Mark 7:4

When they come from market, they will not eat without first sprinkling themselves; and there are many other customs which they have inherited and hold to, such as the ceremonial washing of cups, and jugs, and copper pans).

Open English Bible (UK)

In The King James Version

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.

In Context

3(For the Pharisees, and indeed all strict Jews, will not eat without first scrupulously washing their hands, holding in this to the traditions of their ancestors.

5So the Pharisees and the teachers of the Law asked Jesus this question – ‘How is it that your disciples do not follow the traditions of our ancestors, but eat their food with defiled hands?’

Read all of Mark 7

Cross References

Psalms 26:6but, with hands washed in innocence, I would march round your altar, O Lord,

Matthew 27:24When Pilate saw that his efforts were unavailing, but that, on the contrary, a riot was beginning, he took some water, and washed his hands in the sight of the crowd, saying as he did so, ‘I am not answerable for this bloodshed; you must see to it yourselves.’

John 2:6There were standing there six stone water-jars, in accordance with the Jewish rule of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons.

Hebrews 9:10the whole system being concerned only with food and drink and various ablutions – external ceremonials imposed until the coming of the new order.

1 John 1:7But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin.

Matthew Henry on Mark 7:2-24

The Traditions of the Elders; The Worst Defilement from Within. 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. 3 For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands oft, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders. 4 And when they come from the market, except they wash, they eat not. And many other things there be, which they… Read the whole commentary →

This Verse In Other Editions

Study Mark 7:4