Mark 7:16

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.

Complete Jewish Bible:

"Anyone who has ears that can hear, let him hear!"

Berean Standard Bible:

American Standard Version:

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

If any man^{G1536} have^{G2192} ears^{G3775} to hear^{G191}, let him hear^{G191}.

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Mark 7:16

Mark 7:16, "If any man have ears to hear, let him hear," is a verse that comes near the end of a longer discourse where Jesus is addressing the Pharisees and scribes regarding the true source of defilement. In the historical context, the Pharisees and other Jewish leaders were concerned with external rituals of purity, such as washing hands before eating, as prescribed by the tradition of the elders. Jesus challenges this focus on outward cleanliness, teaching that it is not what goes into a person from the outside that defiles them, but rather what comes out of them—the evil thoughts, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries, and so on.

The phrase "If any man have ears to hear, let him hear" is a call to spiritual understanding and attentiveness. It is an invitation to listen beyond the literal words and to grasp the deeper spiritual truths that Jesus is conveying. This verse echoes similar calls found in the Old Testament, such as in Isaiah 6:10, where the prophet is told to make the people's ears heavy and their eyes shut, lest they see and hear and understand. Jesus' words are a summons to his listeners to be receptive to his teachings about the heart being the source of true morality, rather than mere adherence to external religious practices.

In summary, Mark 7:16 encapsulates Jesus' message that true religion is a matter of the heart and that his followers must listen and understand with spiritual insight rather than relying on outward observances. It reflects the broader theme in Mark's Gospel of challenging religious hypocrisy and emphasizing sincere faith and action that spring from a transformed heart. This verse serves as a poignant reminder to Christians throughout history to be attentive to the spiritual implications of Jesus' teachings and to live out their faith with authenticity.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: G1536
   There are 68 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: εἴ τις
   Transliteration: eí tis
   Pronunciation: i tis
   Description: from εἰ and τὶς; if any:--he that, if a(-ny) man('s thing, from any, ought), whether any, whosoever.
   
2. Strong's Number: G2192
   There are 628 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἔχω
   Transliteration: échō
   Pronunciation: skheh'-o
   Description: a primary verb; to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or condition):--be (able, X hold, possessed with), accompany, + begin to amend, can(+ -not), X conceive, count, diseased, do + eat, + enjoy, + fear, following, have, hold, keep, + lack, + go to law, lie, + must needs, + of necessity, + need, next, + recover, + reign, + rest, + return, X sick, take for, + tremble, + uncircumcised, use.
   
3. Strong's Number: G3775
   There are 35 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: οὖς
   Transliteration: oûs
   Pronunciation: ooce
   Description: apparently a primary word; the ear (physically or mentally):--ear.
   
4. Strong's Number: G191
   There are 448 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἀκούω
   Transliteration: akoúō
   Pronunciation: ak-oo'-o
   Description: a primary verb; to hear (in various senses):--give (in the) audience (of), come (to the ears), (shall) hear(-er, -ken), be noised, be reported, understand.