The Tradition of the Elders 1Then the Pharisees and some of the scribes who had come from Jerusalem gathered around Jesus, 2and they saw some of His disciples eating with hands that were defiled—that is, unwashed. 3Now in holding to the tradition of the elders, the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat until they wash their hands ceremonially.a 4And on returning from the market, they do not eat unless they wash. And there are many other traditions for them to observe, including the washing of cups, pitchers, kettles, and couches for dining.b 5So 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.” 6Jesus answered them, “Isaiah prophesied correctly about you hypocrites, as it is written: ‘These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. 7They worship Me in vain; they teach as doctrine the precepts of men.’c 8You have disregarded the commandment of God to keep the tradition of men.d” 9He went on to say, “You neatly set aside the command of God to maintaine your own tradition. 10For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and your mother’f and ‘Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death.’g 11But you say that if a man says to his father or mother, ‘Whatever you would have received from me is Corban’ (that is, a gift devoted to God), 12he is no longer permitted to do anything for his father or mother. 13Thus you nullify the word of God by the tradition you have handed down. And you do so in many such matters.” What Defiles a Man 14Once again Jesus called the crowd to Him and said, “All of you, listen to Me and understand: 15Nothing that enters a man from the outside can defile him; but the things that come out of a man, these are what defile him.”h 17After Jesus had left the crowd and gone into the house, His disciples inquired about the parable. 18“Are you still so dull?” He asked. “Do you not understand? Nothing that enters a man from the outside can defile him, 19because it does not enter his heart, but it goes into the stomach and then is eliminated.” (Thus all foods are clean.)i 20He continued: “What comes out of a man, that is what defiles him. 21For from within the hearts of men come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery,j 22greed, wickedness, deceit, debauchery, envy, slander, arrogance, and foolishness. 23All these evils come from within, and these are what defile a man.” The Faith of the Gentile Woman 24Jesus left that place and went to the region of Tyre.k Not wanting anyone to know He was there, He entered a house, but was unable to escape their notice. 25Instead, a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit soon heard about Jesus, and she came and fell at His feet. 26Now she was a Greek woman of Syrophoenician origin, and she kept asking Jesus to drive the demon out of her daughter. 27“First let the children have their fill,” He said. “For it is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.” 28“Yes, Lord,” she replied, “even the dogsl under the table eat the children’s crumbs.” 29Then Jesus told her, “Because of this answer, you may go. The demon has left your daughter.” 30And she went home and found her child lying on the bed, and the demon was gone. The Deaf and Mute Man 31Then Jesus left the region of Tyre and went through Sidon to the Sea of Galilee and into the region of the Decapolis.m 32Some people brought to Him a man who was deaf and hardly able to speak, and they begged Jesus to place His hand on him. 33So Jesus took him aside privately, away from the crowd, and put His fingers into the man’s ears. Then He spit and touched the man’s tongue. 34And looking up to heaven, He sighed deeply and said to him, “Ephphatha!” (which means, “Be opened!”). 35Immediatelyn the man’s ears were opened and his tongue was released, and he began to speak plainly. 36Jesus ordered them not to tell anyone. But the more He ordered them, the more widely they proclaimed it. 37The people were utterly astonished and said, “He has done all things well! He makes even the deaf hear and the mute speak!” Footnotes: 3 a Literally until they have washed their hands to the fist 4 b NE and WH cups, pitchers, and kettles. 7 c Isaiah 29:13 (see also LXX) 8 d BYZ and TR include —washings of pots and cups and many such things like these. 9 e NA establish 10 f Exodus 20:12; Deuteronomy 5:16 10 g Exodus 21:17; Leviticus 20:9 15 h BYZ and TR include 16If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear. 19 i Or and then is eliminated, thereby expelling all foods.” 21 j Many texts move adultery to verse 22. 24 k WH, BYZ, and TR include and Sidon; see Matthew 15:21. 28 l Or puppies 31 m That is, the Ten Cities 35 n ECM, WH, and SBL do not include Immediately. Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub  Mark 7 Summary Tradition and faithVerses 1–13 – Clean Hands, Unclean Hearts Verses 14–23 – What Truly Defiles Verses 24–30 – A Mother’s Persistent Faith Verses 31–37 – Ears Opened, Tongue Released In Mark 7, a striking confrontation between Jesus and the religious leaders concerning ritual purity rules sets the stage for a profound teaching about the true source of impurity. This chapter narrates two healing miracles, including one involving a Gentile woman, emphasizing Jesus' ministry's inclusiveness and the power of faith. Historical Background First-century Judaism held oral traditions—later written in the Mishnah—alongside Scripture. Ritual hand-washing before meals (netilat yadayim) symbolized priestly purity extended to everyday life. By treating these customs as equal to Scripture, leaders created a spiritual burden that Jesus confronts. The Pharisees’ Ritual Washings • Based on Exodus 30:17-21, priests washed before tabernacle service. • Pharisees expanded this to all Israelites and even to “cups, pitchers, kettles, and couches” (Mark 7:4). • Archaeology at Qumran shows stone vessels prized for ritual purity, illustrating how widespread these concerns were. Corban and Honor for Parents “Corban” (Aramaic, “given to God”) allowed a vow that dedicated property to the temple, making it unavailable for family support. Jesus cites Exodus 20:12 and Deuteronomy 5:16 to show that such vows violate God’s command to honor parents. Compare with Numbers 30:2 on keeping vows—never meant to override moral law. Defilement and the Heart Throughout Scripture • Jeremiah 17:9: “The heart is deceitful above all things.” • Proverbs 4:23: “Guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” • Psalm 51:10: “Create in me a clean heart, O God.” Jesus’ list in verses 21-22 echoes these truths: sin originates inside, not in external contact. Jesus Declares All Foods Clean Mark’s parenthetical note (“Thus all foods are clean,” v.19) anticipates Acts 10:15, where Peter hears, “What God has made clean, you must not call impure.” The dietary shift shows the coming inclusion of Gentiles and the fulfillment of ceremonial law in Christ (Colossians 2:16-17). The Syrophoenician Woman and the Expansion to the Gentiles Tyre was a wealthy Phoenician port, historically hostile to Israel (Ezekiel 26-28). Jesus’ journey there signals the gospel’s reach beyond Jewish borders. Her faith fulfills Genesis 12:3—“all families of the earth will be blessed through you.” Matthew 15:21-28 records the same event, calling her a Canaanite, underscoring ancient enmity overcome by faith. Archaeology and Geography • Tyre: ruins of the Roman cardo (main street) and mosaic floors illuminate the city’s prosperity. • Sidon: coastal city 20 miles north of Tyre, famous for purple dye. • Decapolis: ten Hellenistic cities east of the Jordan; Beth-shan/Scythopolis is well-excavated with theaters and colonnades, showing Greco-Roman culture where Jesus healed the deaf man. Language and Culture • “Corban” illustrates Aramaic loanwords within Greek Mark. • “Ephphatha” preserves Jesus’ original Aramaic command, making the miracle vivid and personal. • Mark often keeps Aramaic terms (Talitha koum, Abba) to add eyewitness flavor. Miracle Methodology Jesus sometimes heals with a word (7:29) and other times with touch and symbols (7:33). Spittle and touch were culturally understood signs of healing power; yet Jesus’ sigh (v.34) shows compassion, not magic. The variety underscores His authority rather than a set formula. Practical Takeaways • Authentic worship comes from obedient hearts, not ritual performance. • Tradition is worthy only when it aligns with Scripture. • Parents deserve honor throughout life; spiritual excuses cannot cancel moral duty. • True cleanliness is moral, not ceremonial. • Persistent, humble faith—even from unlikely people—moves the heart of Jesus. • Jesus opens ears and loosens tongues; He still enables believers to hear truth and speak it clearly. Connections to Other Gospel Accounts • Matthew 15 parallels the first three sections but omits the deaf man, while Mark omits the feeding of the four thousand until chapter 8. • Luke 11:37-41 shows a similar dispute about washing, confirming the pattern of Jesus challenging externalism. • John 5:45-47 echoes Jesus’ critique: “If you believed Moses, you would believe Me.” Overview of Key Themes 1. Scripture over tradition. 2. Sin springs from the heart. 3. The widening circle of mercy to Gentiles. 4. Jesus’ compassionate power. 5. The call to hear and speak rightly. Mark 7 moves the account from debates about purity to demonstrations of grace, revealing a Savior who cleanses hearts, welcomes outsiders, and “does all things well.” Connections to Additional Scriptures Matthew 15:1-20A parallel account of Jesus' teaching on tradition and defilement. Isaiah 29:13 These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Proverbs 4:23 Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life. Acts 10:34-35 Peter's realization that God shows no favoritism but accepts those from every nation who fear Him. Teaching Points Tradition vs. CommandmentJesus criticizes the Pharisees for prioritizing human traditions over God's commandments. You have let go of the commandment of God and are holding on to the tradition of men (Mark 7:8). True Defilement Jesus teaches that it is not what enters a person from the outside that defiles them, but what comes from within. For from within the hearts of men come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery (Mark 7:21). Heart Condition The focus is on the heart's condition rather than external rituals. Jesus emphasizes that true purity is a matter of the heart. Inclusivity of the Gospel The chapter also includes the account of the Syrophoenician woman, highlighting that faith, not ethnicity or tradition, grants access to God's grace. Practical Applications Examine TraditionsReflect on personal and church traditions. Are they aligned with Scripture, or have they become barriers to genuine faith? Guard Your Heart Regularly assess the condition of your heart. Are there attitudes or thoughts that need to be surrendered to God? Embrace Inclusivity Recognize that the Gospel is for all people. Are there ways you can be more inclusive in sharing your faith? Prioritize God's Word Make a conscious effort to prioritize God's commandments over human traditions in your daily life. People 1. JesusJesus is the central figure in Mark 7. He is depicted as a teacher and healer, engaging with the Pharisees and the crowd, and performing miracles. In this chapter, He addresses issues of tradition versus God's commandments and performs a healing miracle for a Gentile woman's daughter. 