Mark 7:11

KJV

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].

KJV (with Strong's)

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.

Complete Jewish Bible

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," '

Berean Standard Bible

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),

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Mark 7:11 unveils Jesus' piercing critique of a religious tradition, "Corban," which allowed individuals to circumvent their divinely mandated duty to care for their aging parents under the guise of piety. This verse exposes the profound hypocrisy of prioritizing human-made religious vows over the clear and compassionate commands of God, highlighting a dangerous spiritual misdirection where outward devotion serves to nullify genuine filial responsibility and the spirit of the Law.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within a broader, confrontational discourse between Jesus and the Pharisees and scribes recorded in [Mark 7:1-23](/mark/7-1-23 "Mark 7:1-23 - Jesus Confronts Human Traditions"). The chapter opens with the religious leaders questioning why Jesus' disciples do not adhere to the "tradition of the elders" concerning ceremonial handwashing. Jesus swiftly turns their critique back on them, accusing them of nullifying God's word by their own traditions. The "Corban" practice serves as Jesus' primary and most damning example of this spiritual perversion, illustrating how their traditions, far from upholding God's law, actively undermined it, particularly the commandment to honor parents. This specific example sets the stage for Jesus' deeper teaching on true defilement, which comes from within the heart, not from external rituals (as elaborated in [Mark 7:14-23](/mark/7-14-23 "Mark 7:14-23 - What Defiles a Person")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Jewish society placed immense value on family and the care of elderly parents, a principle rooted deeply in the Mosaic Law, specifically the Fifth Commandment to [honor one's father and mother](/exodus/20-12 "Exodus 20:12 - The Fifth Commandment"). However, within the complex system of Jewish legalism and vows, a practice known as "Corban" emerged. "Corban" (Hebrew: *qorbān*) referred to anything dedicated to God, often as a vow, rendering it sacred and therefore theoretically unavailable for common use. While the intention of vows could be pious, the abuse of "Corban" allowed individuals to declare their assets or income as dedicated to God, thereby avoiding the financial obligation to support their parents, claiming the funds were now "holy" and thus exempt from familial duty. This practice, though seemingly religious, was a legalistic loophole that exploited a sacred concept for selfish ends, directly contradicting the spirit and letter of God's law.
* **Key Themes:** This passage profoundly contributes to several key themes prevalent in Mark's Gospel and Jesus' ministry. Firstly, it underscores the **supremacy of God's divine law over human tradition**. Jesus consistently challenges the Pharisees' elevation of their oral traditions above the written Torah, demonstrating that true piety involves obedience to God's heart, not just external rituals or legalistic interpretations. Secondly, it exposes the pervasive theme of **religious hypocrisy**. The leaders' outward show of devotion and meticulous adherence to man-made rules stood in stark contrast to their neglect of fundamental moral and ethical duties, particularly the compassionate care for family members. This hypocrisy is a recurrent target of Jesus' teaching, as seen in His woes against the Pharisees in [Matthew 23](/matthew/23 "Matthew 23 - Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees"). Finally, the passage emphasizes the **sacredness of filial duty and family care**. The commandment to honor parents is not merely a social custom but a divine imperative, reflecting God's design for human relationships and societal order. Jesus' strong condemnation of "Corban" reaffirms the enduring importance of caring for one's own, a principle later echoed by the Apostle Paul in [1 Timothy 5:8](/1_timothy/5-8 "1 Timothy 5:8 - Providing for One's Own Household").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Corban (Greek, _korbân'_):** This term, derived from Hebrew, signifies "a votive offering" or "a consecrated present to the Temple fund." In this context, it refers to a solemn vow or declaration that a possession or asset is dedicated to God, making it sacred and, by extension, unavailable for other uses. Jesus highlights how this sacred concept was perverted into a legalistic loophole to evade familial responsibility.
* **gift (Greek, _dōron'_):** This word denotes something given, a present, or an offering. Here, it clarifies the nature of "Corban" as a dedicated offering. The irony lies in the fact that what was declared a "gift to God" simultaneously became an excuse to withhold a necessary "gift" (support) from one's parents, thereby twisting the very essence of giving.
* **profited (Greek, _ōpheléō'_):** Meaning "to be useful" or "to benefit," this word underscores the practical impact of the "Corban" vow. The phrase "by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me" indicates that any financial or material assistance that could have been rendered to the parents was deliberately withheld by declaring it "Corban." This reveals the self-serving nature of the practice, as it allowed individuals to avoid their duty while maintaining an appearance of piety.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But ye say, If a man shall say to his father or mother,"**: This opening clause immediately sets up a contrast ("But ye say") between God's command (mentioned in the preceding verses) and the Pharisees' teaching. It introduces a hypothetical scenario where an individual addresses their parents, laying the groundwork for the "Corban" declaration.
* **"[It is] Corban, that is to say, a gift,"**: This is the core of the declaration. The man declares that whatever aid or resources his parents might have expected from him is now "Corban," meaning it is a "gift" dedicated to God. This declaration effectively renders the assets untouchable for the parents' benefit, creating a religious barrier to their support.
* **"by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me;"**: This phrase clarifies the scope of the "Corban" vow. It applies to anything that could have been used to benefit, assist, or support the parents. This highlights the comprehensive nature of the evasion, as the vow covered any potential means of filial care.
* **"[he shall be free]."**: Although bracketed in the KJV, this implied conclusion is crucial to understanding the impact of the "Corban" declaration. By making this vow, the individual believed they were absolved or "free" from their obligation to support their parents, effectively nullifying the Fifth Commandment.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 7:11 employs several powerful literary devices to underscore Jesus' condemnation of the "Corban" practice. **Irony** is central, as a sacred term ("Corban," meaning a gift to God) is perverted to justify the neglect of a divine command (honoring parents). What should be an act of devotion becomes an act of evasion. There is also a clear **Contrast** established between the outward show of piety (making a vow to God) and the inward reality of disobedience and lack of compassion. Jesus highlights the **Paradox** that by claiming to honor God more (through a vow), they were actually dishonoring Him by violating His explicit command regarding human relationships. Furthermore, the use of **Direct Speech** ("But ye say...") vividly presents the Pharisees' teaching, allowing Jesus to directly confront their words and their underlying motives.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 7:11 is a profound theological statement on the nature of true worship and obedience. It teaches that genuine piety is not found in rigid adherence to human traditions or legalistic loopholes, but in a heart that prioritizes God's explicit commands, especially those that foster love, compassion, and justice within human relationships. The "Corban" practice exemplifies how religious zeal, when untethered from the spirit of God's law, can become a tool for self-interest and a barrier to true righteousness. Jesus consistently challenged the notion that external rituals or vows could substitute for internal transformation and practical obedience, emphasizing that God desires mercy and not sacrifice when it contradicts the law's intent.

