Devine Scripture

Mark 7:17

What does Mark 7:17 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 7:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 7:17 means

After entering a house away from the crowd, the disciples ask Jesus to explain the parable—seeking clarity about his broad statement on defilement. Their question shows they’re trying to understand a teaching with real practical implications. It indicates humility and curiosity, a desire for the meaning behind the provocative public claim. The private setting suggests Jesus will now give a more careful, pastoral explanation tailored to his followers’ need to learn how doctrine informs daily life.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And when he was entered into the house from the multitude, his disciples asked of him the parable.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And when he was entered into the house from the people, his disciples asked him concerning the parable.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And when he was entered into the house from the multitude, his disciples asked of him the parable.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And when he had gone into the house away from all the people, his disciples put questions to him about the saying.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And when he entered into a house from the multitude, his disciples were questioning him about the simile,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And when he was come into the house from the multitude, his disciples asked him the parable.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And when he went indoors from the crowd, his disciples asked him concerning the parable.

Context

This verse follows the public declaration and the pause, moving the scene indoors for teaching. The disciples’ request frames the next section where Jesus explains the principle by contrasting what enters the body with what comes from the heart, and where he declares all foods clean.

v.16

v.17This passage

v.18And he saith unto them, Are ye so without understanding also? Perceive ye not, that whatsoever from without goeth into the man, it cannot defile him;

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Matthew 13:36

    Then he left the multitudes, and went into the house: and his disciples came unto him, saying, Explain unto us the parable of the tares of the field.

  • Mark 4:34

    and without a parable spake he not unto them: but privately to his own disciples he expounded all things.

  • Matthew 15:15

    And Peter answered and said unto him, Declare unto us the parable.

  • Mark 9:28

    And when he was come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, How is it that we could not cast it out?

  • Matthew 13:10

    And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables?

  • Mark 4:10

    And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parables.

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