Mark 7

Then came together unto him the Pharisees, and certain of the scribes, which came from Jerusalem.

And when they saw some of his disciples eat bread with defiled, that is to say, with unwashen, hands, they found fault.

For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands oft, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders.

And when they come from the market, except they wash, they eat not. And many other things there be, which they have received to hold, as the washing of cups, and pots, brasen vessels, and of tables.

Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands?

He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.

Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctines the commandments of men.

For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do.

And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.

For Moses said, Honour thy father and thy mother; and, Whoso curseth father or mother, let him die the death:

But ye say, If a man shall say to his father or mother, It is Corban, that is to say, a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; he shall be free.

And ye suffer him no more to do ought for his father or his mother;

Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.

And when he had called all the people unto him, he said unto them, Hearken unto me every one of you, and understand:

There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him: but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man.

If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.

And when he was entered into the house from the people, his disciples asked him concerning the parable.

And he saith unto them, Are ye so without understanding also? Do ye not perceive, that whatsoever thing from without entereth into the man, it cannot defile him;

Because it entereth not into his heart, but into the belly, and goeth out into the draught, purging all meats?

And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man.

For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,

Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness:

All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.

And from thence he arose, and went into the borders of Tyre and Sidon, and entered into an house, and would have no man know it: but he could not be hid.

For a certain woman, whose young daughter had an unclean spirit, heard of him, and came and fell at his feet:

The woman was a Greek, a Syrophenician by nation; and she besought him that he would cast forth the devil out of her daughter.

But Jesus said unto her, Let the children first be filled: for it is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it unto the dogs.

And she answered and said unto him, Yes, Lord: yet the dogs under the table eat of the children's crumbs.

And he said unto her, For this saying go thy way; the devil is gone out of thy daughter.

And when she was come to her house, she found the devil gone out, and her daughter laid upon the bed.

And again, departing from the coasts of Tyre and Sidon, he came unto the sea of Galilee, through the midst of the coasts of Decapolis.

And they bring unto him one that was deaf, and had an impediment in his speech; and they beseech him to put his hand upon him.

And he took him aside from the multitude, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spit, and touched his tongue;

And looking up to heaven, he sighed, and saith unto him, Ephphatha, that is, Be opened.

And straightway his ears were opened, and the string of his tongue was loosed, and he spake plain.

And he charged them that they should tell no man: but the more he charged them, so much the more a great deal they published it;

And were beyond measure astonished, saying, He hath done all things well: he maketh both the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak.

What does Mark 7:10 mean?

Explanation

Mark 7:10 quotes Jesus Christ referring to the command given by Moses regarding the treatment of parents.

The verse explicitly mentions two aspects: the commandment to honor one's father and mother, which is taken from the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:12 and Deuteronomy 5:16), and a lesser-known law that states that one who curses their parents should be put to death (Exodus 21:17, Leviticus 20:9).

Jesus cites this Mosaic law to emphasize the seriousness of respecting one's parents and as part of His argument against the scribes and Pharisees who were critiquing His disciples for not following traditional rituals.

Top Rated Mark Books

Historical Context

This verse takes place during a dispute between Jesus and the religious leaders of His time, who challenged Him over the behavior of His disciples.

The Pharisees accused the disciples of breaking the traditions of the elders by not washing their hands before eating, which was considered ritually unclean.

Jesus responds by addressing the hypocrisy of the Pharisees, who upheld human traditions while neglecting the commandments of God.

In using this particular citation from the Mosaic Law, Jesus is contrasting the divine command to honor parents with the Pharisees' traditions, which actually lead to dishonoring parents by allowing individuals to dedicate money to God (which could have been used to support parents) and thus evade the responsibility of caring for them.

Theological Insights

This text is rich in theological insight. In the broadest sense, it underscores the permanence of moral law over human tradition.

Some theologies would argue that Jesus is upholding the moral law found in the Old Testament, while suggesting the ceremonial laws (ritual purity, sacrifices, etc.) have become less central in light of His ministry.

It could also be interpreted as a challenge to legalism. The Pharisees were known for their strict adherence to the Law, but Jesus points out that their application of the Law sometimes led them to violate its spirit.

Thus, Jesus is positing that the weightier matters of the Law, justice, mercy, and faithfulness, are more important than the minutiae of legalistic tradition.

Practical Applications

The practical applications of this verse are clear in terms of interpersonal relationships and the Christian life.

It calls believers to honor their parents, which implies a respect and caring that goes beyond mere obedience.

It emphasizes the need to take seriously the commandments of God and to examine one’s heart for any hypocrisy or legalism.

Also, it is a reminder to discern when traditional practices may be at odds with or take precedence over God's commands, urging Christians to prioritize the teachings of Scripture over cultural or traditional customs.

Cross-References

Here are related verses from the King James Version that elaborate on the command to honor parents and the consequences of failing to do so:

Exodus 20:12: "Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee."
Leviticus 20:9: "For everyone that curseth his father or his mother shall be surely put to death: he hath cursed his father or his mother; his blood shall be upon him."
Deuteronomy 5:16: "Honour thy father and thy mother, as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee; that thy days may be prolonged, and that it may go well with thee, in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee."
Matthew 15:4: "For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, two key phrases are used: "Τίμα τὸν πατέρα σου" (Tima ton patera sou) translated as "Honour thy father," and "καὶ τὴν μητέρα" (kai tēn mētera) translated as "and [thy] mother." The word "τίμα" (tima) implies a valuation or esteem that goes beyond mere respect; it is about deeming one's parents as highly valuable and worthy of honor.

The phrase "ὁ καταρᾶται πατέρα ἢ μητέρα" (ho kataratai patera ē mētera) translates to "Whoso curseth father or mother." The term "καταρᾶται" (kataratai) is derived from "κατάρα" (katara), denoting a curse or malediction, indicating a serious verbal offense that deeply disrespects the parent.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many ancient cultures, respect for one's parents was of paramount importance. In some cases, such as in ancient Roman society, a father had nearly absolute authority over his family, and to dishonor one's parents was also to dishonor the family and its ancestors.

In other religious interpretations, particularly in Confucian teachings, filial piety is considered foundational to moral character and social harmony.

Similarly, in ancient Jewish culture, upholding honor for parents was not only a familial duty but also a covenantal obligation outlined in the Law of Moses, reflecting the character of the community and its relationship to God.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific perspectives would likely focus more on the psychological and societal implications of parent-child relationships rather than directly interpreting religious texts.

However, social sciences do recognize the importance of the family unit and the impact of interpersonal dynamics within it. Psychologists have also studied the effects of parental respect (or lack thereof) on both individual mental health and wider social well-being.

Commentaries

Contemporary and historical Bible commentaries illuminate this verse in various ways.

Matthew Henry's Commentary suggests that Jesus is reproving the Pharisees for making the word of God of none effect through their tradition.

Adam Clarke's Commentary emphasizes that we find Christ justifying himself and his disciples by the written word, and at the same time condemning the Pharisees and scribes by the same word.

John Calvin's Commentary points out the absurdity of the Pharisees' traditions in the light of the commandment of God, which is clear and demands obedience.

Many biblical scholars see this verse as demonstrating Jesus' authoritative interpretation of Scripture and His challenge against those who would place man-made traditions on an equal or higher footing than God's commandments.

Mark 7

Mark 7

What does Mark 7:10 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Mark Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Mark 7:10 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Mark Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?