Book of Mark - Chapter 12 - Verse 40

The verse 'Which devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayers: these shall receive greater damnation.' speaks to the hypocrisy and exploitation of vulnerable individuals by religious leaders. In this verse, Jesus is condemning those who take advantage of widows, who were often marginalized and overlooked in society. These individuals would exploit widows for their own gain, while putting on a facade of piety through lengthy prayers. By doing so, they were not only committing a great injustice, but also displaying a complete lack of true faith and compassion. Jesus warns that those who engage in such deceitful practices will face severe consequences, as they will receive greater damnation for their actions. This verse serves as a reminder to all believers to act with integrity, sincerity, and genuine care for others, rather than using religion as a tool for personal gain.

In this verse, the term "devour widows' houses" refers to the exploitation of vulnerable individuals for personal gain. It highlights the greed and injustice of those who take advantage of the less fortunate. The mention of making long prayers for a pretense suggests that these individuals may use religious rituals as a cover for their corrupt practices. This verse serves as a warning against hypocrisy and insincerity in religious actions. The phrase "greater damnation" implies that the punishment for such actions will be more severe. This indicates the seriousness with which God views the mistreatment of those in need. Through this interpretation, we are reminded of the importance of living out our faith with integrity and compassion towards others, especially the marginalized and oppressed.