing he answer'd so discreetly, said to him, you are not far from the kingdom of God, and no man after that was so hardy as to ask him any question.

Weymouth New Testament
Perceiving that the Scribe had answered wisely Jesus said to him, "You are not far from the Kingdom of God." No one from that time forward ventured to put any question to Him.

Worrell New Testament
And Jesus, seeing that he answered discreetly, said to him, "You are not far from the Kingdom of God." And no one any more dared to question Him.

Worsley New Testament
And Jesus seeing that he answered discreetly, said to him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. And no one dared any more to put questions to Him.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Greatest Commandment
33and to love Him with all your heart and with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself, which is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.” 34When Jesus saw that the man had answered wisely, He said, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And no one dared to question Him any further. 35While Jesus was teaching in the temple courts, He asked, “How can the scribes say that the Christ is the Son of David?…

Cross References
Matthew 22:34-40
And when the Pharisees heard that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, they themselves gathered together. / One of them, an expert in the law, tested Him with a question: / “Teacher, which commandment is the greatest in the Law?” ...

Luke 10:25-28
One day an expert in the law stood up to test Him. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” / “What is written in the Law?” Jesus replied. “How do you read it?” / He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’ and ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” ...

Romans 13:8-10
Be indebted to no one, except to one another in love. For he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. / The commandments “Do not commit adultery,” “Do not murder,” “Do not steal,” “Do not covet,” and any other commandments, are summed up in this one decree: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” / Love does no wrong to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

1 Corinthians 8:1-3
Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. / The one who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know. / But the one who loves God is known by God.

Galatians 5:14
The entire law is fulfilled in a single decree: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

James 2:8
If you really fulfill the royal law stated in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well.

Deuteronomy 6:4-5
Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is One. / And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.

Leviticus 19:18
Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against any of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.

1 John 4:7-8
Beloved, let us love one another, because love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. / Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.

1 John 4:16-21
And we have come to know and believe the love that God has for us. God is love; whoever abides in love abides in God, and God in him. / In this way, love has been perfected among us, so that we may have confidence on the day of judgment; for in this world we are just like Him. / There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment. The one who fears has not been perfected in love. ...

Matthew 5:17-20
Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them. / For I tell you truly, until heaven and earth pass away, not a single jot, not a stroke of a pen, will disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. / So then, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do likewise will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever practices and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. ...

John 13:34-35
A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another. / By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.”

John 14:21
Whoever has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me. The one who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and reveal Myself to him.”

John 15:12-14
This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. / Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. / You are My friends if you do what I command you.

1 Timothy 1:5
The goal of our instruction is the love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and a sincere faith.


Treasury of Scripture

And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said to him, You are not far from the kingdom of God. And no man after that dared ask him any question.

Thou.

Matthew 12:20
A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory.

Romans 3:20
Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.

Romans 7:9
For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died.

And no.

Job 32:15,16
They were amazed, they answered no more: they left off speaking…

Matthew 22:46
And no man was able to answer him a word, neither durst any man from that day forth ask him any more questions.

Luke 20:40
And after that they durst not ask him any question at all.

Jump to Previous
Dared Discreetly Durst Far Fear Forward Jesus Kingdom Perceiving Question Questioning Reign Scribe Time Understanding Venture Ventured Wise Wisely
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Dared Discreetly Durst Far Fear Forward Jesus Kingdom Perceiving Question Questioning Reign Scribe Time Understanding Venture Ventured Wise Wisely
Mark 12
1. Jesus tells the parable of the tenants
13. He avoids the snare of the Pharisees and Herodians about paying tribute to Caesar;
18. convicts the Sadducees, who denied the resurrection;
28. resolves the scribe, who questioned of the first commandment;
35. refutes the opinion that the scribes held of the Christ;
38. bidding the people to beware of their ambition and hypocrisy;
41. and commends the poor widow for her two mites, above all.














When Jesus saw
This phrase indicates Jesus' perceptive ability, not just in a physical sense but in a spiritual and intellectual sense. The Greek word for "saw" is "ἰδών" (idón), which implies a deeper understanding or insight. Jesus, being fully divine, possesses the ability to discern the hearts and minds of individuals, seeing beyond mere words to the intentions and wisdom behind them.

he had answered wisely
The Greek word for "wisely" is "νουνεχῶς" (nounechōs), which suggests prudence and understanding. The scribe's response to Jesus' teaching about the greatest commandments demonstrated a grasp of the deeper truths of the Law, moving beyond mere legalism to the heart of God's commandments—love for God and neighbor. This wisdom is not just intellectual but spiritual, reflecting a heart aligned with God's will.

