Mark 7:11

But ye say, If a man shall say to his father or mother, [It is] Corban, that is to say, a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; [he shall be free].

But {G1161} ye {G5210} say {G3004}, If {G1437} a man {G444} shall say {G2036} to his father {G3962} or {G2228} mother {G3384}, It is Corban {G2878}, that is to say {G3603}, a gift {G1435}, by {G1537} whatsoever {G3739}{G1437} thou mightest be profited by {G5623} me {G1700}; he shall be free.

But you say, `If someone says to his father or mother, "I have promised as a korban" ' " (that is, as a gift to God) " ` "what I might have used to help you," '

But 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),

but ye say, If a man shall say to his father or his mother, That wherewith thou mightest have been profited by me is Corban, that is to say, Given to God;

Commentary

Mark 7:11 captures a significant moment in Jesus' ministry where He exposes the hypocrisy of certain religious traditions that undermined God's direct commandments. This verse specifically highlights the practice of "Corban," revealing how religious loopholes were used to neglect familial duties, particularly the care of aging parents.

Context

This verse is part of a broader discourse in Mark chapter 7 where Jesus confronts the Pharisees and scribes about their strict adherence to human traditions (the "tradition of the elders") over the clear commands of God. They criticized Jesus' disciples for not observing ceremonial handwashing, but Jesus turns the tables, accusing them of nullifying God's word through their own traditions. The "Corban" practice serves as a prime example of this spiritual misdirection.

Understanding "Corban"

The term "Corban" (κορβᾶν in Greek, from the Hebrew קרבן, qorbān) literally means "a gift dedicated to God" or "an offering." In this context, it refers to a vow where an individual would declare certain possessions or assets as dedicated to God. While seemingly pious, the issue Jesus addresses is the abuse of this vow. By declaring assets as "Corban," individuals could avoid using those assets to support their needy parents, claiming they were now sacred and therefore unavailable for secular use, even for filial duty. This allowed them to sidestep the divine command to honor their father and mother, a commandment central to both the Mosaic Law and basic human decency.

Key Themes

  • Prioritizing God's Law over Human Tradition: Jesus emphatically states that human traditions, even those with religious appearances, are worthless if they contradict or nullify God's direct commands. The "Corban" practice shows how religious zeal can be misdirected to avoid genuine obedience.
  • Hypocrisy in Religion: The Pharisees and scribes were outwardly pious but inwardly neglected core principles of love and duty. Jesus exposes their hypocrisy, where external rituals and vows were prioritized over the spirit of the law and true compassion. This is a recurring theme in Jesus' teachings, also seen in Matthew 23:23.
  • Filial Duty and Care for Family: The verse underscores the importance of honoring and caring for one's parents, especially in their old age. This duty is not merely a social custom but a divine commandment, reflecting God's order for family and community. The Apostle Paul later reinforces the importance of caring for one's own family in the New Testament.

Linguistic Insights

The word "Corban" itself is crucial. Its Hebrew root signifies "to draw near," implying something brought near to God, an offering. However, Jesus reveals that this sacred term was being perverted. It wasn't about drawing near to God in genuine worship and obedience, but about creating a loophole to avoid responsibility. The phrase "by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me" indicates that anything that could have been used to benefit or support the parents was declared "Corban," thereby rendering it unusable for their aid.

Practical Application

Mark 7:11 serves as a timeless warning against religious practices that prioritize outward show or legalistic loopholes over genuine obedience to God's heart and practical love for others. It challenges believers to examine their own lives:

  • Are our spiritual practices genuine, or are they sometimes used to excuse us from difficult but necessary duties?
  • Do we prioritize human traditions or comfort over God's clear commands, especially those concerning love for family and neighbor?
  • The verse reminds us that true piety involves not just grand gestures or vows, but also faithful fulfillment of our responsibilities within our families and communities.
This passage encourages an integrity of faith where our actions align with God's will, particularly in demonstrating love and care for those closest to us, including our parents.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Matthew 23:18

    And, Whosoever shall swear by the altar, it is nothing; but whosoever sweareth by the gift that is upon it, he is guilty.

  • 1 Timothy 5:4

    But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to shew piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God.

  • 1 Timothy 5:8

    But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.

  • Matthew 15:5

    But ye say, Whosoever shall say to [his] father or [his] mother, [It is] a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me;
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