Mark 12:5
And again he sent another; and him they killed, and many others; beating some, and killing some.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πάλιν
again
G3825
πάλιν
again
Strong's:
G3825
Word #:
2 of 15
(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand
ἀπέστειλεν·
he sent
G649
ἀπέστειλεν·
he sent
Strong's:
G649
Word #:
4 of 15
set apart, i.e., (by implication) to send out (properly, on a mission) literally or figuratively
ἀποκτείνοντες
killing some
G615
ἀποκτείνοντες
killing some
Strong's:
G615
Word #:
6 of 15
to kill outright; figuratively, to destroy
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πολλοὺς
many
G4183
πολλοὺς
many
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
8 of 15
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
τοὓς
G3588
τοὓς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μὲν
G3303
μὲν
Strong's:
G3303
Word #:
11 of 15
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
δέροντες
beating some
G1194
δέροντες
beating some
Strong's:
G1194
Word #:
12 of 15
properly, to flay, i.e., (by implication) to scourge, or (by analogy) to thrash
Historical Context
Israel's history is stained with prophetic blood: tradition holds that Isaiah was martyred under King Manasseh, Jeremiah was killed by fellow Jews in Egypt, Zechariah son of Jehoiada was murdered in the temple (2 Chronicles 24:20-22). Jesus later pronounced judgment: 'Upon you may come all the righteous blood shed on earth' (Matthew 23:35), confirming this parabolic indictment as historical reality.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the progression from beating to killing demonstrate that persistent rejection of truth leads to hardened violence against it?
- What does God's sending 'many others' reveal about His patient determination to call rebellious people to account?
- How do you guard against the religious complacency that killed the prophets while claiming to honor them?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Again he sent another; and him they killed—Escalation reaches murder (ἀποκτείνω, apokteinō). And many others; beating some, and killing some—a summary statement compressing centuries of prophetic martyrdom into one devastating sentence. The plurality reveals God's relentless pursuit of His people through successive generations of prophets, and Israel's persistent violence against them.
The 'many others' indicts the entire prophetic tradition from Abel to Zechariah (Matthew 23:35). This verse is the hinge: it establishes the pattern (rejection-violence-murder) that will climax in verses 6-8 with the beloved son. The tenants' escalating violence proves they won't be reformed—only judgment remains.