He said to him
This phrase underscores the personal nature of Jesus' interaction. Jesus addresses the scribe directly, indicating a personal engagement and acknowledgment of the scribe's understanding. It reflects the relational aspect of Jesus' ministry, where He meets individuals where they are and speaks directly into their lives.

You are not far from the kingdom of God
The phrase "not far" suggests proximity, both in understanding and in spiritual readiness. The Greek word "μακρὰν" (makran) means "far" or "distant," and its negation here implies that the scribe is close to grasping the full truth of the Gospel. The "kingdom of God" is a central theme in Jesus' teaching, representing God's sovereign rule and the fulfillment of His redemptive plan. The scribe's understanding of the law's essence brings him near to this kingdom, yet he still needs to recognize Jesus as the Messiah to fully enter.

And no one dared to question Him any further
This statement highlights the authority and wisdom of Jesus. The Greek word "ἐτόλμα" (etolma) for "dared" implies courage or boldness, suggesting that the religious leaders recognized the futility of challenging Jesus further. His answers consistently revealed their lack of understanding and His superior grasp of the Scriptures. This moment marks a turning point where Jesus' authority is acknowledged, albeit reluctantly, by those who sought to trap Him.

(34) Thou art not far from the kingdom of God.--The words are significant as showing the unity of our Lord's teaching. Now, as when He spoke the Sermon on the Mount, the righteousness which fulfils the law is the condition of the entrance into the kingdom of God (Matthew 5:19-20). Even the recognition of that righteousness as consisting in the fulfilment of the two commandments that were exceeding broad, brought a man as to the very threshold of the Kingdom. It is instructive to compare our Lord's different method of dealing, in Luke 10:25-37, with one who had the same theoretical knowledge, but who obviously, consciously or unconsciously, minimised the force of the commandments by his narrowing definitions.

And no man after that durst ask him.--St. Mark states the fact before, St. Matthew after, the narrative that now follows.

Verse 34. - And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly (νουνεχῶς), he said unto him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. It would appear from this answer that our Lord regarded him as one who approached him with the sincere desire to know the truth, and so he encouraged him. This shows how powerful an influence our Lord's teaching had already exercised amongst all classes of the Jews. This scribe, notwithstanding the prejudices of his class, had reached the border-land of the kingdom. He had learnt that the true way to the kingdom was by the love of God and of our neighbor. He was not far from the kingdom - not far from "the Church militant here on earth," by which is the way to the Church triumphant in heaven. He was not far from the kingdom, but still he wanted that which in the true pathway to the kingdom - faith in Christ as the Savior of the world. And no man after that durst ask him any question. St. Matthew (Matthew 22:46) places these words after the next occurrence. But there is no inconsistency in the two narratives, because in this next incident our Lord puts the question to them; and this silenced both their questioning and their answering. All felt that there was such a vast reach of wisdom and knowledge in all that he said, that it was in vain to contend with him.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
When
Καὶ (Kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

Jesus
Ἰησοῦς (Iēsous)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2424: Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.

saw
ἰδὼν (idōn)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3708: Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear.

that
ὅτι (hoti)
Conjunction
Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.

[the man] had answered
ἀπεκρίθη (apekrithē)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 611: From apo and krino; to conclude for oneself, i.e. to respond; by Hebraism to begin to speak.

wisely,
νουνεχῶς (nounechōs)
Adverb
Strong's 3562: Adverb from a comparative of the accusative case of nous and echo; in a mind-having way, i.e. Prudently.

He said,
εἶπεν (eipen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2036: Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.

“You are
εἶ (ei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

not
Οὐ (Ou)
Adverb
Strong's 3756: No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.

far
μακρὰν (makran)
Adjective - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3112: At a distance, far away, remote, alien. Feminine accusative case singular of makros; at a distance.

from
ἀπὸ (apo)
Preposition
Strong's 575: From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses.

the
τῆς (tēs)
Article - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

kingdom
βασιλείας (basileias)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 932: From basileus; properly, royalty, i.e. rule, or a realm.

of God.”
Θεοῦ (Theou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.

And
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

no one
οὐδεὶς (oudeis)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3762: No one, none, nothing.

dared
ἐτόλμα (etolma)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 5111: To dare, endure, be bold, have courage, make up the mind. From tolma; to venture; by implication, to be courageous.

to question
ἐπερωτῆσαι (eperōtēsai)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 1905: To interrogate, question, demand of. From epi and erotao; to ask for, i.e. Inquire, seek.

Him
αὐτὸν (auton)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

[any] further.
οὐκέτι (ouketi)
Adverb
Strong's 3765: No longer, no more. Also ouk eti from ou and eti; not yet, no longer.


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