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 7:24 mean?

Explanation

Mark 7:24 describes a moment during Jesus' ministry where He seeks a brief respite in a new region and wishes to do so privately.

However, His desire for secrecy proves infeasible due to His growing reputation.

The verse portrays Jesus' efforts to step back from the crowds temporarily, which underlines His human need for quiet and retreat. Yet, this verse also suggests the irresistible draw of Jesus' presence; even outside of His usual areas of activity, people seek Him out.

Top Rated Mark Books

Historical Context

The verse takes place within the context of Jesus' itinerant ministry.

Tyre and Sidon were ancient Phoenician cities located in what is now Lebanon, on the Mediterranean coast.

In the New Testament era, they were Gentile regions outside the predominantly Jewish areas of Galilee and Judea.

Jesus' journey to these cities shows Him reaching beyond the traditional Jewish boundaries, which is significant given the Jewish views of the time that often looked down upon Gentiles.

Theological Insights

From a Christian theological perspective, this verse may point towards the inclusivity of Jesus' mission, demonstrating that His message and healing were for all people, not just the Jews.

The fact that Jesus could not remain hidden might also suggest that the divine plan cannot be constrained by human desires for privacy or rest.

God's purpose, as embodied by Jesus, reaches out even when attempts are made to contain it.

Practical Applications

The verse can serve as a reminder that, in the practice of faith, there may be times when one wishes to keep a low profile or take personal respite.

However, commitments and responsibilities can sometimes prevent this solitude.

Furthermore, this verse can inspire individuals to remain open and receptive to the needs of others, even during periods of retreat or when they find themselves in unfamiliar environments.

Cross-References

Matthew 15:21 - "Then Jesus went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon."
Luke 4:37 - "And the fame of him went out into every place of the country round about."
Isaiah 9:1-2 - "...by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, in Galilee of the nations.

The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light..."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the word εἰσῆλθεν (eisēlthen) is used for "entered," which is a common verb for entering or going into a place.

The phrase "would have no man know it" (οὐκ ἠθέλησεν τινὰ γνῶναι) captures Jesus' desire for anonymity or secrecy.

However, the verb ἠθέλησεν (ēthelēsen) reflecting "would have," expresses a wish or intention that was not fulfilled, as the subsequent phrase "but he could not be hid" (ἀλλ' οὐκ ἠδυνήθη λαθεῖν) using the verb λαθεῖν (lathein) for "be hidden" indicates.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The notion of divine figures or heroes seeking solitude but being recognized by others has parallels in other religious narratives and ancient myths.

For example, in some Greek myths, gods attempt to travel incognito among humans but are eventually revealed by their actions or attributes.

The theme of gods or heroes amongst us, whether hidden or revealed, is a recurring motif in many mythologies.

Scientific Perspectives

There is no direct scientific perspective on this verse since it deals with the historical and theological narrative of Jesus.

However, science can offer insights into why individuals sometimes seek anonymity and privacy, as well as how fame and reputation can make such privacy challenging. Psychological studies reflect on the human need for balance between social interaction and personal downtime.

Commentaries

Scholars and theologians have varied takes on this passage.

Some emphasize Jesus' desire for privacy, considering His human need for solitude and rest. Others focus on the broader implication of His mission to the Gentiles, suggesting that this verse foreshadows the spread of the Gospel beyond Jewish confines.

Commentators have also noted the juxtaposition of Jesus' humanity and divinity: His will to remain unseen, and the power of His presence that draws people to Him despite His attempts at remaining incognito.

Mark 7

Mark 7

What does Mark 7:24 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 7:24 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?