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 7:2 mean?

Explanation

Mark 7:2 describes a scene where Pharisees observe some of Jesus' disciples eating without first performing the ritualistic hand washing.

This observation leads them to criticize or find fault with the disciples' actions.

The significance of this verse lies not only in the matter of physical cleanliness but also in the broader conflict between Jesus and the religious authorities of the time over the nature of purity, tradition, and the law.

While the Pharisees stressed strict adherence to traditional rituals, Jesus challenged these practices and prioritized the intentions of the heart over external observance.

Top Rated Mark Books

Historical Context

During the time of Jesus, the Pharisees were a prominent religious group within Judaism known for their rigid adherence to the Torah, as well as the oral traditions and interpretations surrounding it.

Ritual purity, including practices such as hand washing before meals, was an integral part of their observance.

These traditions were seen as a way of maintaining holiness in daily life.

Mark 7:2 highlights the tension between Jesus' approach to God's commandments and the established traditions of the Pharisees, which often went beyond the written law.

Theological Insights

Different theological viewpoints can be taken on this verse.

From a traditional Christian perspective, it is seen as evidence of Jesus’ emphasis on inner purity over external ritual.

Reformative theologians might view Jesus' stance as a critique of religious legalism.

Liberation theologians might focus on Jesus’ challenges to religious structures that marginalize or oppress.

Lastly, some modern theologians approach the text as a reminder that religious practices should not overshadow the core values of faith, such as love, mercy, and justice.

Practical Applications

Mark 7:2 invites believers to reflect on their own religious practices and their purpose. It cautions against becoming so engrossed in the rituals and traditions that the essence of the faith is lost or undermined.

The verse encourages individuals to prioritize inner transformation over outward conformity and prompts a re-examination of any actions taken for appearance's sake rather than out of sincere belief or conviction.

Cross-References

Matthew 15:2: "Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread."
Isaiah 29:13: "Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men:"
Luke 11:38: "And when the Pharisee saw it, he marvelled that he had not first washed before dinner."

Language Study

A key word in Mark 7:2 is "defiled" ("koinais" in Greek), which can mean unclean, common, or profane, and refers to a state contrary to "holy".

"Unwashen" is derived from "nipsōntai", which is associated with the ritual or ceremonial washing that was not performed. Both terms have connotations that extend beyond physical cleanliness into the realm of religious purity and societal norms.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In comparison with other ancient religions, Judaism's emphasis on purity laws was intensive.

Ancient Greek and Roman religious practices also included purification rituals, but their purposes varied and were often linked to specific temples or gods.

The debate highlighted in Mark 7:2 does not have a direct parallel in ancient myths but does reflect a broader human tendency to enforce ritualistic behavior as a means of sustaining community and religious identity.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific understanding acknowledges the benefits of handwashing for hygiene purposes.

However, the washing criticized in Mark 7:2 is not about hygiene, but ritual purity.

Modern science might support the idea that ritual actions are powerful psychosocial mechanisms, helping to define group identity and establish a sense of community, yet it would remain neutral on their spiritual efficacy.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and commentators have provided various insights into Mark 7:2.

William Barclay notes that the hand-washing was not a divine command but a human tradition.

John Calvin emphasizes that the observance of external rituals should not overshadow the need for true heart purity.

The New International Commentary on the New Testament (NICNT) discusses the verse as an illustration of Jesus challenging human traditions that are elevated to divine status.

These commentaries collectively highlight the tension between religious tradition and spiritual authenticity as demonstrated in this passage.

Mark 7

Mark 7

What does Mark 7:2 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 7:2 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?