King James Version
What Does Mark 7:22 Mean?
“Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: covetousness: Gr. covetousnesses, wickednesses”
Context
20
And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man.
21
For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,
22
Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: covetousness: Gr. covetousnesses, wickednesses
23
All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.
24
And from thence he arose, and went into the borders of Tyre and Sidon, and entered into an house, and would have no man know it: but he could not be hid.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(22) **Covetousness, wickedness.**—The Greek words for these are, like the preceding, in the plural, as pointing to the manifold forms in which the sins show themselves.
**An evil eye.**—As explained by Matthew 20:15 (where see Note), the “evil eye” is that which looks askance on the good of others—*i.e.,* envy in its most malignant form.
**Pride.**—Better, perhaps, *haughtiness.* This is the only passage in the New Testament where the word so translated occurs. The cognate adjective meets us in Romans 1:30; 2Timothy 3:2.
**Foolishness.**—This, again, is a rare word in the New Testament, meeting us only in 2Corinthians 11:1; 2Corinthians 11:17; 2Corinthians 11:21. As interpreted by Proverbs 14:18; Proverbs 15:21, it is the folly which consists in the absence of the fear of God, the infatuation of impiety.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 7:22 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 7:22
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge