Mark 7:1

KJV

¶ Then came together unto him the Pharisees, and certain of the scribes, which came from Jerusalem.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G2532} came together {G4863} unto {G4314} him {G846} the Pharisees {G5330}, and {G2532} certain {G5100} of the scribes {G1122}, which came {G2064} from {G575} Jerusalem {G2414}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The P'rushim and some of the Torah-teachers who had come from Yerushalayim gathered together with Yeshua

Berean Standard Bible

Then the Pharisees and some of the scribes who had come from Jerusalem gathered around Jesus,

American Standard Version

And there are gathered together unto him the Pharisees, and certain of the scribes, who had come from Jerusalem,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 7:1 introduces a pivotal confrontation between Jesus and the religious elite, specifically the Pharisees and certain scribes who traveled from Jerusalem. This verse sets the stage for a critical discussion on the nature of true defilement, highlighting the escalating tension between Jesus' teachings on inward purity and the religious leaders' emphasis on external traditions and ceremonial observances. Their deliberate gathering underscores a formal challenge to Jesus' authority and practices, signaling a shift from general scrutiny to direct accusation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Mark 7:1 serves as the immediate prelude to Jesus' powerful rebuke of the Pharisees and scribes concerning their adherence to human traditions over divine commandments. The preceding chapters in Mark's Gospel have showcased Jesus' growing popularity, miraculous power, and authoritative teaching, which inevitably drew the attention and opposition of the religious establishment. Following the feeding of the five thousand and Jesus' walking on water in [Mark 6](/mark/6 "Mark 6 - Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand and Walks on Water"), His fame has spread widely, leading to increased scrutiny. This verse initiates a new discourse, moving from Jesus' actions to a direct theological debate about purity and the law, which continues through [Mark 7:23](/mark/7-23 "Mark 7:23 - What Truly Defiles a Person").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Pharisees were a prominent Jewish sect known for their zealous adherence to both the written Torah and an extensive body of oral traditions, which they considered equally binding. The scribes were legal experts, scholars, and authoritative interpreters of Mosaic Law, often aligned with or members of the Pharisaic party. Their journey "from Jerusalem" is highly significant, indicating that these were not merely local critics but official delegates from the religious capital, the seat of the Sanhedrin and the highest religious authority. This suggests a formal investigation or challenge, underscoring the serious nature of their inquiry into Jesus' activities and those of His disciples, particularly regarding ritual purity laws, which were central to Jewish life and identity.
* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces several crucial themes that permeate Mark's Gospel and are particularly prominent in the ensuing discourse. Firstly, it highlights the **escalating conflict with religious authority**, as the Pharisees and scribes from Jerusalem represent the entrenched opposition to Jesus' ministry. Their presence signals a period of intense **scrutiny and judgment** of Jesus' practices and those of His disciples, leading directly to accusations regarding ceremonial purity. Most importantly, this verse sets up Jesus' profound critique of **the role of tradition**, specifically how human traditions can supersede or even nullify God's direct commands, a theme Jesus powerfully articulates in [Mark 7:6-13](/mark/7-6-13 "Mark 7:6-13 - Jesus Condemns Pharisaic Traditions").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **came together (Greek, _synágō_):** From G4863, meaning "to lead together, i.e., collect or convene; specially, to entertain (hospitably)." In this context, it denotes a deliberate, organized assembly rather than a casual encounter. It implies that these religious leaders specifically sought Jesus out, indicating their intentionality to engage Him, likely with a pre-determined agenda of scrutiny.
* **scribes (Greek, _grammateús_):** From G1122, derived from _grámma_, meaning "a writer, i.e. (professionally) scribe or secretary." These were not mere copyists but highly educated legal experts, scholars, and teachers of the Mosaic Law, whose interpretations held significant authority. Their presence alongside the Pharisees underscores the official and intellectual weight of the delegation.
* **Jerusalem (Greek, _Hierosólyma_):** From G2414, of Hebrew origin (יְרוּשָׁלַ͏ִם), referring to the capitol of Palestine. The origin of these scribes from Jerusalem indicates their status as official representatives of the religious establishment, likely sent by the Sanhedrin or other high authorities to investigate Jesus, lending an air of formal inquiry and heightened opposition to the encounter.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ Then came together unto him":** This phrase signals a new development in the narrative, indicating a deliberate gathering. The Greek term suggests a purposeful assembly, not a chance meeting, emphasizing that these individuals actively sought out Jesus.
* **"the Pharisees, and certain of the scribes":** This identifies the key antagonists. The Pharisees were a prominent Jewish sect known for their strict adherence to the Law and oral traditions. The scribes were legal experts and teachers, often allied with the Pharisees. Their combined presence represents the established religious and legal authority of the day.
* **"which came from Jerusalem":** This detail is crucial. Jerusalem was the religious and political capital, home to the Temple and the Sanhedrin. The arrival of these leaders from Jerusalem signifies that their inquiry into Jesus was not merely local but an official, high-level investigation, indicating the growing concern and opposition from the central religious authorities.

