King James Version
Mark 7:5 in the King James Version says “Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat b...” — study this verse from Mark chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.
“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?”
Mark 7:5 · King James Version
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.
Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.
“him”
G846the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
“the Pharisees”
G5330a separatist, i.e., exclusively religious; a pharisean, i.e., jewish sectary
“and”
G2532and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
“walk”
G4043to tread all around, i.e., walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow (as a companion or votary)
“according”
G2596(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
“to the tradition”
G3862transmission, i.e., (concretely) a precept; specially, the jewish traditionary law
“of the elders”
G4245older; as noun, a senior; specially, an israelite sanhedrist (also figuratively, member of the celestial council) or christian "presbyter"
“hands”
G5495the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)
“eat”
G2068used only in certain tenses, the rest being supplied by g5315; to eat (usually literal)
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.
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