King James Version

What Does Mark 7:4 Mean?

Mark 7:4 in the King James Version says “And when they come from the market, except they wash, they eat not. And many other things there be, which they have rece... — study this verse from Mark chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Mark 7:4 · KJV


Context

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?

6

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Mark 7:4 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?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 23 words
καὶ1 of 23

And

G2532

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

ἀπό2 of 23

when they come from

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

ἀγορᾶς3 of 23

the market

G58

properly, the town-square (as a place of public resort); by implication, a market or thoroughfare

ἐὰν4 of 23
G1437

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

μὴ5 of 23
G3361

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

βαπτίσωνται6 of 23

they wash

G907

to immerse, submerge; to make whelmed (i.e., fully wet); used only (in the new testament) of ceremonial ablution, especially (technically) of the ordi

οὐκ7 of 23

not

G3756

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

ἐσθίουσιν8 of 23

they eat

G2068

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

καὶ9 of 23

And

G2532

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

ἄλλα10 of 23

other things

G243

"else," i.e., different (in many applications)

πολλά11 of 23

many

G4183

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

ἐστιν12 of 23

there be

G2076

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

13 of 23

which

G3739

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

παρέλαβον14 of 23

they have received

G3880

to receive near, i.e., associate with oneself (in any familiar or intimate act or relation); by analogy, to assume an office; figuratively, to learn

κρατεῖν15 of 23

to hold

G2902

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

βαπτισμοὺς16 of 23

as the washing

G909

ablution (ceremonial or christian)

ποτηρίων17 of 23

of cups

G4221

a drinking-vessel; by extension, the contents thereof, i.e., a cupful (draught); figuratively, a lot or fate

καὶ18 of 23

And

G2532

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

ξεστῶν19 of 23

pots

G3582

by implication, (of friction) to boil or heat); a vessel (as fashioned or for cooking) (or perhaps by corruption from the latin <i>sextarius</i>, the

καὶ20 of 23

And

G2532

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

χαλκίων21 of 23

brasen vessels

G5473

a copper dish

καὶ22 of 23

And

G2532

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

κλινῶν23 of 23

of tables

G2825

a couch (for sleep, sickness, sitting or eating)


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

Cross-References

Verses related to Mark 7:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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