2. Pharisees The Pharisees are a group of Jewish religious leaders who confront Jesus about His disciples not following the traditional ceremonial washing of hands. They are often depicted as strict adherents to Jewish law and tradition. 3. Scribes The scribes, often associated with the Pharisees, are experts in Jewish law. They join the Pharisees in questioning Jesus about His disciples' practices. 4. Disciples The disciples are followers of Jesus who are present during His teachings and interactions with the Pharisees. They are questioned by Jesus about their understanding of His teachings on what defiles a person. 5. Crowd The crowd refers to the general populace who gather around Jesus to hear His teachings. Jesus addresses them directly to explain what truly defiles a person. 6. Syrophoenician Woman A Gentile woman of Syrophoenician origin who approaches Jesus to heal her demon-possessed daughter. Her faith is highlighted when she responds to Jesus' initial reluctance with humility and persistence. 7. Daughter of the Syrophoenician Woman The daughter is afflicted by an unclean spirit and is healed by Jesus at the request of her mother. Her healing demonstrates Jesus' power and willingness to extend His ministry beyond the Jewish people. 8. Deaf and Mute Man A man brought to Jesus in the region of Decapolis who is deaf and has a speech impediment. Jesus heals him, demonstrating His compassion and divine authority. Places 1. GennesaretMark 7:1 does not explicitly mention Gennesaret, but the preceding context in Mark 6:53 indicates that Jesus and His disciples were in the region of Gennesaret. This area is located on the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee and was known for its fertile land. The Greek root for Gennesaret is "Γεννησαρέτ" (Gennesaret), which refers to this specific region. 2. Tyre In Mark 7:24, Jesus travels to the region of Tyre. Tyre was a significant Phoenician city located on the Mediterranean coast, north of Galilee. It was known for its commerce and wealth. The Greek name for Tyre is "Τύρος" (Tyros), reflecting its historical and geographical importance. 3. Sidon Mark 7:31 mentions that Jesus went through Sidon. Sidon, like Tyre, was a prominent Phoenician city on the Mediterranean coast. It is located further north of Tyre and was known for its ancient trade and seafaring activities. The Greek name for Sidon is "Σιδών" (Sidon). 4. Decapolis Also in Mark 7:31, Jesus travels through the region of the Decapolis. The Decapolis was a group of ten cities on the eastern frontier of the Roman Empire in Judea and Syria. The name "Decapolis" comes from the Greek "Δεκάπολις," meaning "ten cities," highlighting its composition of a league of cities. Events 1. Pharisees and Scribes Question Jesus (Mark 7:1-5)The Pharisees and some scribes from Jerusalem gather around Jesus and notice that some of His disciples eat with "defiled" hands, meaning they did not perform the traditional ceremonial washing. This practice is rooted in the Jewish tradition of ritual purity. 2. Jesus Rebukes the Pharisees (Mark 7:6-13) Jesus responds by quoting Isaiah, saying, "These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me" (Mark 7:6). He criticizes them for holding to human traditions over God's commandments, specifically mentioning the tradition of Corban, which allowed people to neglect their parents under the guise of dedicating resources to God. 3. Teaching about True Defilement (Mark 7:14-23) Jesus calls the crowd to Him and explains that nothing outside a person can defile them by going into them, but rather what comes out of a person defiles them. He elaborates privately to His disciples, listing evil thoughts and actions that come from the heart, such as "sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery" (Mark 7:21). 4. The Faith of a Gentile Woman (Mark 7:24-30) Jesus travels to the region of Tyre and Sidon, where a Syrophoenician woman begs Him to cast a demon out of her daughter. Jesus initially responds with a metaphor about children and dogs, but the woman’s faith and humility lead Him to heal her daughter, demonstrating the inclusivity of His ministry. 5. Healing of a Deaf and Mute Man (Mark 7:31-37) Jesus returns to the region of the Decapolis, where people bring Him a man who is deaf and has a speech impediment. Jesus takes the man aside, touches his ears and tongue, and says, "Ephphatha," meaning "Be opened" (Mark 7:34). The man is healed, and the people are astonished, proclaiming, "He has done all things well" (Mark 7:37). Topics 1. Traditions of the Elders (Mark 7:1-13)In this passage, Jesus confronts the Pharisees and scribes about their adherence to human traditions over God's commandments. He criticizes them for nullifying the word of God for the sake of tradition. The Greek term "παράδοσις" (paradosis) is used for "tradition," highlighting the human customs that were being prioritized over divine law. 2. What Defiles a Man (Mark 7:14-23) Jesus teaches the crowd that it is not what enters a person from the outside that defiles them, but what comes from within. He lists various sins that originate from the heart, emphasizing the internal nature of true defilement. The Greek word "κοινόω" (koinoo) is used for "defile," indicating a state of being common or unclean. 