Mark Chapter 7 — Tradition and True Purity
Jesus challenges the Pharisees regarding human traditions and teaches that true defilement comes from the heart, followed by healing miracles in Gentile territory.
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Notable Verses
Mark 7:8
“For you set aside the commandment of God, and hold tightly to the tradition of men—the washing of pitchers and cups, and you do many other such things.”
This verse highlights Jesus' central critique of legalism that prioritizes human rules over divine law.
Mark 7:15
“There is nothing from outside of the man that going into him can defile him; but the things which proceed out of the man are those that defile the man.”
This marks a significant shift in teaching regarding ritual purity, focusing on internal morality rather than external diet.
Mark 7:37
“They were astonished beyond measure, saying, “He has done all things well. He makes even the deaf hear and the mute speak!””
This verse captures the public's reaction to Jesus' power and echoes prophetic expectations from the Old Testament.
Chapter Summary
Mark Chapter 7 begins with a confrontation between Jesus and religious leaders from Jerusalem regarding ritual hand-washing. Jesus rebukes them for prioritizing human traditions over God's commandments, using the practice of Corban as an example of neglecting parents. He then teaches the crowd that external things like food do not defile a person; rather, evil thoughts and actions originating from the heart are what cause defilement. Moving to the region of Tyre and Sidon, Jesus meets a Syrophoenician woman who demonstrates great faith, leading him to cast a demon out of her daughter. The chapter concludes in the Decapolis region, where Jesus heals a man who is deaf and has a speech impediment. Despite Jesus’ request for secrecy, the witnesses proclaim his works, marvelling that he makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.
Frequently Asked Questions
Corban refers to a practice where a person declared their money or property as a gift devoted to God. According to Jesus, some used this tradition as an excuse to avoid financially supporting their aging parents, thus violating the commandment to honor one's father and mother.
Jesus explains that external things like food or unwashed hands do not defile a person because they do not enter the heart. Instead, he teaches that defilement comes from within, listing internal evils such as pride, deceit, and wicked thoughts.
She was a Greek woman from the region of Tyre and Sidon who sought Jesus' help for her daughter. Despite Jesus' initial testing of her faith by mentioning the 'children's bread,' her humble and persistent response led to her daughter's healing.
Jesus took the man aside privately, put his fingers into the man's ears, and touched the man's tongue with saliva. Looking up to heaven, he spoke the word 'Ephphatha,' which means 'Be opened,' and the man was immediately healed.
Study Note
The word 'Ephphatha' is an Aramaic term preserved in the Greek text, reflecting the original language Jesus likely spoke during this healing.
Related Chapters
Matthew 15
This chapter contains a parallel account of the discussion on tradition and the healing of the Syrophoenician woman's daughter.
Exodus 20
Jesus quotes the Ten Commandments from this chapter when discussing the obligation to honor parents.
Isaiah 29
Jesus cites the prophecy of Isaiah regarding people who honor God with their lips but whose hearts are far from him.
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