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 7:15 mean?

Explanation

Mark 7:15 is a statement attributed to Jesus Christ in the New Testament.

The verse addresses the concept of inner purity versus external rituals.

Literally, it implies that no external thing can inherently defile a person's character or soul, but moral corruption comes from one's own actions and inner thoughts.

This was a profound shift from the Jewish purity laws of the time, which placed heavy emphasis on ceremonial cleanliness and avoiding ritually unclean foods and practices.

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Historical Context

During the time of Jesus, Jewish society was governed by a complex system of laws and traditions concerning purity and cleanliness, many of which are found in the Levitical code of the Old Testament.

These laws not only regulated moral behaviors but also included specific dietary restrictions and rituals for cleansing.

The Pharisees, a religious sect, were particularly stringent in observing these traditions.

Jesus challenged these practices and the importance the Pharisees placed on outward observance rather than inward spiritual integrity.

Theological Insights

From a Christian theological perspective, this verse is often seen as emphasizing the need for purity of the heart rather than adherence to rituals.

It reflects the New Testament theme of inward transformation as opposed to outward conformity, as later expounded by Paul in his epistles.

Other viewpoints might focus on Jesus' role as a reformer of Jewish law, suggesting a move from legalistic righteousness to an ethic centered on love and internal virtue.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, this verse can inspire individuals to focus on their personal integrity and ethical behavior rather than merely following external rules or societal norms.

It encourages self-examination and the cultivation of virtues such as honesty, compassion, and humility.

It also invites reflection on how one's words and actions affect others and the importance of authenticity in one's spiritual practice.

Cross-References

Matthew 15:11, "Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man."
Matthew 15:18-20, "But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.

For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man."

James 1:27, "Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world."

Language Study

The key phrase in the original Greek text is "οὐδὲν ἔξωθεν τοῦ ἀνθρώπου εἰσπορευόμενον εἰς αὐτὸν δύναται αὐτὸν κοινῶσαι" which translates to "nothing outside a person can defile them by going into them." The term "κοινῶσαι" (koinōsai), translated as "defile," originally means to make common or unclean in a ceremonial sense.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The concept of purity and impurity is not unique to Judaism and is found in many ancient and modern religions. Hinduism, for example, has dietary laws and rituals for purification.

In contrast, Buddhism emphasizes mental purity and the avoidance of unwholesome thoughts. These religions also grapple with the balance between external acts and internal morality, though their approaches and understandings may differ from the Christian viewpoint as presented by Jesus.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific understanding often focuses on hygiene and health, not moral or spiritual defilement.

From a purely health-related standpoint, there are certain substances and practices that, when ingested or performed, can harm a person (e.g., drugs, unhealthy foods).

However, this scientific perspective does not address the moral or spiritual defilement that Jesus refers to. It does highlight the importance of distinguishing between practices that affect physical health and those that affect moral or spiritual well-being.

commentaries

Various experts and biblical scholars interpret Mark 7:15 in light of Jesus' broader ministry and message.

Some point out that Jesus was challenging the religious leaders of his day to reconsider what makes a person truly righteous before God, moving the focus from external ritual purity to the inner moral purity.

Others see this as an example of Jesus' radical inclusivity, breaking down barriers forged by ritual impurity laws that separated Jews from Gentiles.

Commentators also note that this teaching undermined social hierarchies and brought a more personal and introspective form of spirituality.

Mark 7

Mark 7

What does Mark 7:15 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 7:15 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?