Question 1

What does Mark 7:17 mean?

Accepted Answer

Mark 7:17 describes how, after Jesus left the crowd and entered a house, his disciples privately asked him to explain the meaning of the parable he had just spoken. The verse shows that even Jesus’ closest followers sometimes needed clarification about his teachings. In this scene, Jesus has just finished addressing a crowd about what truly defiles a person. Once inside a house, away from the public, his disciples approach him with questions. This moment highlights the disciples’ desire to understand Jesus’ deeper message and sets up the explanation that follows in the next verses.

Question 2

The Greek behind Mark 7:17

Accepted Answer

παραβολή (parabolē): This word, transliterated as "parabolē," means "parable" or "illustration." In this context, it refers to Jesus’ teaching about what makes a person unclean, which was not immediately clear to his listeners. ἐπηρώτων (epērōtōn): This word, translated as "asked," carries the sense of questioning or inquiring with a desire to understand. It shows the disciples were actively seeking clarification, not just passively listening.

Question 3

Why Mark 7:17 matters

Accepted Answer

Mark 7:17 shows that Jesus often taught in ways that required further explanation, even for his closest followers, highlighting the depth and complexity of his teachings. The verse emphasizes the importance of seeking understanding and not being afraid to ask questions about spiritual matters. This moment sets the stage for Jesus’ important teaching about inner purity versus outward ritual, a key theme in the surrounding passage.

Mark 7:17 (KJV)