Mark 7:4

KJV

And [when they come] from the market, except they wash, they eat not. And many other things there be, which they have received to hold, [as] the washing of cups, and pots, brasen vessels, and of tables.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} when they come from {G575} the market {G58}, except {G3362} they wash {G907}, they eat {G2068} not {G3756}. And {G2532} many {G4183} other things {G243} there be {G2076}, which {G3739} they have received {G3880} to hold {G2902}, as the washing {G909} of cups {G4221}, and {G2532} pots {G3582},{G2532} brasen vessels {G5473}, and {G2532} of tables {G2825}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Also, when they come from the marketplace they do not eat unless they have rinsed their hands up to the wrist; and they adhere to many other traditions, such as washing cups, pots and bronze vessels.)

Berean Standard Bible

And on returning from the market, they do not eat unless they wash. And there are many other traditions for them to observe, including the washing of cups, pitchers, kettles, and couches for dining.

American Standard Version

and when they come from the marketplace, except they bathe themselves, they eat not; and many other things there are, which they have received to hold, washings of cups, and pots, and brasen vessels.)

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 7:4 meticulously details the extensive ritual purity practices observed by the Pharisees and other Jewish leaders, particularly their strict adherence to ceremonial washings upon returning from the market and the ritual cleansing of various household items. This verse serves as a crucial explanatory interjection within Mark's narrative, illustrating the "tradition of the elders" that Jesus' disciples were accused of violating, thereby setting the stage for Jesus' profound critique of human traditions that supersede divine commandments.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Mark 7:4 functions as an explanatory parenthetical statement within a larger narrative concerning a dispute between Jesus and the Pharisees and scribes from Jerusalem. The preceding verses [Mark 7:1-3](/mark/7-1-3 "Mark 7:1-3 - Dispute over Handwashing") describe the Pharisees' accusation that Jesus' disciples eat with "unwashed hands," thereby not observing "the tradition of the elders." Verse 4 then elaborates on what this "tradition" specifically entailed, providing concrete examples of the meticulous ritual washings required not only for hands but also for various objects and even bodies after potential defilement, especially from the public sphere of the market. This detailed explanation is vital for Mark's Gentile audience, who would not have been familiar with such Jewish customs, and it underscores the depth of the Pharisaic commitment to these oral traditions, which Jesus will subsequently challenge as superseding God's actual commandments in [Mark 7:8-13](/mark/7-8-13 "Mark 7:8-13 - Jesus Condemns Pharisaic Tradition").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Jewish society of Jesus' time was deeply structured by concepts of purity and defilement, rooted in the Mosaic Law but significantly expanded by oral traditions, particularly among the Pharisees. The "market" (Greek: _agora_) was a public space where one might encounter Gentiles, tax collectors, or others deemed ritually impure, or come into contact with ritually unclean objects. Therefore, returning from the market necessitated a ceremonial washing (often a full immersion or pouring of water) to remove any potential defilement before eating sacred meals or even common food, which was viewed as a sacred act. The washing of cups, pots, and brazen vessels, and even dining couches (often translated "tables" in KJV, referring to the couches on which people reclined while eating), illustrates the pervasive nature of these _halakhic_ (Jewish law) interpretations. These were not about hygiene but about maintaining ritual purity in the eyes of God and the community, a practice that had evolved beyond the explicit commands of the Torah.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes prevalent in [Mark's Gospel](/mark/1 "The Gospel of Mark - The Suffering Servant"). Firstly, **Ritual Purity vs. Heart Purity** is central. The meticulous external washings highlight a focus on outward conformity, which Jesus will directly contrast with the internal state of the heart as the true source of defilement in [Mark 7:15-23](/mark/7-15-23 "Mark 7:15-23 - What Truly Defiles a Person"). Secondly, the theme of **Tradition vs. Divine Command** is clearly established. Mark 7:4 exemplifies the "tradition of the elders" that the Pharisees elevated to the status of divine law, a practice Jesus condemns for nullifying God's actual commandments, as seen in [Mark 7:8-9](/mark/7-8-9 "Mark 7:8-9 - Human Traditions Over God's Commands"). Finally, the verse underscores the theme of **Legalism**, where strict adherence to human-made rules and regulations becomes an end in itself, often obscuring the spirit of the law and true righteousness. The sheer detail of the required washings reveals the burdensome nature of such legalism.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **wash (Greek, _baptízō'_):** From G907. This term signifies "to immerse, submerge; to make whelmed (i.e. fully wet)." In this context, it refers specifically to ceremonial ablution, a ritual cleansing rather than mere hygienic washing. While the term is famously used for Christian baptism, here it denotes the Jewish practice of ritual purification, often involving a full or partial immersion to remove ritual defilement. The use of _baptízō_ here, rather than _níptō_ (to wash hands or feet), suggests a more thorough or comprehensive cleansing, especially for objects or the body after significant exposure to impurity.
