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 7:26 mean?

Explanation

Mark 7:26 portrays a non-Jewish woman's encounter with Jesus Christ. Although this woman is Greek, the verse specifies that she is "a Syrophenician by nation," which indicates that she is from the region of Phoenicia, located in Syria.

It was rather uncommon for a Jewish rabbi to interact with a non-Jew, especially a woman, due to cultural and religious barriers of that time.

Despite this, she approaches Jesus and pleads with Him to heal her daughter who is possessed by an "unclean spirit" or a demon.

On a literal level, the verse recounts the request made by the woman.

On a deeper, spiritual level, the verse highlights her faith, the universality of Jesus' mission (extending beyond Jewish boundaries), and His willingness to aid those who show sincere faith regardless of their ethnic origin.

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Historical Context

At the time of this event, Jesus was traveling through Gentile territory, as Phoenicia (modern-day Lebanon) was not part of Jewish lands.

The cultural and religious practices of the Greeks and Jews were significantly different, and contact between Jews and non-Jews was often looked down upon.

Syro-Phoenician Greeks particularly were pagans and not typically seen as recipients of Jewish teaching or miracle-working.

This narrative occurs within the larger context of the Gospel of Mark, where Jesus is beginning to show that His ministry includes Gentiles as well.

Theological Insights

There are several theological insights that can be drawn from this verse. The exchange points to the idea of God's grace being available to all, irrespective of ethnic background.

Traditionally, the Jewish people saw themselves as God's chosen nation, but Jesus demonstrates the expansion of God's kingdom to the Gentiles.

Moreover, the woman’s earnest request showcases the importance of faith and perseverance in seeking divine help. Theological interpretations often cite this incident as evidence of Jesus' divine authority over evil and illness, as well as His compassion for those outside the Jewish faith.

Practical Applications

From Mark 7:26, individuals can learn about the importance of persistence in prayer and faith in times of need. Like the Syrophoenician woman, believers are encouraged to approach God with their requests, no matter how daunting the circumstances may appear.

Furthermore, this verse encourages cross-cultural understanding and acceptance, reminding Christians to embrace diversity and to extend love and support to all people.

Cross-References

Matthew 15:21-28: A similar account where Jesus praises the faith of a Canaanite woman and heals her daughter.
Acts 10:34-35: Peter acknowledges that God shows no partiality and accepts those who fear Him and do what is right from every nation.
Galatians 3:28: There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, there is neither male nor female, for all are one in Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 2:11-22: Discusses how Jesus' sacrifice has broken down the wall of hostility between Jews and Gentiles, creating one new humanity in place of two.

Language Study

The key term to consider in the original Greek text of this verse is "Συροφοινίκισσα" (Syrophoinikissa), which directly translates to "Syrophenician." This term is a compound of "Syro," referring to Syria, and "Phoinikissa," referring to Phoenicia, indicating her specific regional origin.

Another term is "Ἑλληνίς" (Hellēnis), translated as "Greek," which in this context likely refers to her language and culture, not just her nationality.

The word "ἐξελθεῖν" (exelthein) for "cast forth" has a sense of removal or driving out, reflecting the action she desired Jesus to take against the demon afflicting her daughter.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The act of seeking healing for a possessed family member has parallels in other ancient religions and mythologies, where exorcisms or appeals to the divine were common. In Greek mythology, individuals might appeal to Asclepius, the god of healing, for miraculous cures.

However, in the Jewish-Christian tradition, this story is distinctive in showcasing the power of Christ over evil forces and it stands out because of the woman's recognition of Jesus' unique authority, even as a Gentile not traditionally associated with Jewish beliefs.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern scientific understandings of phenomena like disease and mental illness differ considerably from ancient attributions to demonic possession. Today’s medical practices are based on empirical research and natural explanations rather than spiritual or supernatural interpretations.

However, the narrative serves as a historical account of how people in antiquity made sense of unexplainable afflictions and their way of seeking relief, often blurring the lines between what would now be considered mental health issues and spiritual afflictions.

Commentaries

Commentators have often focused on the dimensions of faith, humility, and hope presented in this story.

Renowned Biblical commentators like Matthew Henry emphasize the woman’s persistence and humility in her approach to Jesus, and how her faith was rewarded.

John Calvin highlights the inclusivity of the Gospel message as demonstrated by Jesus' response, where mercy was shown to a Gentile.

More recent scholarship, such as that by N.T.

Wright and Craig S.

Keener, offers a historical-critical perspective, placing the account within the social and cultural context of the time, noting especially the crossing of boundaries that Jesus' action represents.

Mark 7

Mark 7

What does Mark 7:26 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 7:26 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?