Mark 7:1

Defilement Comes from Within

1 Then ^athe Pharisees and some of the scribes came together to Him, having come from Jerusalem.

2 Now¹ when they saw some of His disciples eat bread with defiled, that is, with ^aunwashed hands, they found fault.

3 For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they wash their hands¹ in a special way, holding the ^atradition of the elders.

4 When they come from the marketplace, they do not eat unless they wash. And there are many other things which they have received and hold, like the washing of cups, pitchers, copper vessels, and couches.

5 ^aThen the Pharisees and scribes asked Him, “Why do Your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashed hands?”

Commentaries:

Forerunner Commentary
What is the Forerunner Commentary?

<< Mark 6:56

Mark 7:2 >>

What Does Mark 7:1 Mean?

Mark 7:1-23

This long section dealing with defilement begins with a question from the Pharisees about eating with unwashed hands (verse 7). Christ's answer never strays from this point; He is addressing ritual washings that the Jews added (verses 7-9), not unclean meats. Verse 19, however, is often cited as proof that Jesus declared all foods clean. Yet He is speaking about the human digestive system! He says that whether one washes his hands or not, the digestive tract handles, or "purifies," all food the same way. He then moves to the more serious issue of a man's conduct, which is what truly defiles him.

Richard T. Ritenbaugh
Clean and Unclean Meats

<< Mark 6:56

Mark 7:2 >>

Join 137,262+ readers

A Verse and a Thought,
Every Morning

Consistent Bible study is hard to start.

The Berean gives you the starting point: one scripture and a focused commentary in your inbox each morning — read it in minutes, or go as deep as you like.

Free, daily, and spam-free. We never share your address. Unsubscribe anytime.

Defilement Comes from Within

What Does Mark 7:1 Mean?

A Verse and a Thought,Every Morning

A Verse and a Thought,
Every Morning