Keraia
Mark 7

Mark 7:1

The Tradition of the Elders · Mark 7:1–13
Read Mark 7

Translations

Modern
Then the Pharisees and some of the scribes who had come from Jerusalem gathered around Jesus,
Traditional
Then came together unto him the Pharisees, and certain of the scribes, which came from Jerusalem.
Literal
And the Pharisees and some of the scribes having come from Jerusalem are gathered together to Him.
Latin
Et conveniunt ad eum pharisæi, et quidam de scribis, venientes ab Jerosolymis.

Interlinear

Greek
English
Then the Pharisees and some of the scribes who had come from Jerusalem gathered around Jesus,

Notes

Mark 7:1

Mark's audience already knows that the Pharisees and teachers of religious law were hostile to Jesus (see 2:16, 24; 3:6, 22).

Mark 7:1–23

This account does not connect directly to what comes before it. It simply fits a general setting, such as "At one point in the ministry of Jesus."

After Mark sets the scene (7:1–4), he introduces the Pharisees' question (7:5). Then Jesus responds to the question (6–23).

The first part of the response focuses on two Old Testament passages (7:6–13). It also includes a two-part critique (strong criticism) of the Pharisees’ traditions (7:6–8, 9–13).

In the second part, Jesus explains what truly defiles a person (what makes someone unclean before God; 7:14–23).

Theme notes and profiles

The Pharisees Legalism

Events

Parallels

Matthew 15:1–9

People

Pharisee: A strict Jewish sect known for legalism and hypocrisy

Places

Jerusalem: The capital of Israel, a holy city for three religions

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Corban Heal, Healing Holiness Hypocrisy Mark, Gospel of Miracle Pharisees

Topics

Government: Mosaic: Legislates in Later Times Jesus, the Christ: He Justifies his Disciples in Eating Without Washing Their Hands (At Capernaum) Pharisees: Traditions of, in Regard to The Washing of Hands