#### Literary Devices
Mark's concise narrative style in this verse effectively uses **Foreshadowing** and **Symbolism**. The arrival of the Pharisees and scribes, especially "from Jerusalem," immediately foreshadows the escalating conflict between Jesus and the religious establishment that will ultimately lead to His crucifixion in Jerusalem. Their presence symbolizes the entrenched religious system and its resistance to the radical, heart-focused message of the Kingdom of God that Jesus proclaimed. The specific mention of their origin from Jerusalem also acts as a subtle **Geographical Symbolism**, linking their authority to the very center of Jewish religious power, thereby heightening the stakes of the ensuing confrontation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 7:1 sets the stage for a profound theological discourse on the nature of true righteousness and the pitfalls of religious legalism. The arrival of the Pharisees and scribes from Jerusalem highlights the tension between external religious observance and internal spiritual purity. Their focus on ceremonial washing, as revealed in the subsequent verses, stands in stark contrast to Jesus' emphasis on the heart as the source of defilement. This encounter underscores the broader biblical theme that God values genuine obedience and a transformed heart over mere outward conformity to human-made rules or even misinterpretations of divine law. It challenges believers to discern between divine commands and human traditions, prioritizing a relationship with God rooted in truth and love.

* [Isaiah 29:13](/isaiah/29-13 "Isaiah 29:13 - Worship with Lips, Not Heart")
* [Matthew 15:1-9](/matthew/15-1-9 "Matthew 15:1-9 - Jesus Confronts Pharisees on Tradition")
* [Romans 2:28-29](/romans/2-28-29 "Romans 2:28-29 - True Circumcision of the Heart")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 7:1, though seemingly a simple introductory verse, carries profound implications for contemporary believers. It confronts us with the reality that religious zeal, when misdirected, can become an obstacle to true faith and genuine relationship with God. The Pharisees and scribes, despite their deep knowledge of the Law and commitment to religious practice, were blinded by their traditions and unable to recognize the divine authority standing before them. This challenges us to honestly examine our own spiritual lives: Are we prioritizing external rituals, cultural norms within our faith communities, or man-made rules over the transformative power of God's Word and the leading of the Holy Spirit? Do we approach scripture and spiritual matters with an open heart, seeking truth, or with a preconceived agenda, looking to validate our own biases or find fault in others? True righteousness flows from a heart transformed by God's grace, not from mere outward conformity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be prioritizing human traditions or external appearances over a sincere, heart-level obedience to God's commands?**
* **How can I cultivate a spirit of genuine inquiry and humility when approaching God's Word, rather than seeking to confirm my own preconceived notions?**
* **What are the "Jerusalems" in my life—sources of authority or influence—that might be subtly leading me away from the simple truth of the Gospel?**

### FAQ
**Why did the Pharisees and scribes come "from Jerusalem" to see Jesus?**

Answer: The phrase "from Jerusalem" is highly significant. It indicates that these were not just local religious leaders but official representatives from the religious capital, the seat of the Sanhedrin (the highest Jewish court) and the center of Jewish religious authority. Their journey suggests a formal delegation, likely dispatched to investigate Jesus and His growing influence. By this point in Jesus' ministry, His teachings and miracles had gained widespread attention, and the religious establishment in Jerusalem was becoming increasingly concerned about His claims and impact on the populace. Their arrival signifies a heightened level of scrutiny and opposition, setting the stage for a direct confrontation over theological and practical matters, as seen in [Mark 7:2-5](/mark/7-2-5 "Mark 7:2-5 - The Disciples' Unwashed Hands").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 7:1, by introducing the confrontation between Jesus and the religious leaders, subtly points to Christ's ultimate fulfillment of the Law and His role as the true interpreter of God's will. The Pharisees and scribes, representing the old covenant's emphasis on external adherence, stand in stark contrast to Jesus, who embodies the new covenant's focus on internal transformation. Jesus, the [Word made flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), came not to abolish the Law but to fulfill it ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")), revealing its true spiritual intent beyond mere ritual. He is the ultimate authority, the [one greater than the Temple](/matthew/12-6 "Matthew 12:6 - Something Greater Than the Temple"), whose teachings expose the inadequacy of human traditions when they obscure God's heart. This encounter foreshadows Jesus' ultimate sacrifice, where He, the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), would cleanse humanity not through ceremonial washings but through His shed blood, establishing a new covenant of grace and truth, making true purity of heart accessible to all who believe in Him ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Christ's Blood Cleanses Conscience")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 15:1

¶ Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying,

Matthew 15:20

These are [the things] which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man.

Mark 3:22

¶ And the scribes which came down from Jerusalem said, He hath Beelzebub, and by the prince of the devils casteth he out devils.

Luke 5:17

¶ And it came to pass on a certain day, as he was teaching, that there were Pharisees and doctors of the law sitting by, which were come out of every town of Galilee, and Judaea, and Jerusalem: and the power of the Lord was [present] to heal them.

Luke 11:53

And as he said these things unto them, the scribes and the Pharisees began to urge [him] vehemently, and to provoke him to speak of many things:

Luke 11:54

Laying wait for him, and seeking to catch something out of his mouth, that they might accuse him.