Keraia
Mark 7

Mark 7:2

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

Translations

Modern
…and they saw some of His disciples eating with hands that were defiled—that is, unwashed.
Traditional
And when they saw some of his disciples eat bread with defiled, that is to say, with unwashen, hands, they found fault.
Literal
And they had seen some of His disciples, that with defiled hands—that is, unwashed—they are eating the loaves.
Latin
Et cum vidissent quosdam ex discipulis ejus communibus manibus, id est non lotis, manducare panes, vituperaverunt.

Interlinear

Greek
English
…and they saw some of His disciples eating with hands that were defiled—that is, unwashed.

Notes

Mark 7:2–4

Mark explains the Pharisees’ practices of ritual cleansing (ceremonial washing for religious purity) for his non-Jewish (Gentile) audience.

The traditions of the elders were not yet written down at that time. The Pharisees believed these teachings had been given to Moses on Mount Sinai along with the written law.

These traditions were later written down around AD 200 in the Mishnah (a collection of Jewish teachings and laws). The Mishnah is one of the main sources for understanding ancient Judaism.

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

Glossary

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

Topics

Ablution: General Scriptures Concerning Commandments of Men Defilement: Causes of, Improperly Enlarged by Tradition Ecclesiasticism: Traditional Rules of the Jewish Government: Mosaic: Legislates in Later Times Hand: Ceremonial Washing of 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 Purification: Scriptures Relating To Purification: Traditions of the Elders Concerning