What is the meaning of Mark 7:12? He - In the flow of Mark 7, “he” refers to an adult son who has resources his aging parents need. - Jesus personalizes the problem: it is not an abstract policy, but one man standing before his father and mother. (See Exodus 20:12; Ephesians 6:2, both calling every individual to honor parents.) Is no longer permitted - The religious leaders’ rule turned a voluntary vow (“Corban”) into an iron‐clad prohibition. Once the son uttered it, they declared, “You must not reverse it.” - Jesus exposes how human tradition can ban what God commands (Matthew 15:6; Acts 5:29). - The phrase highlights authority: who truly has the right to permit or forbid? God’s Word, not man’s regulations. To do anything - “Anything” shows the sweeping effect. Food, shelter, medical care—every practical help was locked away. - By contrast, Scripture repeatedly calls children to tangible support, not mere sentiment (1 Timothy 5:4, 8; James 2:16). - Their tradition excused total neglect while appearing pious. For his father or mother - God’s intent is protective love for parents who once protected us (Proverbs 23:22; Genesis 45:11). - Even Jesus, in agony on the cross, arranged for Mary’s care (John 19:26-27). - Denying such support violates both the Fifth Commandment and the heart of the gospel’s love ethic. Summary Mark 7:12 shows Jesus confronting a man-made rule that shackled a son’s duty to honor and care for his parents. By branding his resources “Corban,” the son gained religious cover to abandon them, and the leaders enforced it. Jesus declares that this tradition directly contradicts God’s clear command, making the Word “void.” The verse warns us to reject any practice—no matter how religious-sounding—that excuses disobedience to God’s plain instruction to love and provide for our parents. |
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