Devine Scripture

Mark 7:3

What does Mark 7:3 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 7:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 7:3 means

This parenthetical explanation describes the Pharisees’ and many Jews’ strong commitment to handwashing before meals as a religious obligation. It highlights the intensity of ritual observance: washing diligently was seen as necessary to eat, rooted in the tradition of the elders. The note shows how embedded and assumed these customs were in Jewish life, and it helps readers appreciate why the Pharisees were so offended by the disciples’ disregard for the practice.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

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;

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

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:

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

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,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For the Pharisees and all the Jews eat not without often washing their hands, holding the tradition of the ancients.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

(for the Pharisees and all the Jews, unless they wash their hands diligently, do not eat, holding what has been delivered by the ancients;

Context

Placed after the complaint, this verse helps readers unfamiliar with Jewish customs understand the seriousness of the issue. It also contrasts human tradition and religious habit with God’s word—a contrast that Jesus will develop. The explanation prepares for a broader listing of cleanliness rituals and sets up the argument over which practices truly matter.

v.2and had seen that some of his disciples ate their bread with defiled, that is, unwashen, hands.

v.3This passage

v.4and when they come from the marketplace, except they bathe themselves, they eat not; and many other things there are, which they have received to hold, washings of cups, and pots, and brasen vessels.)

Cross references

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

  • 1 Peter 1:18

    knowing that ye were redeemed, not with corruptible things, with silver or gold, from your vain manner of life handed down from your fathers;

  • Colossians 2:21

    Handle not, nor taste, nor touch

  • Galatians 1:14

    and I advanced in the Jews’ religion beyond many of mine own age among my countrymen, being more exceedingly zealous for the traditions of my fathers.

  • Matthew 15:2

    Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread.

  • Mark 7:5

    And the Pharisees and the scribes ask him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat their bread with defiled hands?

  • Colossians 2:8

    Take heed lest there shall be any one that maketh spoil of you through his philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ:

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