Mark 7:3

For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash [their] hands oft, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders.

For {G1063} the Pharisees {G5330}, and {G2532} all {G3956} the Jews {G2453}, except {G3362} they wash {G3538} their hands {G5495} oft {G4435}, eat {G2068} not {G3756}, holding {G2902} the tradition {G3862} of the elders {G4245}.

(For the P'rushim, and indeed all the Judeans, holding fast to the Tradition of the Elders, do not eat unless they have given their hands a ceremonial washing.

Now in holding to the tradition of the elders, the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat until they wash their hands ceremonially.

(For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands diligently, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders;

Commentary

Mark 7:3 provides crucial background for understanding a significant conflict between Jesus and the religious leaders of His day. It describes a specific ritualistic practice observed by the Pharisees and many other Jews concerning ceremonial handwashing before meals.

Context

This verse sets the stage for a broader discussion in Mark chapter 7, where the Pharisees and scribes question Jesus' disciples for eating with "unwashen hands" (Mark 7:2). The KJV's "oft" (Greek: pygme) can imply a thorough, almost ritualistic washing up to the elbow, not merely for hygiene but for ceremonial purity. This practice was part of the extensive oral law that had developed over centuries, distinct from the written Mosaic Law.

Key Themes

  • Tradition vs. Commandment: The core tension highlighted here is the elevation of human tradition ("the tradition of the elders") to the level of divine commandment. While cleanliness is good, this washing was about ritual purity, a man-made addition to the Law, not a direct command from God. This theme is further explored as Jesus challenges their priorities in Mark 7:8.
  • External Purity vs. Internal Purity: The Pharisees focused heavily on outward observances and ritual purity, believing adherence to these traditions made one righteous. This verse exemplifies their emphasis on external acts, which Jesus later contrasts with the true source of defilement coming from within the heart (Mark 7:20-23).
  • Legalism: The verse illustrates a form of legalism, where meticulous adherence to rules and rituals, even those not directly commanded by God, becomes a measure of one's spirituality.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "wash [their] hands oft" translates the Greek word pygme (ฯ€ฯ…ฮณฮผฮฎ). While the KJV renders it "oft," some scholars interpret it as "with the fist" or "diligently," referring to a specific, thorough method of washing. This nuance underscores the meticulous nature of the ritual being described, emphasizing its ceremonial rather than hygienic purpose.

Practical Application

Mark 7:3 serves as a timeless reminder for believers today to critically examine our own practices and traditions. It challenges us to discern whether our spiritual disciplines and community customs genuinely align with God's Word or if they have become human-made rules that overshadow the true commands of Christ. We are called to prioritize a transformed heart and genuine love for God and neighbor over outward rituals or legalistic adherence to non-biblical traditions, as emphasized throughout the New Testament (e.g., Colossians 2:8).

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“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 โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Galatians 1:14

    And profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers.

  • Mark 7:13

    Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.

  • Colossians 2:21

    (Touch not; taste not; handle not;

  • Colossians 2:23

    Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.

  • Colossians 2:8

    Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

  • Matthew 15:2

    Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread.

  • Matthew 15:6

    And honour not his father or his mother, [he shall be free]. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.
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