Mark 12:39

An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

and to occupy the principal seats in the synagogues and the head places at dinner tables.

Cross References

Matthew 23:1

Then Jesus spoke to the crowds and to His disciples,

Matthew 23:6

They love to recline at the head place at dinner tables [Note: This referred to the practice of lying down on their left side on a couch next to the dinner table, and leaning on their left elbow, while eating with their right hand], and to occupy the principal seats in the synagogues.

Mark 12:38

In His teaching Jesus said, “Look out for the experts in the Law of Moses, who like to walk around in long [flowing] robes and to receive special greetings at the open shopping markets

Mark 12:40

They consume widows’ houses [i.e., by foreclosing on them] and [then] cover it up by offering lengthy prayers. These people will receive a more severe judgment.”