Mark 7:3

Translations

Modern

Now in holding to the tradition of the elders, the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat until they wash their hands ceremonially.

Traditional

For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands oft, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders.

Literal

(For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they wash the hands to the fist, holding to the tradition of the elders;

Latin

Pharisæi enim, et omnes Judæi, nisi crebro laverint manus, non manducant, tenentes traditionem seniorum:

Original

Greek

English

Now in holding to the tradition of the elders, the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat until they wash their hands ceremonially.

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

Commandments and Tradition Discoursec. AD 29

Related verses

Galatians 1:14
I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers.
Mark 7:13
Thus you nullify the word of God by the tradition you have handed down. And you do so in many such matters.”
Colossians 2:8
See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, which are based on human tradition and the spiritual forces of the world rather than on Christ.
Colossians 2:21–23
“Do not handle, do not taste, do not touch!”?
Mark 7:5
So the Pharisees and scribes questioned Jesus: “Why do Your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders? Instead, they eat with defiled hands.”
1 Peter 1:18
For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life you inherited from your forefathers,
Matthew 15:2–6
“Why do Your disciples break the tradition of the elders? They do not wash their hands before they eat.”
Mark 7:7–10
They worship Me in vain; they teach as doctrine the precepts of men.’

Parallels

Matthew 15:1–9

People

Judah: Israelite tribe, kingdom, and province Pharisee: A strict Jewish sect known for legalism and hypocrisy

Glossary

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

Topics

Ablution: General Scriptures Concerning Commandments of Men 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 Purifications or Baptisms: Multiplied by Traditions The Hands were Washed: Before Eating The Jews: National Character of Fondness for Traditionary Customs The Pharisees: Character of Zealous of Tradition Tradition: Commandments of Men

Mark 7:3

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