* [Matthew 15:3-6](/matthew/15-3-6 "Matthew 15:3-6 - Jesus Condemns Pharisaic Tradition")
* [Leviticus 27:9-10](/leviticus/27-9-10 "Leviticus 27:9-10 - Laws Concerning Vows")
* [Proverbs 28:24](/proverbs/28-24 "Proverbs 28:24 - Robbing Parents")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 7:11 serves as a timeless mirror, inviting believers to critically examine their own spiritual practices and priorities. It challenges us to discern whether our religious observances, traditions, or even our vows genuinely align with God's heart and His clear commands, or if they inadvertently become excuses for neglecting our responsibilities, especially towards those in our immediate sphere of influence. True faith is holistic, manifesting not only in outward devotion but also in the humble, consistent fulfillment of our duties within family and community. This passage calls us to an integrity of faith where our actions, particularly our care for the vulnerable and our obedience to fundamental ethical principles, speak louder than any declared piety, ensuring that our "gifts to God" do not come at the expense of our love for neighbor.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Are there areas in my life where I prioritize religious "appearances" or traditions over direct commands from God, especially concerning love for others?**
* **How do I balance my devotion to God with my practical responsibilities and care for my family and community?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to use spiritual justifications to avoid difficult but necessary duties?**
* **What does "honoring my father and mother" truly look like in my current life stage and circumstances?**

### FAQ

**What exactly was "Corban" and why was it problematic?**

Answer: "Corban" (κορβᾶν) was a Hebrew term meaning "a gift dedicated to God" or "an offering." In practice, it referred to a vow where an individual would declare certain possessions or assets as consecrated to God, making them sacred and thus unavailable for secular use. The problem, as Jesus highlights in [Mark 7:11](/mark/7-11 "Mark 7:11 - The Corban Tradition"), was not the concept of dedication itself, but its abuse. Individuals used this vow as a loophole to avoid their divinely mandated responsibility to financially support their aging parents. By declaring their assets "Corban," they could claim these funds were now "God's" and therefore could not be used to care for their needy parents, effectively nullifying the Fifth Commandment to [honor one's father and mother](/exodus/20-12 "Exodus 20:12 - The Fifth Commandment").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 7:11, while exposing the perversion of human tradition, ultimately points to Christ as the fulfillment of God's true law and the embodiment of genuine obedience. Jesus, unlike the hypocritical Pharisees, perfectly honored His Father in heaven by completely fulfilling His will, even to the point of death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). He did not seek loopholes or use religious pretexts to avoid His divine mission or human responsibilities. Instead, He exemplified true filial honor, not only to His heavenly Father but also to His earthly mother, as seen in His provision for her care even from the cross ([John 19:26-27](/john/19-26-27 "John 19:26-27 - Jesus Cares for His Mother")). Jesus' teaching here underscores that true righteousness is not found in external declarations or legalistic interpretations, but in a heart fully devoted to God and expressed through compassionate love for others, a love perfectly demonstrated by Christ Himself, who came not to abolish the Law but to fulfill it ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). He is the ultimate "gift" given by God, one that truly profits humanity by taking away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), unlike the self-serving "Corban" gifts of men.

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 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;