Keraia
Mark 7

Mark 7:11

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

Translations

Modern
But you say that if a man says to his father or mother, ‘Whatever you would have received from me is Corban’ (that is, a gift devoted to God),
Traditional
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.
Literal
But you say that if a man might say to the father or to the mother, ‘Whatever you might be profited from me is Corban’ (that is, a gift),
Latin
Vos autem dicitis: Si dixerit homo patri, aut matri, Corban (quod est donum) quodcumque ex me, tibi profuerit:

Interlinear

Greek
English
But you say that if a man says to his father or mother, ‘Whatever you would have received from me is Corban’ (that is, a gift devoted to God ),

Notes

Mark 7:11–12

  • But you say: The contrast with God’s law is very strong. Their tradition went against God’s command to honor parents by caring for their needs.

  • ‘Whatever you would have received from me is Corban’ (that is, a gift devoted to God): This tradition taught that people could avoid helping their parents. They could promise to give their resources to God instead. In this way, they ignored and dishonored their parents, even when their parents were in need.

Mark 7:9–13

Next, Jesus gives an example where the Pharisees’ traditions went against God’s law. Their traditions allowed them to avoid what God’s law required.

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).

Events

Parallels

Matthew 15:1–9

Places

Corban: Offering dedicated to God; temple treasury

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Corban Heal, Healing Holiness Hypocrisy Mark, Gospel of Miracle Pharisees Scribe Talitha Cumi Talmud Vow, Vows

Topics

Children: False Instruction of Children: Sometimes Devoted Their Property to Avoid Supporting Parents Commandments of Men Corban: An Oblation Dedication of Property often Perverted Ecclesiasticism: Traditional Rules of the Jewish Jesus, the Christ: He Justifies his Disciples in Eating Without Washing Their Hands (At Capernaum) Mother: General Scriptures Concerning Pharisees: Traditions of, in Regard to The Washing of Hands Taking Care of Parents The Scriptures: The Wicked: Make, of None Effect Through Their Traditions Vows: A Minor, of Himself