7:13 7:13

Mark 7:14

7:15 7:15

Bible Versions

And when he had called all the people [unto him], he said unto them, Hearken unto me every one [of you], and understand:
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}:
Then Yeshua called the people to him again and said, "Listen to me, all of you, and understand this!
Once again Jesus called the crowd to Him and said, “All of you, listen to Me and understand:
And he called to him the multitude again, and said unto them, Hear me all of you, and understand:

Mark 7:14 serves as a pivotal moment in Jesus' public ministry, shifting from a direct confrontation with the religious elite to an urgent appeal to the common people. This verse captures Jesus' desire for genuine spiritual understanding among the masses.

Context

This verse immediately follows Jesus' sharp rebuke of the Pharisees and scribes who criticized His disciples for not observing the traditional ceremonial washings before eating. Jesus accused them of upholding human traditions while neglecting or even nullifying God's commandments (Mark 7:8-9). Turning from these legalistic debates, Jesus "called all the people unto him," inviting everyone present to hear a foundational truth that would challenge their deeply ingrained cultural and religious assumptions about purity and defilement.

Key Themes

  • A Universal Call: Jesus' instruction is not just for His disciples or the religious leaders, but for "all the people." This highlights the universal applicability of His message and His desire for everyone to grasp essential spiritual truths.
  • Active Listening: The command to "Hearken unto me" (or "Listen to Me") emphasizes the necessity of paying close and attentive heed to His words. It's an invitation to lean in and truly absorb what He is about to teach, rather than merely hearing with the ears.
  • Spiritual Understanding: The directive "and understand" is crucial. Jesus isn't asking for rote memorization but for deep comprehension of the spiritual principle He is about to reveal—that true defilement comes not from external things, but from within the heart. This sets the stage for His revolutionary teaching in Mark 7:15.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "Hearken unto me" conveys a sense of urgency and authoritative instruction. The Greek word for "hearken" (ἀκούετε - akouete) means to hear, listen, or perceive, often implying obedience. Similarly, "understand" (συνίετε - syniete) means to comprehend, discern, or grasp the meaning, indicating a call to intellectual and spiritual insight rather than mere intellectual assent.

Practical Application

Mark 7:14 reminds us of the critical importance of actively listening to and seeking to understand God's Word. In a world often distracted by external appearances and superficial observances, Jesus redirects our focus to the heart. This verse challenges us to move beyond mere religious ritual or tradition and to deeply engage with the spiritual principles that govern true righteousness and purity. It's a timeless call for discernment, urging us to examine our own hearts and motives rather than simply adhering to outward forms.

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.

  • 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.
 Back

Search Scripture