King James Version

What Does Mark 7:3 Mean?

Mark 7:3 in the King James Version says “For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands oft, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders. oft...” — study this verse from Mark chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands oft, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders. oft: or, diligently: in the original, with the fist: Theophylact, up to the elbow”

Mark 7:3 · KJV

Context

1

Then came together unto him the Pharisees, and certain of the scribes, which came from Jerusalem.

2

And when they saw some of his disciples eat bread with defiled, that is to say, with unwashen, hands, they found fault. defiled: or, common

3

For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands oft, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders. oft: or, diligently: in the original, with the fist: Theophylact, up to the elbow

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. pots: sextarius is about a pint and an half tables: or, beds

5

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?

Read Mark 7 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Mark 7:3 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 · 20 words
οἱ1 of 20
G3588

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

γὰρ2 of 20

“For”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

Φαρισαῖοι3 of 20

“the Pharisees”

G5330

a separatist, i.e., exclusively religious; a pharisean, i.e., jewish sectary

καὶ4 of 20

“and”

G2532

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

πάντες5 of 20

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

οἱ6 of 20
G3588

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

Ἰουδαῖοι7 of 20

“the Jews”

G2453

judaean, i.e., belonging to jehudah

ἐὰν8 of 20
G1437

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

μὴ9 of 20
G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

πυγμῇ10 of 20

“oft”

G4435

the clenched hand, i.e., (only in dative case as adverb) with the fist (hard scrubbing)

νίψωνται11 of 20

“they wash”

G3538

to cleanse (especially the hands or the feet or the face); ceremonially, to perform ablution

τὰς12 of 20
G3588

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

χεῖρας13 of 20

“their hands”

G5495

the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)

οὐκ14 of 20

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἐσθίουσιν15 of 20

“eat”

G2068

used only in certain tenses, the rest being supplied by g5315; to eat (usually literal)

κρατοῦντες16 of 20

“holding”

G2902

to use strength, i.e., seize or retain (literally or figuratively)

τὴν17 of 20
G3588

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

παράδοσιν18 of 20

“the tradition”

G3862

transmission, i.e., (concretely) a precept; specially, the jewish traditionary law

τῶν19 of 20
G3588

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

πρεσβυτέρων20 of 20

“of the elders”

G4245

older; as noun, a senior; specially, an israelite sanhedrist (also figuratively, member of the celestial council) or christian "presbyter"

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 7:3 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 7:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Galatians 1:14Mark 7:13Colossians 2:21-23Colossians 2:81 Peter 1:18Matthew 15:2-6

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