Mark 7:1-23

Modern English Version

The Tradition of the Elders^(A)

7 The Pharisees and certain scribes who came from Jerusalem gathered around Him. ² When they saw some of His disciples eat bread with defiled, that is, ritually unwashed hands, they found fault. ³ For the Pharisees and all the Jews, unless they wash their hands ritually, do not eat, keeping the tradition of the elders. ⁴ When they come from the market, unless they wash, they do not eat. And there are many other traditions which they have received and observe, such as the washing of cups and pitchers and bronze vessels and dining couches.

⁵ So the Pharisees and scribes asked Him, “Why do Your disciples not live according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashed hands?”

⁶ He answered, “Well has Isaiah prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written:

⁸ For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men—the washing of pitchers and cups, and many other such things you do.”

⁹ And He said to them, “You full well reject the commandment of God so that you may keep your own tradition. ¹⁰ For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and your mother,’^[b] and, ‘Whoever curses father or mother, let him be put to death.’^{[c] 11} But you say, ‘If a man says to his father or mother, “It is Corban,” that is to say, “What you would have profited from me is a gift to God,” he shall be free.’ ¹² Then you no longer let him do anything for his father or his mother, ¹³ making the word of God of no effect through your tradition, which you have delivered. And you do many similar things.”

¹⁴ When He had called all the people to Him, He said, “Listen to Me, every one of you, and understand: ¹⁵ There is nothing from outside a man that by entering him can defile him. But the things which come out of the man are what defile him. ¹⁶ If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.”

¹⁷ When He had left the people and entered the house, His disciples asked Him concerning the parable. ¹⁸ He said to them, “Are you so without understanding also? Do you not know that anything from the outside that enters a man cannot defile him, ¹⁹ because it does not enter his heart, but into his stomach, and goes out into the sewer, thus purifying all foods?”

²⁰ And He said, “What comes out of a man is what defiles a man. ²¹ For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adultery, fornication, murder, ²² theft, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, licentiousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride and foolishness. ²³ All these evil things come from within and defile a man.”