Mark 7:5

KJV

Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands?

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G1899} the Pharisees {G5330} and {G2532} scribes {G1122} asked {G1905} him {G846}, Why {G1302} walk {G4043} not {G3756} thy {G4675} disciples {G3101} according {G2596} to the tradition {G3862} of the elders {G4245}, but {G235} eat {G2068} bread {G740} with unwashen {G449} hands {G5495}?

Complete Jewish Bible

The P'rushim and the Torah-teachers asked him, "Why don't your talmidim live in accordance with the Tradition of the Elders, but instead eat with ritually unclean hands?"

Berean Standard Bible

So the Pharisees and scribes questioned Jesus: “Why do Your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders? Instead, they eat with defiled hands.”

American Standard Version

And the Pharisees and the scribes ask him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat their bread with defiled hands?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 7:5 captures a pivotal moment of confrontation between Jesus and the religious authorities, specifically the Pharisees and scribes. They challenge Jesus, questioning why His disciples disregard the "tradition of the elders" by eating without first performing the prescribed ceremonial hand washing. This verse sets the stage for Jesus' profound teaching on the true nature of defilement, contrasting humanly devised religious customs with God's divine commands and emphasizing the paramount importance of internal purity over external ritualistic observance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Mark 7:5 is situated within a broader narrative in Mark's Gospel that highlights Jesus' authority and His radical reinterpretation of Jewish law and tradition. Immediately preceding this verse, Mark 7:1-4 describes the Pharisees' meticulous adherence to specific washing rituals—not just of hands, but also of cups, pots, and bronze vessels—before eating, explaining that this was a "tradition of the elders" rather than a direct Mosaic command. The question posed in Mark 7:5 directly flows from this preceding explanation, serving as the formal accusation against Jesus' disciples and, by extension, against Jesus Himself. This confrontation then leads into Jesus' extensive discourse in Mark 7:6-23, where He directly challenges the Pharisees' hypocrisy, citing Isaiah 29:13 and explaining that what truly defiles a person comes from within the heart, not from external practices.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Judaism was a complex tapestry of religious groups, with the Pharisees being one of the most influential. They were lay scholars and teachers who meticulously observed the Mosaic Law and, crucially, a vast body of oral traditions (known as *Halakha*), which they believed had been handed down alongside the written Torah from Moses. These oral traditions, including the ceremonial washing of hands before meals (known as *netilat yadayim*), were considered by the Pharisees to be as binding as the written law, serving as a "fence around the Torah" to prevent accidental transgression. The issue was not one of hygiene, but of ceremonial purity. Eating with "unwashen hands" (meaning ceremonially unpurified) was believed to render food unclean and, subsequently, the eater defiled, making them unfit for sacred activities or even fellowship. This strict adherence to tradition was a hallmark of Pharisaic piety, setting them apart from other groups and often leading to conflict with those who did not observe these customs.
* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces several critical themes that permeate Jesus' ministry and Mark's Gospel. Foremost is the **Conflict Between Human Tradition and Divine Command**, where Jesus consistently challenges the Pharisees' elevation of their oral traditions above the clear commandments of God, as He explicitly states in [Mark 7:8](/mark/7-8 "Mark 7:8 - Tradition vs. Command"). Another central theme is **External Ritual vs. Internal Purity**. The Pharisees' concern was with outward ceremonial cleanliness, while Jesus consistently emphasized the condition of the heart as the source of true defilement or purity. This is powerfully articulated later in the chapter when Jesus 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")). Finally, the **Authority of Jesus** is implicitly asserted. By permitting His disciples to disregard these cherished traditions, Jesus demonstrates an authority that transcends the established religious norms and the interpretations of the elders, positioning Himself as the ultimate interpreter of God's will and the very embodiment of the New Covenant.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Pharisees (Greek, _Pharisaîos'_):** From a Hebrew root meaning "to separate," this term denotes a "separatist" or one who is "exclusively religious." In the context of first-century Judaism, the Pharisees were a prominent religious and political sect known for their strict adherence to the Mosaic Law and, significantly, to the oral traditions (Halakha) that had developed over centuries. Their question in Mark 7:5 stems directly from their identity as guardians and practitioners of these traditions, viewing deviations as a serious religious offense.
