Mark 7:4

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.

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}.

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.)

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.

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 on Mark 7:4

Mark 7:4 provides a vivid illustration of the meticulous and extensive ritual purity laws observed by the Pharisees and other Jewish leaders during Jesus' time. This verse highlights their dedication to traditions that went beyond the written Mosaic Law, focusing on ceremonial cleanliness in everyday life.

Context

This verse is part of a larger discourse in Mark chapter 7 where Jesus is confronted by the Pharisees and scribes from Jerusalem. They question why His disciples do not observe the "tradition of the elders" regarding handwashing before eating (Mark 7:1-3). Verse 4 specifically details the strictness of these traditions, explaining that upon returning from the market (Greek: agora), where they might have come into contact with ritually unclean people or objects, they would not eat without first washing. The verse also extends this practice to the ceremonial cleansing of household items like cups, pots, brass vessels, and even dining tables, underscoring the pervasive nature of these man-made rules.

Key Themes

  • Ritual Purity: The primary theme is the emphasis on external, ceremonial cleanliness. This was not about hygiene but about adherence to specific purification rites to avoid defilement, particularly before eating.
  • Traditions of Men vs. God's Commandments: This verse sets the stage for Jesus' subsequent teaching in Mark 7, where He critiques the Pharisees for elevating their traditions above the actual commandments of God (Mark 7:8-9).
  • Legalism: The meticulous washing of various items, even tables, demonstrates a form of legalism where strict adherence to outward regulations became more important than the spirit of the law or the condition of the heart.

Linguistic Insights

The term "wash" in this context (Greek: baptizō or niptō, depending on the specific action) refers to a ceremonial cleansing, distinct from the concept of Christian baptism. While niptō generally means to wash hands or feet, baptizō here refers to a deeper immersion or ritual cleansing of objects and even bodies. The detailed list of items—cups, pots, brasen vessels, and tables—highlights the profound extent to which these traditions permeated daily life, requiring constant attention to potential ritual defilement.

Practical Application

Mark 7:4 serves as a timeless reminder about the danger of prioritizing external rituals and human traditions over genuine spiritual purity and obedience to God's heart. While order and discipline have their place, Jesus continually emphasized that true defilement comes not from what enters a person, but from what comes out of their heart (Mark 7:15). This passage challenges believers today to examine their own practices and ensure that their focus remains on a transformed heart and a sincere relationship with God, rather than merely outward appearances or man-made rules. The parallel account in Matthew 15:20 further solidifies this teaching.

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.

  • 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;

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