Mark 7:3 - Printer Friendly

What does Mark 7:3 mean?

ESV: (For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they wash their hands properly, holding to the tradition of the elders,

NIV: (The Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they give their hands a ceremonial washing, holding to the tradition of the elders.

NASB: (For the Pharisees and all the other Jews do not eat unless they carefully wash their hands, thereby holding firmly to the tradition of the elders;

CSB: (For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they give their hands a ceremonial washing, keeping the tradition of the elders.

NLT: (The Jews, especially the Pharisees, do not eat until they have poured water over their cupped hands, as required by their ancient traditions.

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

NKJV: For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they wash their hands in a special way, holding the tradition of the elders.

Verse Commentary:

Mark 7:3–4 is a parenthetical comment to explain Jewish tradition to Mark's Gentile audience. The scribes from Jerusalem have joined the local Pharisees in questioning why Jesus' disciples don't ceremonially wash before they eat (Mark 7:5). When the text says "all the Jews," it doesn't mean every single Jewish person follows this tradition. "All the Jews" was a cultural euphemism used when describing Jewish culture to Gentiles. It might mean Jewish leadership, or it might mean it was a common—but not universal—custom. "Elders" often means contemporary Jewish leadership, but here refers to the writers or traditional teachers of the Talmud from the time of the Old Testament.

The ESV says the Pharisees wash their hands "properly" while the New American Standard Bible says "carefully." The definition of the Greek root word pugme is difficult to translate; it can mean with a clenched hand or up to the elbow or fist. Tradition is that, as water is precious, a handful is taken with a loosely clenched fist so the water can run through the fingers and cover the back of the other hand. They don't immerse and scrub their hands; the act is ceremonial but thorough. The practice started before Jesus' time and continues to ours.

The Mosaic Law states that priests must wash their hands and feet prior to entering the tabernacle or approaching the altar (Exodus 30:17–21). The Old Testament scribes had a habit of taking ceremonial law meant for priests and Levites and transforming that law into extra-Scriptural regulations for lay-people. One significant example is how they based their rules for following the Sabbath on the instructions God gave to build the tabernacle. In this case, they take the Mosaic Law directed at the priests and use it to "cleanse" their hands before a meal. In the second century BC, much of the Jewish populace followed suit before morning prayers.

After the diaspora of AD 70, as Jewish elders recorded the oral law in writing, Orthodox and traditional Jews transferred the ceremony of the laver and the priests to the home. They washed before eating bread or matzah as if they were priests and the bread an offering placed on the altar. By the third century AD, eating bread without washing was condemned. In the Babylonian Talmud, the Seder Nashim (Rules on Women), Tractate Sotah 4b (Suspected Adulteress) states:

"Whoever eats bread without previously washing the hands is as though he had intercourse with a harlot; as it is said, For on account of a harlot, to a loaf of bread." (Refers to Proverbs 6:26: "for the price of a prostitute is only a loaf of bread…") And, "Whoever makes light of washing the hands [before and after a meal] will be uprooted from the world." And "Whoever eats bread without first wiping his hands is as though he eats unclean food…"

Even today, Orthodox Jews use a two-handled cup to pour water twice on their dominant hand then twice on the other; Hasidic Jews pour water three times. After giving the ceremonial blessing, they do not speak until they eat some bread.

Mark 7:1–13 argues that the traditions of Jewish elders are twisted interpretations of the Mosaic Law that hide the purpose of that law. Washing is a particular requirement of priests and has nothing to do with ensuring the ceremonial cleanness of a meal. And keeping a rash oath does not relieve a child from the commandment to care for his parents. In their attempt to add to the ceremonial law, the elders subtract from the moral law. They find that anyone who attempts to find salvation through works will end up stumbling on Christ (Romans 9:30–33). This story is also found in Matthew 15:1–9.

Chapter Summary:

Jesus counters another traditional error from the scribes and Pharisees, explaining that food in and of itself does not make a person unclean. Rather, it is the intent of the heart that matters to God. He specifically condemns traditions which effectively undo the original intent of God's commands. Jesus heals the daughter of a persistent Gentile woman, and a man suffering from deafness and a speech impediment.

Chapter Context:

After showing His authority over demons, death, and physics, Jesus asserts His superiority over manmade traditions. For generations, Jewish religious leaders have added to the Law in an attempt to keep the nation holy. Such traditions, however, serve to make the leaders look good but unnecessarily burden the people. Jesus argues in word and action that any law that dismisses love is either misinterpreted or manmade.

The Gospel of Mark emphasizes both Jesus' servanthood and His role as the promised Messiah: the Son of God. This is done through a concise, action-packed style. Mark provides relatively few details, instead focusing on actions and simple statements. This relates to the Gospel's authorship, which is believed to be based on the memories of the apostle Peter. These include many of Jesus' miracles, in contrast to other Gospels which include many more of Jesus' teachings and parables. Mark also makes frequent mention of Jesus' ministry being misunderstood by others.

Accessed 11/21/2024 5:33:27 PM