Devine Scripture

Mark 7:8

What does Mark 7:8 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 7:8 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 7:8 means

Jesus states plainly that they abandon God’s commandment and cling to human tradition. This is a denunciation of priorities: their loyalties are misdirected. By choosing tradition over God’s law, they undermine God’s authority and distort what constitutes true obedience. Jesus asserts that adherence to human customs cannot substitute for faithfulness to God’s revealed will, and that such misplacement has damaging spiritual consequences for both leaders and people led by them.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Ye leave the commandment of God, and hold fast the tradition of men.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Ye leave the commandment of God, and hold fast the tradition of men.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For, turning away from the law of God, you keep the rules of men.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for, having put away the command of God, ye hold the tradition of men, baptisms of pots and cups; and many other such like things ye do.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For leaving the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men, the washing of pots and of cups: and many other things you do like to these.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

[For], leaving the commandment ofGod, ye hold what is delivered by men [to keep] — washings of vessels and cups, and many other such like things ye do.

Context

Following the rebuke about vain worship, this verse makes explicit the accusation: tradition has displaced God’s commands. It moves from general criticism to a pointed claim about religious leadership and anticipates Jesus offering an example of how tradition nullifies Scripture in verses 9–13.

v.7But in vain do they worship me, Teachingas theirdoctrines the precepts of men.

v.8This passage

v.9And he said unto them, Full well do ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your tradition.

Cross references

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

  • Mark 7:3

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

  • Isaiah 1:12

    When ye come to appear before me, who hath required this at your hand, to trample my courts?

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