* **market (Greek, _agorá'_):** From G58. Properly, this refers to the town-square or public gathering place. By implication, it functions as a market or thoroughfare. In the Jewish context, the market was a place where one might inadvertently encounter ritually unclean people (e.g., Gentiles, tax collectors, those with certain diseases) or objects, thus necessitating ritual purification upon returning home to avoid defiling the household or food.
* **received to hold (Greek, _paralambánō'_ and _kratéō'_):** G3880 (_paralambánō_) means "to receive near, i.e. associate with oneself... to learn." G2902 (_kratéō_) means "to use strength, i.e. seize or retain (literally or figuratively); to hold (by, fast), keep." Combined, these terms describe the process of receiving and diligently upholding oral traditions. The Pharisees "received" these traditions from their elders and "held fast" to them with great tenacity, viewing them as equally, if not more, binding than the written Law. This phrase highlights the authoritative nature these traditions held within their community.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when they come from the market, except they wash, they eat not."**: This clause explains a specific requirement for the Pharisees and their followers. Upon returning from the public marketplace, where they might have encountered various sources of ritual impurity (e.g., contact with Gentiles, objects touched by the unclean), they were required to perform a ceremonial washing before partaking in any food. This was not a matter of hygiene but of ritual purity, ensuring that no defilement from the outside world contaminated their meals, which were often considered sacred.
* **"And many other things there be, which they have received to hold, as the washing of cups, and pots, brasen vessels, and of tables."**: This second clause broadens the scope of the Pharisaic purity traditions beyond personal washing. It emphasizes that these were not isolated practices but a comprehensive system of rules ("many other things"). The phrase "which they have received to hold" explicitly refers to the oral "tradition of the elders" that had been handed down and meticulously preserved. The subsequent list—cups, pots, brazen vessels, and tables (referring to dining couches)—illustrates the extensive and pervasive nature of these regulations, requiring the ritual cleansing of common household items used for eating, further demonstrating the meticulousness and burden of these human-made rules.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 7:4 primarily employs **Exposition** and **Enumeration**. The verse serves as an **Exposition** for the Gentile reader (and perhaps for those unfamiliar with the minutiae of Pharisaic practice), explaining in detail the "tradition of the elders" mentioned in the preceding verses. It clarifies precisely what the accusation against Jesus' disciples entailed. Furthermore, the detailed listing of "cups, and pots, brasen vessels, and of tables" is a clear example of **Enumeration**. This device is used to emphasize the sheer breadth and meticulousness of the ritual purity laws, demonstrating how deeply these traditions permeated every aspect of daily life for the Pharisees and their adherents. The extensive list underscores the burdensome nature of these human-made regulations, setting a stark contrast with Jesus' later teaching on the true source of defilement.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 7:4, by detailing the extensive and burdensome nature of the "tradition of the elders," lays the groundwork for one of Jesus' most significant theological critiques: the danger of elevating human traditions above God's divine commands. This verse highlights a system where outward ritual purity became paramount, often overshadowing the internal condition of the heart. Theologically, it points to the human tendency towards legalism, where adherence to external rules is mistakenly equated with true righteousness. Jesus' subsequent teaching in [Mark 7:15](/mark/7-15 "Mark 7:15 - What Truly Defiles") directly challenges this emphasis, asserting that defilement comes not from what enters a person, but from what proceeds from within, shifting the focus from ceremonial cleanliness to moral and spiritual purity. This passage serves as a timeless reminder that while order and discipline are valuable, they must never supplant genuine faith, love, and obedience to God's revealed will.

