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 7:22 mean?

Explanation

The verse Mark 7:22 forms part of a discourse where Jesus Christ is addressing the Pharisees and the scribes about what defiles a person.

In this passage, Jesus is outlining various forms of moral corruption that emanate from within a person's heart, proposing that it is not the external things that defile, but the evil that comes from inside.

The verse enumerates several vices, including thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, and foolishness.

Each of these terms refers to moral failings or sinful behavior that affect both the individual and the community.

Jesus is emphasizing that actions reflecting these vices stem from a person's inner life and not from external observances or rituals.

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Historical Context

The Gospel of Mark is believed to have been written around 66-70 AD, a time when the early Christian community was under Roman occupation and dealing with internal challenges regarding the interpretation of the Law of Moses.

Pharisees and scribes, who were influential Jewish leaders of the time, advocated for strict adherence to the ceremonial laws and traditions.

They believed that external compliance with these traditions was key to righteousness.

In Mark 7:22, Jesus confronts this belief by redirecting attention to the moral corruption and sin that arises from one's own heart, emphasizing internal purity over external ritual purity.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse challenges the concept of righteousness by works, a prevalent thought in Pharisaic Judaism. Instead, Jesus presents a view of sin that is based more on internal attitudes than external actions.

From a Christian perspective, this teaching underlines the need for a transformation of the heart.

In other theological viewpoints, such as in Reformation theology, this verse has been used to argue for the doctrine of total depravity, which suggests that all aspects of humanity are affected by sin and that only divine grace can bring about the transformation necessary for salvation.

Practical Applications

Practically, this verse urges individuals to introspect and focus on the moral and ethical aspects of one's character.

It can be applied in daily life by encouraging self-examination, personal honesty, and spiritual growth that goes beyond mere observance of religious practices.

It prompts believers to seek a transformation that is inward and to prioritize virtues like integrity, compassion, and humility.

Cross-References

Matthew 15:19-20 (KJV): "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."
Romans 7:18 (KJV): "For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not."
Galatians 5:19-21 (KJV): "Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like..."

Language Study

In the original Greek text of Mark 7:22, key words and their meanings are as follows:

"Thefts" (κλοπαί - klopai): referring to stealing or taking something that does not belong to oneself.
"Covetousness" (πλεονεξίαι - pleonexiai): indicating a greed for wealth or possessions, often at the expense of others.
"Wickedness" (πονηρία - ponēria): encompasses all sorts of evil and malicious behavior.
"Deceit" (δόλος - dolos): conniving or trickery aimed at deceiving others.
"Lasciviousness" (ἀσέλγεια - aselgeia): unbridled lust, lewdness, or sexual excess.
"An evil eye" (ὀφθαλμὸς πονηρὸς - ophthalmos ponēros): likely a reference to envy or jealousy.
"Blasphemy" (βλασφημία - blasphēmia): speaking evil against God or sacred things.
"Pride" (ὑπερηφανία - hyperēphania): arrogance or inflated self-importance.
"Foolishness" (ἀφροσύνη - aphrosynē): moral senselessness or lack of understanding.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparatively, mark 7:22 reflects a wider ancient concern for the condition of the heart and moral character found in various religious traditions.

In Buddhism, for example, the concept of "Right Intention" under the Noble Eightfold Path emphasizes the importance of internal motivation over external acts.

Similarly, in Hinduism, the notion of "karma" involves the consequences of individuals' actions, including their intentions.

This highlights a common ground among different religions that inner virtue is essential for moral living.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, understanding human behavior, including the vices listed in Mark 7:22, often involves psychological analysis.

Modern psychology examines the factors that contribute to behaviors like theft, deceit, or jealousy, exploring the interplay between genetics, environment, and personal choice.

Insights from behavioral science can contribute to comprehending the complex nature of human moral failings and the process of ethical decision-making.

Commentaries

Commentaries on Mark 7:22 offer various interpretations.

Matthew Henry's commentary emphasizes that Christ is teaching the source of man's pollution is from within, the heart.

The Expositor's Bible Commentary suggests that this list of vices illustrates the comprehensive nature of human sinfulness and the need for internal transformation.

John Calvin noted the contrast between the traditional Jewish focus on ritual cleanliness and Jesus' focus on the heart's condition.

Collectively, commentators agree on the importance of looking beyond external observance to address the moral state of the human heart.

Mark 7

Mark 7

What does Mark 7:22 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 7:22 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?