* **Tradition (Greek, _parádosis'_):** Derived from a verb meaning "to hand over" or "to transmit," this word refers to something "handed down." In this context, it specifically denotes the Jewish traditionary law—the vast body of oral interpretations, customs, and rulings that had accumulated over generations and were considered by the Pharisees to be as authoritative as the written Torah. The Pharisees believed these traditions were divinely inspired and essential for proper observance of God's law.
* **Unwashen (Greek, _ániptos'_):** This term is formed by combining the negative particle 'a' (alpha privative) with a root related to washing. It literally means "without ablution" or "unwashed." Crucially, in this context, "unwashen" does not refer to physical dirtiness or lack of hygiene, but rather to a state of ceremonial impurity. Eating with *ániptos* hands meant violating the ritual purity standards meticulously observed by the Pharisees, thereby rendering the person and the food ceremonially "common" or "defiled" (*koinos* in Mark 7:2, not in 7:5 but relevant to the concept).
* **Walk (Greek, _peripatéō'_):** Literally meaning "to tread all around" or "to walk at large," this verb is frequently used figuratively in the New Testament to mean "to live," "to conduct oneself," or "to deport oneself." When the Pharisees ask, "Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders," they are not merely questioning their physical movement but their entire way of life, their conduct, and their adherence to the established religious norms. It implies a pattern of behavior that deviates from what is expected and deemed righteous by the religious authorities.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him,"**: This opening clause establishes the identity of the interrogators as the leading religious and legal authorities in Jewish society. Their act of "asking" (Greek: *eperōtáō*) is not a genuine inquiry for understanding, but rather a challenge or an accusation, seeking to expose a perceived transgression. The setting is one of confrontation, highlighting the ongoing tension between Jesus and the religious establishment.
* **"Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders,"**: This is the core of the accusation. The Pharisees and scribes are indignant that Jesus' disciples do not "walk" (i.e., conduct their lives, behave) in accordance with the *parádosis* (tradition) of the *presbýteros* (elders). This tradition, as detailed in the preceding verses (Mark 7:3-4), refers specifically to the ceremonial hand-washing rituals. The question implies a violation of established religious custom and an implicit challenge to the authority of those traditions.
* **"but eat bread with unwashen hands?"**: This clause specifies the particular violation. The disciples are eating "bread" (a common term for a meal) with hands that are *ániptos*, meaning ceremonially unpurified. This act, in the eyes of the Pharisees, renders the disciples ritually unclean and is a clear sign of their disregard for the sacred traditions that define proper Jewish piety. The "but" (Greek: *allá*) highlights the stark contrast between the expected adherence to tradition and the disciples' actual practice.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 7:5 employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question** posed by the Pharisees and scribes. Their "Why...?" is not an earnest search for information but a veiled accusation, designed to highlight a perceived transgression and to put Jesus on the defensive. This sets the stage for Jesus' counter-argument and critique of their hypocrisy. There is also a strong element of **Contrast** or **Juxtaposition** between the "tradition of the elders" and the "unwashen hands." This highlights the fundamental clash between humanly devised religious customs and the spiritual freedom embodied by Jesus and His disciples. The passage also utilizes **Synecdoche**, where "unwashen hands" stands in for the entire system of ritual purity and the vast body of oral traditions that the Pharisees meticulously observed. Finally, there is a subtle **Irony** at play: the very people who pride themselves on their meticulous adherence to religious law are, in Jesus' subsequent teaching, revealed to be spiritually blind and focused on external appearances rather than true internal purity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 7:5 serves as a crucial theological pivot, exposing the deep chasm between outward religious performance and genuine heart transformation. The Pharisees' question reveals a legalistic mindset that elevates human traditions to the level of divine command, prioritizing external ritual over the spirit of the law. This incident highlights a recurring tension throughout the biblical narrative: the danger of religious formalism that loses sight of God's true desires for justice, mercy, and humility. Jesus' response, which follows this verse, dismantles this legalism by asserting that true defilement originates from within the human heart—from evil thoughts, covetousness, and pride—rather than from external contact or a failure to observe human-made rules. This sets the stage for the New Covenant emphasis on inward righteousness and spiritual cleansing, moving beyond the shadows of ceremonial law to the substance of Christ's transforming power.

