Mark 7:3

Verse

Now in holding to the tradition of the elders, the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat until they wash their hands ceremonially.

American Standard Version (1901)

(For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands diligently, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders;

Bible in Basic English

Now the Pharisees, and all the Jews, do not take food without washing their hands with care, keeping the old rule which has been handed down to them:

Free Bible Version

(The Pharisees and all Jews don't eat until they wash their hands, following the tradition of their ancestors.

Geneva Bible 1599

(For the Pharises, and all the Iewes, except they wash their hands oft, eate not, holding the tradition of the Elders.

King James (Authorized) Version

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

One Unity Resource Bible

(For the Pharisees [Separated] and all the Jews [Praisers], don’t eat unless they wash their hands and forearms, holding to the tradition of the elders.

Unlocked Literal Bible

(For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they wash their hands, because they hold to the tradition of the elders.

Noah Webster Bible

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

World English Bible

(For the Pharisees and all the Jews don’t eat unless they wash their hands and forearms, holding to the tradition of the elders.

Young's Literal Translation

for the Pharisees, and all the Jews, if they do not wash the hands to the wrist, do not eat, holding the tradition of the elders,

Context

The Tradition of the Elders

²and they saw some of His disciples eating with hands that were defiled—that is, unwashed. ³Now in holding to the tradition of the elders, the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat until they wash their hands ceremonially. ⁴And on returning from the market, they do not eat unless they wash. And there are many other traditions for them to observe, including the washing of cups, pitchers, kettles, and couches for dining.

Sermons

Day 72, Mark 7

David Servant

Summary

In Mark 7:3, the Pharisees and scribes questioned Jesus about why His disciples did not follow the tradition of washing their hands before eating. This verse highlights the religious leaders' focus on external rituals and traditions rather than the condition of their hearts. Jesus used this opportunity to teach about the importance of true purity that comes from within, emphasizing that what defiles a person is not what goes into the body but what comes out of the heart. This passage challenges believers to prioritize inner transformation and genuine faith over mere outward observances.

Commentary

Adam Clarke
John Gill

Adam Clarke Bible Commentary

Except they wash their hands - πυγμῃ, the hand to the wrist - Unless they wash the hand up to the wrist, eat not. Several translations are given of this word; that above is from Dr. Lightfoot, who quotes a tradition from the rabbins, stating that the hands were to be thus washed. This sort of washing was, and still continues to be, an act of religion in the eastern countries. It is particularly commanded in the Koran, Surat v. ver. 7, "O believers, when ye wish to pray, wash your faces, and your hands up to the elbows - and your feet up to the ankles." Which custom it is likely Mohammed borrowed from the Jews. The Jewish doctrine is this: "If a man neglect the washing, he shall be eradicated from this world." But instead of πυγμῃ, the fist or hand, the Codex Bezae has πυκνῃ, frequently: and several of the Itala have words of the same signification. Bathing is an indispensable prerequisite to the first meal of the day among the Hindoos; and washing the hands and the feet is equally so before the evening meal. Ward's Customs.

John Gill Bible Commentary

For the Pharisees, and all the Jews,.... The far greater part of them; all, excepting the Sadducees; and especially the Pharisees, were very tenacious of this tradition of washing hands before eating: hence Pharisees are described as such, , "that eat their common food with cleanness" (n), i.e. of hands: these, except they wash their hands oft, eat not; or except they wash very cautiously, with great care, diligence, and exactness, as the Syriac version suggests; and about which there are various rules given, to be observed with great strictness (o). Some render the words, "they wash their hands to the elbow"; and this is a rule with the Jews, which is closely to be abode by, that the washing of hands is to be, , "to the joint", which joins the hand and arm together (p): particularly it is observed (q), that "washing of the hands for the eating of the offering, is unto the elbow, and for common food, to the joints of the fingers: he that eats with an ancient man, and does not wash his hands to the elbow, he may not eat with him.'' Well may it be added, holding the tradition of the elders; nor do the Jews pretend the authority of the Scriptures as obliging them to such rules; for, they say, the command concerning washing of hands is, , "from the words of the Scribes" (r); and is , "a command of the wise men" (s). The tradition is this: "they wash hands for common food, but for the tithe, and for the first offering, and for that which is holy, they dip them, and for the sin offering; for if the hands are defiled; the body is defiled (t).'' And this tradition of the elders, the Scribes, and Pharisees, strictly observed. (n) Gloss in T. Bab. Chagiga, fol. 18. 2. Maimon. & Bartenora in Misn. Chagiga, c. 2. sect. 7. (o) Vid. Maimon. Hilch. Bcracot, c. 6. (p) T. Bab. Cholin, fol. 106. 1, 2. Maimon. Hilch. Beracot, c. 6. 4. Maimon. & Bartenora in Misn. Eracin, c. 5. sect. 1. Zohar in Deut. fol. 115. 2. (q) T. Hieros. Betacot, fol. 12. 1. (r) Maimon. Hilch. Mikvaot, c. 11. sect. 1. (s) Ib. Beracot, c. 6. sect. 2. (t) Misn. Chagiga, c. 2. sect. 5.