King James Version

What Does Mark 7:4 Mean?

“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”

Context

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

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

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

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?

He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(4) **Except they wash.**—The Greek verb differs from that in the previous verse, and implies the washing or immersion (the verb is that from which our word “baptise” comes to us) of the whole body, as the former does of part. The idea on which the practice rested was not one of cleanliness or health, but of arrogant exclusiveness, fastening on the thought of ceremonial purity. They might have come, in the crowd of the market, into passing contact with a Gentile, and his touch was as defiling as if it had been that of a corpse. So, too, the washing of cups and the like was because they might have been touched by heathen, and therefore impure, lips. **Washing.**—Literally, *baptism;* but the form of the word is masculine, while that used for the sacramental rite is neuter. The masculine occurs again. probably in the same sense, as meaning ablutions generally, in Hebrews 6:2. **Pots.**—The Greek word (*xestes*) may be noted as a corrupt form of *sextarius,* and therefore taking its place among the Latin words used by St. Mark. (See *Introduction.*) **Tables.**—Better, *couches*—*i.e.,* the low wide benches which were placed near the tables, and on which the guests reclined instead of sitting. These also had to be scrupulously washed, because it was possible that a heathen might have lain on them. The word is, perhaps, used in the same sense in Mark 4:21.

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 7:4 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.