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 7:3 mean?

Explanation

Mark 7:3 recounts an observation made by the author about the Pharisees and the Jews’ adherence to certain traditional rituals, particularly the ritual washing of hands before eating.

The verse not only describes a customary practice but also sets the stage for a discussion on the nature of tradition versus divine commandment.

The mentioning of "washing their hands oft" suggests frequent or thorough handwashing according to the "tradition of the elders." This practice was not merely for hygiene; it was ritualistic, symbolizing the need for purification before partaking of food.

Thus, the verse can be understood both on a literal level, describing a ritual handwashing, and on a deeper level, serving as a preamble to the ensuing discourse on what truly defiles a person.

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Historical Context

At the time when the Gospel of Mark was written, various Jewish groups, with the Pharisees being a notable one, adhered strictly to the oral traditions and interpretations of the Law of Moses.

These traditions were not directly from the Hebrew Scriptures but were developed over time by religious leaders and were meant to act as a "fence" around the Torah, the written Law, to prevent its transgression.

The "tradition of the elders," also known as the Oral Torah, played a substantial role in the religious life of Jews. These oral laws covered a wide array of daily activities, and ritual purity was a significant aspect of these regulations.

Theological Insights

Within Christian theology, this verse and the surrounding passages highlight the contrast between human traditions and God's commandments.

The discussion that follows in Mark 7 shifts to Jesus' teaching, which emphasizes that it's not external acts, like eating with unwashed hands, that defile a person but what comes from within, evil thoughts and actions.

Different denominations may interpret the emphasis of this passage differently: some might view it as a caution against legalism and the exaltation of human tradition above divine law, while others might consider it as an urge to examine the heart's motivation in religious observances.

Practical Applications

From a practical standpoint, Mark 7:3 can encourage individuals to reflect on their religious practices and beliefs to discern whether they are following human traditions or seeking to obey God's commands as they understand them.

It might inspire a reevaluation of one’s priorities and an introspection into the authentic expression of one's faith.

Moreover, this verse can invite believers to focus on the internal aspects of their spirituality , the intentions, thoughts, and attitudes that define their actions , rather than merely conforming to external rituals or customs.

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."
Colossians 2:8: "Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ."
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."

Language Study

The key phrase in Mark 7:3 in the original Greek text is "νίψωνται τὰς χεῖρας" (nipsōntai tas cheiras), which translates to "wash their hands." The verb "νίπτω" (niptō) specifically refers to a ritualistic or ceremonial type of washing, rather than merely cleaning for hygienic purposes.

This choice of verb reflects the religious and cultural practices of the time.

Additionally, "πυγμῇ" (pygmē) translates to "with a fist" or "oft," suggesting the specific manner or thoroughness of the washing, which underscores the ceremonial nature of the act.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In various religions, washing or purification rituals are common.

For example, in Islam, the act of Wudu involves washing before prayer.

In Hinduism, various purification practices are followed before religious activities.

These practices underscore the universal human concept of ritual purity before engaging in spiritual or religious acts.

Scientific Perspectives

While the handwashing described in Mark 7:3 is ritualistic, from a modern scientific perspective, hand hygiene is a crucial practice for preventing disease transmission.

However, the biblical context places emphasis on the symbolic rather than the health-related reasons for the practice.

Commentaries

Commentators have varying interpretations of this passage.

Some focus on its direct challenge to the Pharisees’ emphasis on ritual purity without inner holiness.

Others point out how Jesus used this occasion to teach that it is the condition of one's heart that is of primary religious importance.

Noted scholars like William Barclay highlight the social and spiritual implications of such traditions, while others like Craig A.

Evans may delve into the historical context and the nature of the Pharisaic traditions.

Mark 7

Mark 7

What does Mark 7:3 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 7:3 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?