Mark 7:12

And ye suffer him no more to do ought for his father or his mother;

And ^{G2532} ye suffer ^{G863} him ^{G846} no more ^{G3765} to do ^{G4160} ought ^{G3762} for his ^{G846} father ^{G3962} or ^{G2228} his ^{G846} mother ^{G3384};

then you no longer let him do anything for his father or mother.

he is no longer permitted to do anything for his father or mother.

ye no longer suffer him to do aught for his father or his mother;

Mark 7:12 is a powerful statement from Jesus, delivered as part of His sharp rebuke of the Pharisees and scribes. In this verse, Jesus exposes the hypocrisy of their religious traditions, specifically how they used the "Corban" vow to nullify the clear commandment to honor one's parents.

Context

This verse is embedded within a larger discourse (Mark 7:1-23) where Jesus confronts the religious leaders about their rigid adherence to human traditions (such as ceremonial washing) while neglecting the spirit and letter of God's law. Specifically, Mark 7:12 highlights the perversion of the "Corban" vow. The term "Corban" (Mark 7:11) referred to a gift or offering dedicated to God. The Pharisees had developed a tradition that allowed individuals to declare their assets or income "Corban," thus making it off-limits for supporting their parents, even if those parents were in dire need. By doing so, they found a loophole to avoid their familial responsibilities, directly contradicting the Fifth Commandment to honor one's father and mother (Exodus 20:12; Deuteronomy 5:16).

Key Themes

Hypocrisy and Misplaced Priorities: The verse starkly reveals the religious leaders' hypocrisy. They upheld a man-made tradition that allowed them to appear pious by dedicating resources to God, yet it simultaneously enabled them to neglect a fundamental divine command concerning familial duty.
Supremacy of God's Law: Jesus unequivocally asserts that God's commandments always take precedence over human traditions, especially when those traditions undermine or nullify divine instruction.
Filial Duty: The passage underscores the enduring biblical principle of children caring for their parents, a duty so vital it is enshrined in the Ten Commandments. Jesus emphasizes that true righteousness includes practical care for family.

Linguistic Insights

The core of this passage revolves around the term Corban (Greek: κορβᾶν, korban), a transliteration of a Hebrew word meaning "a gift" or "an offering" dedicated to God. While originally a legitimate concept of dedication, the Pharisees' interpretation twisted its purpose, making it a convenient excuse to avoid moral obligation. The phrase "ye suffer him no more to do ought" highlights the *active permission* and *endorsement* of this neglect by the religious authorities, effectively preventing individuals from fulfilling their God-given duty to their parents.

Practical Application

Mark 7:12 serves as a timeless warning against prioritizing religious rituals, personal convenience, or even seemingly spiritual acts over genuine obedience to God's clear commands, especially those concerning love and care for others. It challenges believers to examine their own lives: Are there "traditions" or excuses we employ that subtly undermine our responsibilities to God or to those He has placed in our care? This verse reminds us of the biblical call to care for our own household, particularly aging parents, as a vital expression of faith and love. Ultimately, true devotion is demonstrated not just by outward religious acts, but by a heart that seeks to obey God's Word in all aspects of life.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

No cross-references found for this verse.