Keraia
Mark 7

Mark 7:5

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

Translations

Modern
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.”
Traditional
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?
Literal
And the Pharisees and the scribes questioned Him, “Why do Your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat the bread with defiled hands?”
Latin
…et interrogabant eum pharisæi et scribæ: Quare discipuli tui non ambulant juxta traditionem seniorum, sed communibus manibus manducant panem?

Interlinear

Greek
English
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.”

Notes

Mark 7:5

Since the Pharisees believed that their oral traditions were given to Moses as part of God’s divine revelation, they asked Jesus why his disciples did not keep them. After all, teachers were responsible for the behavior of their disciples (see 2:24).

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

Glossary

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

Topics

Ablution: General Scriptures Concerning Commandments of Men Ecclesiasticism: Traditional Rules of the Jewish 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 Tradition: Commandments of Men