Mark 7:3

(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.

Open English Bible (US)

In The King James Version

For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands oft, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders.

In Context

2They had noticed that some of his disciples ate their food with their hands ‘defiled,’ by which they meant unwashed.

4When 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).

Read all of Mark 7

Cross References

Mark 7:5So 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?”

Mark 7:13In this way you nullify the words of God by your traditions, which you hand down; and you do many similar things.”

Colossians 2:8Take care that there is not someone who will carry you away by his ‘philosophy’ – a hollow sham! – following, as it does, mere human traditions, and dealing with puerile questions of this world, and not with Christ.

1 Peter 1:18For you know that it was not by perishable things, such as silver and gold, that you were ransomed from the aimless way of living which was handed down to you from your ancestors,

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 7:3