How we cite our quotes: (Chapter:Verse)
Quote #4
What then will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and destroy the tenants and give the vineyard to others. (NRSV 12:9)
What shall therefore the lord of the vineyard do? he will come and destroy the husbandmen, and will give the vineyard unto others. (KJV 12:9)
The destruction of the wicked tenants reminds us of the destruction of the temple by the Romans in the year 70—it probably reminded Mark of that, too. That's probably why he included it. But who are the "others" who will get the vineyard in the end? And when will they take control? We have some guesses in our discussion of "The Parable of the Wicked Tenants."
Quote #5
They [scribes] devour widows' houses and for the sake of appearance say long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation. (NRSV 12:40)
Which [scribes] devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayers: these shall receive greater damnation. (KJV 12:40)
Jesus really seems to like the principle "what goes around comes around." Check it out. Replace "greater damnation" with "abundant damnation" (also an accurate translation of the Greek), and you'll see what we mean. The scribes, who love an abundance of honors and wealth (14:38-49), sure will receive an abundance—but of damnation. Ouch.
Quote #6
For the Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that one by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that one not to have been born. (NRSV 14:21)
The Son of man indeed goeth, as it is written of him: but woe to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! good were it for that man if he had never been born. (KJV 14:21)
Poor Judas. He's in big trouble. Jesus is using what in Greek culture is known as the Wisdom of Silenus: the first best thing is not to be born, and the second is to die young. Bleak, right? Biblical figures like Job and Jeremiah know all about this (take a look at Job 3:1-26 and Jeremiah 20:14-18).