King James Version

What Does Mark 7:12 Mean?

Mark 7:12 in the King James Version says “And ye suffer him no more to do ought for his father or his mother; — study this verse from Mark chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Mark 7:12 · KJV


Context

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.

14

And when he had called all the people unto him, he said unto them, Hearken unto me every one of you, and understand:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Mark 7:12 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.

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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?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
καὶ1 of 13

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

οὐκέτι2 of 13

no more

G3765

not yet, no longer

ἀφίετε3 of 13

ye suffer

G863

to send forth, in various applications (as follow)

αὐτοῦ,4 of 13

him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

οὐδὲν5 of 13

ought

G3762

not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing

ποιῆσαι6 of 13

to do

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

τῷ7 of 13
G3588

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

πατρὶ8 of 13

father

G3962

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

αὐτοῦ,9 of 13

him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

10 of 13

or

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

τῇ11 of 13
G3588

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

μητρί12 of 13

mother

G3384

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

αὐτοῦ,13 of 13

him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons


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 7:12 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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