King James Version

What Does Mark 7:11 Mean?

Mark 7:11 in the King James Version says “But ye say, If a man shall say to his father or mother, It is Corban, that is to say, a gift, by whatsoever thou mightes...” — study this verse from Mark chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“But ye say, If a man shall say to his father or mother, It is Corban, that is to say, a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; he shall be free.”

Mark 7:11 · King James Version


Context

9

And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition. reject: or, frustrate

10

For Moses said, Honour thy father and thy mother; and, Whoso curseth father or mother, let him die the death:

11

But ye say, If a man shall say to his father or mother, It is Corban, that is to say, a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; he shall be free.

12

And ye suffer him no more to do ought for his father or his mother;

13

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


Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
Mark 7:11 This passage continues Mark's fast-paced narrative demonstrating Jesus' divine authority, miraculous power, and confrontation with religious establishment. The theological themes include Christ's deity, sacrificial mission, call to discipleship, and inauguration of God's kingdom. Reformed interpretation emphasizes sovereign grace, substitutionary atonement, and transformation through regeneration.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

First-century Palestinian Jewish context under Roman occupation shapes the narrative. Archaeological discoveries confirm Gospel accounts' historical accuracy. Ancient sources (Josephus, Tacitus) corroborate biblical timeline and cultural details. Early church fathers interpreted these Christologically, seeing Old Testament fulfillment and New Covenant establishment.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse reveal Christ's person and work in redemptive history?
  2. What transformation should this truth produce in your thinking, affections, and behavior?

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.


Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
ὑμεῖς1 of 20

“ye”

G5210

you (as subjective of verb)

δὲ2 of 20

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

λέγετε3 of 20

“say”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

ἐὰν4 of 20

“If”

G1437

a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty

εἴπῃ5 of 20

“shall say”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

ἄνθρωπος6 of 20

“a man”

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

τῷ7 of 20
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πατρὶ8 of 20

“to his father”

G3962

a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)

ἢ9 of 20

“or”

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

τῇ10 of 20
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μητρί11 of 20

“mother”

G3384

a "mother" (literally or figuratively, immediate or remote)

Κορβᾶν12 of 20

“It is Corban”

G2878

a votive offering and the offering; a consecrated present (to the temple fund); by extension (the latter term) the treasury itself, i.e., the room whe

ὅ13 of 20
G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἐστιν14 of 20

“is to say”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

Δῶρον15 of 20

“a gift”

G1435

a present; specially, a sacrifice

ὃ16 of 20
G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἐὰν17 of 20

“If”

G1437

a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty

ἐξ18 of 20

“by”

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

ἐμοῦ19 of 20

“me”

G1700

of me

ὠφεληθῇς20 of 20

“thou mightest be profited by”

G5623

to be useful, i.e., to benefit


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Mark. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Mark 7:11 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Mark 7:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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