* [Mark 7:8-9](/mark/7-8-9 "Mark 7:8-9 - Human Traditions Over God's Commands")
* [Matthew 15:1-20](/matthew/15-1-20 "Matthew 15:1-20 - The Parallel Account of Purity")
* [Isaiah 29:13](/isaiah/29-13 "Isaiah 29:13 - Worship with Lips, Not Heart")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 7:4 offers a profound opportunity for contemporary reflection and application. In an age where religious practices can sometimes become overly ritualistic or focused on external conformity, this verse challenges us to examine the true source of our spiritual walk. Are we diligently adhering to man-made traditions or cultural norms that, while perhaps well-intentioned, might obscure or even contradict the core commands of God's Word? The Pharisees' meticulous washings were not inherently evil, but their elevation above God's heart for justice, mercy, and faithfulness became a spiritual trap. We are called to discern between essential biblical truths and non-essential traditions, ensuring that our focus remains on a transformed heart, genuine love for God and neighbor, and a life lived in sincere obedience to Christ. This passage encourages us to cultivate an inward purity that manifests in outward righteousness, rather than merely performing outward acts to achieve an appearance of godliness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "traditions" or unwritten rules in my life or church culture might I be prioritizing over the clear commands and heart of God's Word?**
* **How do I discern between practices that genuinely draw me closer to God and those that might lead to a form of legalism or outward performance?**
* **In what ways might I be more concerned with external appearances or the judgment of others than with the true condition of my heart before God?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper understanding of true spiritual purity, as taught by Jesus, and apply it to my daily life?**

### FAQ

**Was the Pharisees' washing tradition primarily about hygiene?**

Answer: No, the washing described in Mark 7:4 was not primarily about hygiene in the modern sense. While some hygienic benefits might have been incidental, the core purpose was ritual purity. In Jewish culture, particularly among the Pharisees, contact with anything or anyone deemed ritually "unclean" (e.g., Gentiles, certain objects, or people with specific conditions) necessitated ceremonial washing to remove defilement before engaging in sacred acts like eating. This was a religious requirement, an expansion of Mosaic Law, rooted in a desire to maintain holiness and separation from impurity, rather than a public health measure.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 7:4, with its detailed account of external ritual washings, serves as a powerful backdrop against which the radical nature of Christ's fulfillment of purity laws is illuminated. Jesus does not merely offer a new set of rules; He fundamentally redefines the source of purity and defilement, shifting it from external contact and ritual performance to the internal state of the heart. He declares that "nothing outside a person can defile them by going into them; rather, it is what comes out of a person that defiles them" ([Mark 7:15](/mark/7-15 "Mark 7:15 - What Truly Defiles")). This reorientation points directly to Him as the ultimate source of true cleansing. Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Jesus provides the means for a spiritual washing that purifies the conscience and heart from sin, something no amount of ceremonial water could ever achieve ([Hebrews 9:13-14](/hebrews/9-13-14 "Hebrews 9:13-14 - The Blood of Christ Cleanses")). He is the "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), offering a once-for-all purification that renders external rituals obsolete for salvation and true righteousness. Believers are now made clean not by water from the market, but by the blood of Christ and the indwelling Spirit, who transforms us from the inside out ([Titus 3:5](/titus/3-5 "Titus 3:5 - Washing of Regeneration")). Thus, the burdensome traditions of Mark 7:4 find their liberating and complete fulfillment in the saving work of Jesus, who makes us truly pure before God.

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 23:25

Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess.

Luke 11:38

And when the Pharisee saw [it], he marvelled that he had not first washed before dinner.

Luke 11:39

And the Lord said unto him, Now do ye Pharisees make clean the outside of the cup and the platter; but your inward part is full of ravening and wickedness.

Hebrews 9:10

[Which stood] only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed [on them] until the time of reformation.

James 4:8

Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse [your] hands, [ye] sinners; and purify [your] hearts, [ye] double minded.

Jeremiah 4:14

O Jerusalem, wash thine heart from wickedness, that thou mayest be saved. How long shall thy vain thoughts lodge within thee?

Isaiah 1:16

¶ Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil;