Mark 7:14

KJV

And when he had called all the people [unto him], he said unto them, Hearken unto me every one [of you], and understand:

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} when he had called {G4341} all {G3956} the people {G3793} unto him, he said {G3004} unto them {G846}, Hearken {G191} unto me {G3450} every one {G3956} of you, and {G2532} understand {G4920}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Then Yeshua called the people to him again and said, "Listen to me, all of you, and understand this!

Berean Standard Bible

Once again Jesus called the crowd to Him and said, “All of you, listen to Me and understand:

American Standard Version

And he called to him the multitude again, and said unto them, Hear me all of you, and understand:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 7:14 marks a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry, as He shifts His focus from a contentious debate with the religious authorities to a direct, urgent address to the general populace. This verse captures Jesus' profound desire for all people to move beyond superficial adherence to external traditions and to grasp the foundational spiritual truth about the true source of defilement, setting the stage for His radical redefinition of purity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Jesus' intense confrontation with the Pharisees and scribes, who challenged His disciples for not observing the traditional hand-washing rituals before eating. Jesus vehemently rebuked them, accusing them of prioritizing human traditions over God's explicit commands, particularly citing their perversion of the [Corban vow](/mark/7-9-13 "Mark 7:9-13 - Jesus Condemns Corban Tradition"). Having exposed the hypocrisy and spiritual blindness of the religious elite, Jesus then turns from this specific debate to address the broader crowd, signaling a shift from defending His disciples' actions to proclaiming a universal truth that transcends the legalistic squabbles, preparing them for the revolutionary teaching in [Mark 7:15](/mark/7-15 "Mark 7:15 - What Truly Defiles a Person").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Jewish society placed immense importance on ritual purity, particularly as interpreted by the Pharisees. They had developed an elaborate system of oral traditions, known as the "tradition of the elders," which they considered equally binding as the written Torah. These traditions included specific washings for hands, cups, and pots, intended to prevent ritual defilement. This emphasis on external purity often overshadowed the deeper moral and spiritual requirements of God's law. Jesus' teaching directly challenged this deeply ingrained cultural and religious framework, asserting that true defilement was not a matter of external contact or dietary laws, but originated from the heart, a concept that would have been profoundly unsettling to many of His listeners.
* **Key Themes:** Mark 7:14 introduces several critical themes that permeate Jesus' ministry and the Gospel of Mark. Firstly, it highlights Jesus' **universal call** to understanding, extending His teaching beyond the inner circle of disciples or the religious elite to "all the people." This underscores the accessibility and relevance of His message for everyone. Secondly, it emphasizes the importance of **active and discerning listening**, as indicated by the dual commands "Hearken" and "understand." Jesus desires not merely passive hearing but deep comprehension and spiritual insight into His teachings, particularly concerning the nature of true purity and defilement, which is further expounded in [Mark 7:18-23](/mark/7-18-23 "Mark 7:18-23 - The Source of Defilement is the Heart"). Finally, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **internal versus external righteousness**, a core tenet of Jesus' teaching that contrasts the Pharisees' focus on outward observance with God's concern for the condition of the human heart, a theme also powerfully articulated in the [Sermon on the Mount](/matthew/5-7 "Matthew 5-7 - The Sermon on the Mount").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hearken (Greek, _akoúō'_):** This primary verb means "to hear" in various senses, often implying attentive listening and even obedience. In this context, Jesus is not merely asking for His audience to perceive sound, but to give careful audience to His words, suggesting a readiness to receive and respond to the truth He is about to impart. It is a call to active, engaged listening that goes beyond the superficial.
* **Every one (Greek, _pâs'_):** This word encompasses "all," "any," and "the whole." Its inclusion here emphasizes the universal scope of Jesus' summons. He is not speaking to a select group, but to the entire crowd, indicating that the truth He is about to reveal is foundational and applicable to every individual, regardless of their social standing or religious background. It underscores the inclusive nature of His kingdom message.
* **Understand (Greek, _syníēmi'_):** Derived from "to put together," this verb means "to comprehend," "discern," or "grasp mentally." Jesus' command to understand goes beyond mere intellectual assent; it implies a call to deep spiritual insight and a capacity to discern the true meaning and implications of His teaching. It suggests a transformation of thought that allows one to correctly perceive spiritual realities, contrasting with the superficial understanding of the Pharisees.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when he had called all the people [unto him]":** This clause signifies a deliberate and inclusive action by Jesus. Having just engaged in a private, contentious debate with the religious leaders, Jesus intentionally summons the general populace. The phrase "all the people" (Greek: _pâs ho ochlos_) highlights the universal scope of His invitation, indicating that the message He is about to deliver is for everyone, not just His disciples or the religious elite. It emphasizes His desire to communicate directly with the masses, bypassing the intermediaries who had just proven resistant to His truth.
* **"he said unto them, ‹Hearken unto me every one [of you], and understand:›":** This is Jesus' direct and authoritative command to the gathered crowd. The dual imperatives "Hearken" (Greek: _akoúete_) and "understand" (Greek: _syníete_) stress the urgency and importance of His forthcoming teaching. "Hearken" calls for attentive, active listening, implying a readiness to receive and obey. "Every one of you" reiterates the universal nature of the call, ensuring no one feels excluded. "Understand" elevates the command beyond mere auditory perception; it demands deep comprehension and spiritual discernment, urging them to grasp the profound implications of what He is about to say, which will challenge their ingrained notions of purity.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 7:14 employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Direct Address**, as Jesus explicitly calls "all the people unto him" and then directly commands them, "Hearken unto me every one [of you], and understand." This immediate and personal address creates a sense of urgency and intimacy, drawing the audience into the unfolding revelation. There is also a strong sense of **Contrast** established by the narrative's structure: Jesus has just finished a private, sharp exchange with the Pharisees, characterized by their legalistic blindness. Now, He turns to the public with an open, inclusive invitation to true spiritual insight, highlighting the difference between the closed-mindedness of the religious leaders and the open accessibility of His teaching to those with a listening heart. Furthermore, the two imperatives, "Hearken" and "understand," function as a **Parallelism** or **Hendriadic** construction, emphasizing that true listening must lead to genuine comprehension, not just auditory reception. This rhetorical pairing underscores the depth of engagement Jesus expects from His audience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 7:14 serves as a crucial theological pivot, redirecting the focus from external, ceremonial purity to internal, moral purity. It highlights Jesus' authority to reinterpret and transcend the Mosaic Law's ceremonial aspects, anticipating the New Covenant's emphasis on the heart over outward observance. This reorientation challenges the very foundation of the Pharisees' legalistic system, asserting that defilement stems not from what enters a person, but from what originates within their heart. This profound truth underscores the fallen nature of humanity and the necessity of internal transformation, which only God can bring about. It sets the stage for a gospel message that prioritizes spiritual condition over ritualistic conformity, revealing God's ultimate concern for the inner person.

* [Matthew 15:10](/matthew/15-10 "Matthew 15:10 - What Truly Defiles a Person")
* [Romans 14:17](/romans/14-17 "Romans 14:17 - The Kingdom of God is Righteousness, Peace, and Joy")
* [Hebrews 9:13-14](/hebrews/9-13-14 "Hebrews 9:13-14 - Christ's Blood Cleanses the Conscience")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 7:14 is a timeless call to spiritual discernment and active engagement with God's truth. In a world saturated with information and competing voices, Jesus' command to "Hearken" and "understand" reminds us of the critical importance of attentive listening to His Word, rather than merely hearing it. It challenges us to move beyond superficial religious practices or cultural norms that might obscure the deeper truths of the Gospel. Just as Jesus redirected the crowd's focus from external washings to the heart, we are called to examine our own motives, attitudes, and desires, recognizing that true purity and defilement originate from within. This verse urges us to cultivate a heart that is eager to receive and comprehend divine wisdom, allowing it to transform our inner being and guide our outward actions, rather than being swayed by popular opinion or empty traditions. It's an invitation to a deeper, more authentic walk with God, rooted in genuine understanding and internal transformation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How often do I truly "hearken" to God's Word, giving it my full, undivided attention, rather than just passively listening?**
* **What external traditions or societal pressures might be distracting me from understanding the deeper spiritual truths Jesus wants to reveal?**
* **In what areas of my life do I tend to focus on outward appearances or actions, rather than examining the condition of my heart?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater desire for spiritual understanding and discernment in my daily life?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of Jesus calling "all the people" to Him in Mark 7:14?**

Answer: The significance lies in Jesus' deliberate shift from a private, contentious debate with the Pharisees to a public, inclusive address to the general populace. By calling "all the people" (Greek: _pâs ho ochlos_) to Him, Jesus underscores the universal applicability and urgency of the truth He is about to reveal. He is not speaking to a select religious elite or His inner circle of disciples alone, but to everyone present, signaling that the message about true purity and defilement transcends specific legalistic traditions and is vital for all humanity. This act highlights Jesus' role as a teacher for the masses, eager to impart foundational spiritual understanding to anyone willing to listen and comprehend, as seen in His broader ministry to the crowds throughout [the Gospels](/matthew/4-23-25 "Matthew 4:23-25 - Jesus Teaches, Preaches, and Heals").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 7:14, with its urgent call to "Hearken... and understand," foreshadows the ultimate revelation of truth found in Jesus Christ Himself. While Jesus here prepares the crowd to understand that defilement comes from within, the New Testament reveals that humanity's internal corruption is so profound that it requires divine intervention. The "understanding" Jesus calls for ultimately leads to the comprehension of the Gospel—that true purity and righteousness are not achieved through human effort or external rituals, but are imputed through faith in Christ's atoning work. Jesus, as the Word made flesh, is the embodiment of the truth they are called to hear and understand ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). His sacrifice on the cross cleanses not just external defilement, but the very heart from which all evil proceeds ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Christ's Blood Cleanses Our Consciences")). Thus, the call to "understand" in Mark 7:14 finds its ultimate fulfillment in recognizing Jesus as the one who perfectly embodies true purity and provides the means for sinful humanity to be made truly clean, not by what they avoid, but by what they embrace in Him ([1 John 1:7](/1_john/1-7 "1 John 1:7 - The Blood of Jesus Cleanses Us")). He is the true teacher, whose words bring life and understanding to all who genuinely listen and believe ([John 6:63](/john/6-63 "John 6:63 - The Words of Jesus are Spirit and Life")).

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 15:10

¶ And he called the multitude, and said unto them, Hear, and understand:

Acts 8:30

And Philip ran thither to [him], and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?

Proverbs 8:5

O ye simple, understand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart.

Luke 12:54

¶ And he said also to the people, When ye see a cloud rise out of the west, straightway ye say, There cometh a shower; and so it is.

Luke 12:57

Yea, and why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right?

Isaiah 6:9

¶ And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not.

1 Kings 18:21

¶ And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD [be] God, follow him: but if Baal, [then] follow him. And the people answered him not a word.