* [Isaiah 29:13](/isaiah/29-13 "Isaiah 29:13 - Lip Service, Heart Far Away")
* [Matthew 15:1-20](/matthew/15-1-20 "Matthew 15:1-20 - Jesus' Teaching on Purity")
* [Romans 14:17](/romans/14-17 "Romans 14:17 - The Kingdom of God is Not Food and Drink")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 7:5 challenges believers today to critically examine the foundations of their faith and practice. Are we, like the Pharisees, prone to elevating human traditions, cultural norms, or even church customs to the status of divine commands? Do we sometimes prioritize outward conformity and visible religious performance over the cultivation of a pure heart and genuine, internal devotion to Christ? This verse serves as a powerful reminder that true spirituality is not about meticulously following a list of external rules, but about a transformed heart that loves God and neighbor. It calls us to discern between what is truly commanded by God's Word and what are merely human preferences or traditions, ensuring that our focus remains on the spiritual condition of our hearts rather than superficial observances. We are invited to pursue a faith that is authentic, deeply rooted in the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, and lived out with integrity from the inside out.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "traditions" or unwritten rules in my life or church might I be prioritizing over the clear commands of God's Word?**
* **Am I more concerned with outward appearances and what others see in my faith, or with the true condition of my heart before God?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper understanding of what truly defiles me, moving beyond superficial concerns to address the root issues of sin in my heart?**
* **In what ways does this passage challenge my assumptions about what it means to be truly "religious" or "spiritual"?**

### FAQ

**What was the "tradition of the elders" mentioned in Mark 7:5?**

Answer: The "tradition of the elders" (Greek: *parádosis tōn presbytérōn*) refers to a vast body of oral laws, interpretations, and customs that had accumulated over centuries in Jewish religious life. These traditions, also known as *Halakha*, were developed by rabbinic authorities and were considered by the Pharisees to be as binding and authoritative as the written Mosaic Law (the Torah). They encompassed various aspects of daily life, including dietary laws, Sabbath observance, and, as seen in Mark 7:5, specific rituals for ceremonial purity, such as the meticulous washing of hands before meals. Unlike the written Law, these traditions were passed down orally from generation to generation, though they were later codified in texts like the Mishnah.

**Was the issue in Mark 7:5 about hygiene or religious purity?**

Answer: The issue in Mark 7:5 was fundamentally about religious, or ceremonial, purity, not physical hygiene. The Greek word translated "unwashen" (*ániptos*) in this context specifically denotes a state of ritual impurity. The Pharisees believed that eating with hands that had not undergone the prescribed ceremonial washing would render the food, and subsequently the eater, ceremonially unclean. This was a strict religious observance, part of their elaborate system of purity laws designed to ensure holiness and separation from anything deemed "common" or defiling. Jesus' subsequent teaching in [Mark 7:14-23](/mark/7-14-23 "Mark 7:14-23 - What Truly Defiles a Person") directly addresses this distinction, clarifying that true defilement comes from within a person's heart, not from external practices or contact with ritually impure objects.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 7:5, with its focus on external ritual versus internal purity, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus' person and work. The ceremonial washings and traditions, though intended to point to a need for purity, were ultimately shadows. Jesus, as the perfect Lamb of God, embodies true purity and offers the ultimate cleansing. His teaching in [Mark 7:15](/mark/7-15 "Mark 7:15 - What Truly Defiles")—that "nothing outside a person can defile them by going into them; rather, it is what comes out of a person that defiles them"—radically reorients the understanding of defilement from external ritual to the internal state of the heart. This theological shift culminates in His atoning sacrifice, which provides not merely ceremonial cleanliness but a complete and eternal cleansing from the defilement of sin itself ([Hebrews 9:13-14](/hebrews/9-13-14 "Hebrews 9:13-14 - Christ's Blood Cleanses Conscience")). Through Christ, believers are made truly pure, not by adhering to human traditions or outward washings, but by faith in His finished work and the transforming power of the Holy Spirit, who writes God's law on our hearts ([Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant")). The New Covenant, inaugurated by Christ, moves beyond the legalistic demands of the old system to a relationship of grace, where true worship is "in spirit and truth" ([John 4:24](/john/4-24 "John 4:24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")), and believers are made clean from the inside out, through the blood of Jesus and the indwelling Spirit ([1 John 1:7](/1_john/1-7 "1 John 1:7 - Cleansing by the Blood of Jesus")).

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

Acts 21:21

And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise [their] children, neither to walk after the customs.

2 Thessalonians 3:6

¶ Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.

Matthew 15:2

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

Acts 21:24

Them take, and purify thyself with them, and be at charges with them, that they may shave [their] heads: and all may know that those things, whereof they were informed concerning thee, are nothing; but [that] thou thyself also walkest orderly, and keepest the law.

Mark 2:16

And when the scribes and Pharisees saw him eat with publicans and sinners, they said unto his disciples, How is it that he eateth and drinketh with publicans and sinners?

Mark 2:18

¶ And the disciples of John and of the Pharisees used to fast: and they come and say unto him, Why do the disciples of John and of the Pharisees fast, but thy disciples fast not?

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.