3. The Faith of a Gentile Woman (Mark 7:24-30) This section recounts the account of a Syrophoenician woman who approaches Jesus to heal her demon-possessed daughter. Despite initial resistance, her faith and persistence lead to her daughter's healing. The interaction highlights the breaking of cultural and ethnic barriers, as Jesus extends His ministry beyond the Jewish people. 4. The Healing of a Deaf and Mute Man (Mark 7:31-37) Jesus heals a man who is deaf and has a speech impediment. He takes the man aside, uses physical gestures, and speaks the Aramaic word "Ephphatha," meaning "Be opened." This miracle demonstrates Jesus' compassion and power, as well as His ability to restore both physical and spiritual faculties. Themes 1. Tradition vs. CommandmentJesus addresses the Pharisees and scribes about their adherence to human traditions over God's commandments. He quotes Isaiah, saying, "These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me" (Mark 7:6). The Greek word for "tradition" (παράδοσις, paradosis) highlights the human customs that were being prioritized over divine law. 2. Purity and Defilement Jesus teaches that true defilement comes from within, not from external sources. He states, "There is nothing outside a man that can defile him if it enters him, but the things that come out of a man, these are what defile him" (Mark 7:15). This theme emphasizes the importance of inner purity over ritual cleanliness. 3. Hypocrisy of Religious Leaders Jesus criticizes the religious leaders for their hypocrisy, as they "set aside the commandment of God to maintain their own tradition" (Mark 7:9). The Greek term for "hypocrisy" (ὑπόκρισις, hypokrisis) refers to acting or pretending, highlighting the leaders' insincerity. 4. Heart Condition The focus on the heart is central, as Jesus explains that evil thoughts and actions originate from within. He lists various sins, saying, "All these evils come from within, and these are what defile a man" (Mark 7:23). The Greek word for "heart" (καρδία, kardia) underscores the inner moral and spiritual state. 5. Inclusivity of the Gospel The account of the Syrophoenician woman demonstrates the inclusivity of Jesus' ministry. Despite being a Gentile, her faith leads to her daughter's healing. Jesus tells her, "For such a reply, you may go; the demon has left your daughter" (Mark 7:29). This theme highlights the breaking of ethnic and cultural barriers in the spread of the Gospel. 6. Faith and Healing The healing of the deaf and mute man illustrates the power of faith and Jesus' compassion. Jesus takes the man aside and heals him, saying, "Ephphatha!" (which means "Be opened!") (Mark 7:34). The Aramaic term "Ephphatha" signifies the miraculous opening of both physical and spiritual barriers. Answering Tough Questions 1. Why does Jesus openly criticize ritual hand-washing (Mark 7:1–13) if it has clear roots in Old Testament law? 2. Does Jesus’ challenge to “Corban” in Mark 7:9–13 contradict the biblical command to honor parents? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. What does this chapter reveal about the dangers of valuing tradition over God's commandments? 2. How does Jesus redefine defilement and purity in this chapter? 3. How does the encounter with the Syrophoenician woman reveal Jesus' perspective on faith and ethnicity? 4. What lessons can you learn from the faith of the Gentile woman? 5. Why do you think Jesus chose to heal the deaf and mute man in such a unique way? 6. What does the crowd's response to Jesus' healing miracle reveal about their understanding of Him? 7. How can you apply Jesus' teaching about inner defilement in your life? 8. How does the woman's persistent faith inspire you in your faith journey? 9. How do you reconcile the challenging response Jesus initially gives to the Syrophoenician woman with His character? 10. In what ways can you challenge your traditions and practices against God's Word? 11. How can the Pharisees' attitudes serve as a warning for us today? 12. How does this chapter's portrayal of Jesus inspire you? 13. How would you respond to someone accusing you of disregarding traditions? 14. How can you ensure that your heart is clean before God? 15. What barriers, if any, do you believe can hinder God's healing and miracles in your life? 16. How can you demonstrate faith like the Syrophoenician woman in your daily life? 17. How does this chapter challenge your understanding of who can receive God's blessings? 18. What steps can you take to ensure your faith is based on God's commandments rather than human traditions? 19. How does understanding that impurity comes from within impact your actions and thoughts? 20. How can you promote and encourage faith in your community, as seen in the faith of the Gentile woman? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions |
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