What is the meaning of Mark 7:11? But you say Jesus contrasts His authoritative word with the human tradition of the religious leaders (Mark 7:6-9). • He has just quoted Isaiah 29:13 to expose lip-service worship. • By beginning, “But you say,” He sets the stage for showing how their teaching nullifies God’s clear command (Exodus 20:12). • This is more than disagreement; it reveals a heart that exalts human rules above divine revelation (Matthew 15:3). that if a man says to his father or mother The issue is intensely practical and relational. • God’s law requires children—even adult children—to honor, respect, and materially care for parents (Deuteronomy 5:16; Proverbs 23:22). • Jesus applies it to a real-life scenario: an aging parent needing support. • By narrowing in on “father or mother,” He shows the personal cost when tradition overrides Scripture (1 Timothy 5:4). Whatever you would have received from me is Corban “Corban” was a formal vow dedicating possessions to God. • The tradition allowed someone to declare future help for parents “off-limits” because it was pledged to the temple (Numbers 30:2). • No actual transfer had to occur immediately; the person retained use of the resources while excusing himself from family responsibility (Mark 7:12-13). • Thus a pious-sounding word became a loophole for selfishness (Isaiah 58:1-7). that is, a gift devoted to God Jesus clarifies for His listeners what “Corban” means. • A genuine gift devoted to God is noble (2 Corinthians 9:7). • Yet God never accepts offerings gained by disobeying His explicit commands (1 Samuel 15:22; Micah 6:6-8). • The tradition masked disobedience with religious language, the very hypocrisy Jesus condemned (Luke 11:42). summary Mark 7:11 exposes how human tradition can cloak rebellion against God. By declaring resources “Corban,” people avoided caring for parents, directly violating God’s command to honor them. Jesus affirms that Scripture’s authority is absolute; any practice, no matter how religious-sounding, that sidesteps clear biblical duty is invalid. Genuine devotion to God never cancels love and tangible care for family but fulfills it. |
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