Mark 7:4 - Printer Friendly

ESV: and when they come from the marketplace, they do not eat unless they wash. And there are many other traditions that they observe, such as the washing of cups and pots and copper vessels and dining couches. )

NIV: When they come from the marketplace they do not eat unless they wash. And they observe many other traditions, such as the washing of cups, pitchers and kettles. )

NASB: and when they come from the marketplace, they do not eat unless they completely cleanse themselves; and there are many other things which they have received as traditions to firmly hold, such as the washing of cups, pitchers, and copper pots.)

CSB: When they come from the marketplace, they do not eat unless they have washed. And there are many other customs they have received and keep, like the washing of cups, pitchers, kettles, and dining couches. )

NLT: Similarly, they don’t eat anything from the market until they immerse their hands in water. This is but one of many traditions they have clung to — such as their ceremonial washing of cups, pitchers, and kettles. )

KJV: And when they come from the market, except they wash, they eat not. And many other things there be, which they have received to hold, as the washing of cups, and pots, brasen vessels, and of tables.

NKJV: 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.

This is a continuation of Mark's parenthetical comment to explain Jewish tradition to his Gentile readers. The Mosaic Law demands that when priests or Levites enter the tabernacle, they must wash their hands and feet (Exodus 30:17–21). The Jewish religious leaders twist this law into a rule that all Jews should wash their hands before they eat for fear of defiling their food, and thus themselves. Mark explains that in addition to washing their hands before they eat, they also clean the implements used in the meal.

This washing is a bit different, however. In Mark 7:3, the Pharisees are described as "properly" washing their hands. The Greek describes a process by which they pour water so that their hands are rinsed at least up to the wrist. Here, the Greek root word is rhantizo which means to purify by sprinkling, emphasizing the ceremonial aspect of the tradition.

The phrase about washing after going to the marketplace can be interpreted in one of two ways: either the Jewish leaders fear they may touch something unclean and need to wash their hands, or they wash their food after purchasing it. Regardless, they believe that if the food is at all defiled, they will become unclean as well.

The Pharisees and scribes, despite their expertise in the Law and their utter devotion to following it, miss what "being clean" means. They follow a tradition based on what they can see in the physical world (Colossians 2:8) instead of understanding that true spiritual cleanness comes from within (Mark 7:14–23).

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.

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.

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.