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 7:14 mean?

Explanation

Mark 7:14 [KJV] reads, "And when he had called all the people unto him, he said unto them, Hearken unto me every one [of you], and understand:".

The verse suggests a moment of emphasis wherein Jesus is addressing a broader audience beyond His immediate circle of disciples.

It reflects an invitation for attentiveness and comprehension.

The use of "Hearken" implies an urgent request for the audience to listen carefully, suggesting that what is to follow is important.

The demand for understanding is a call for not just a superficial hearing of the words but a deeper digestion and reflection upon their meaning.

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Historical Context

This verse is set within a discourse where Jesus is addressing the issue of traditional Jewish laws and purification rituals.

Prior to this verse, the Pharisees and some of the teachers of the law had criticized Jesus's disciples for eating food with "unclean" hands.

Jesus uses this opportunity to teach a broader spiritual lesson, challenging the legalistic emphasis on ritual purity and calling attention to inner purity and the condition of the heart.

Theological Insights

Different theological viewpoints can draw various insights from this verse.

From a Protestant perspective, it highlights the concept of "sola scriptura," emphasizing the importance of Scripture above human traditions. Catholic and Orthodox interpretations may focus on the authority of Jesus' teachings as it relates to tradition and the proper interpretation of the law.

The verse can also be seen as an invitation for personal reflection on one’s spiritual condition and emphasizes the importance of understanding Jesus’ teachings for oneself.

Practical Applications

The teachings of this verse can be applied in daily life by reminding individuals to engage deeply with teachings and information that come their way.

It suggests that one should not merely accept words at face value but endeavor to understand their underlying implications and meanings.

This verse can inspire a more mindful approach to spiritual teachings, promoting active thought, discernment, and a search for deeper truths beyond rituals and traditions.

Cross-References

Other verses that emphasize the importance of hearing and understanding include:

Matthew 11:15 [KJV]: "He that hath ears to hear, let him hear."
James 1:22 [KJV]: "But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves."
Luke 8:18 [KJV]: "Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have."

Language Study

In Mark 7:14, key words like "Hearken" (Greek: "ἀκούσατέ" – akousate) and "understand" (Greek: "συνίετε" – syniete) are used.

"Akousate" is an imperative verb conveying the urgency to listen or pay attention, while "syniete" is also imperative, calling for comprehension or discernment. These verbs in the original Greek signify an active and thoughtful engagement with the message being communicated.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In various ancient cultures and religious traditions, the act of calling people to listen is often associated with the delivery of important or divine messages.

For example, in the traditions of the ancient Greeks, oracles played a role where listening and understanding the divine will were essential.

Comparatively, within many of the world's religious traditions, followers are encouraged to carefully listen to the words of wisdom offered by religious leaders, prophets, or teachers.

Scientific Perspectives

From a modern scientific understanding, this verse touches on the cognitive processes of attention and comprehension.

It aligns with psychological concepts that suggest active listening and engaging with material can enhance understanding and retention.

Cognitive psychology would see this as a process of encoding information more deeply by actively participating in its comprehension.

commentaries

Many biblical scholars and commentators have expounded on Mark 7:14. Notably:

John Calvin emphasized the significance of Jesus' call to the crowd, pointing out that the truth He was about to share was not only for the disciples but for all.
Matthew Henry's commentary suggests that this verse indicates an important turning point where Jesus directs His teachings to the general public, moving away from the privacy of instructing only His disciples.
William Barclay highlights the importance of Jesus' method of teaching, which often involved parables designed to make the audience think and engage deeply with His message, thus requiring the listener to "understand" actively.

Mark 7

Mark 7

What does Mark 7:14 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 7:14 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?