40 They devour widows' houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will be punished most severely."

Other Translations of Mark 12:40

King James Version

40 Which devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayers: these shall receive greater damnation.

English Standard Version

40  who devour widows' houses and for a pretense make long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation."

The Message

40 And all the time they are exploiting the weak and helpless. The longer their prayers, the worse they get. But they'll pay for it in the end."

New King James Version

40 who devour widows' houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. These will receive greater condemnation."

New Living Translation

40 Yet they shamelessly cheat widows out of their property and then pretend to be pious by making long prayers in public. Because of this, they will be more severely punished."

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Mark 12:40

Commentary on Mark 12:35-40

(Read Mark 12:35-40)

When we attend to what the Scriptures declare, as to the person and offices of Christ, we shall be led to confess him as our Lord and God; to obey him as our exalted Redeemer. If the common people hear these things gladly, while the learned and distinguished oppose, the former are happy, and the latter to be pitied. And as sin, disguised with a show of piety, is double iniquity, so its doom will be doubly heavy.