And he saith unto them, Are ye so without understanding also? Do ye not perceive, that whatsoever thing from without entereth into the man, it cannot defile him;

MARK 7:18KJV
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Mark 7:18 (KJV)

What does Mark 7:18 mean?

Mark 7:18 records Jesus asking his disciples why they do not understand that nothing entering a person from outside—like food—can make them spiritually unclean. Jesus is challenging the idea that ritual defilement comes from what is eaten, rather than from within a person.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to his disciples after the Pharisees criticized them for eating with “unclean” hands. He points out that external things, such as food, do not have the power to defile a person in God’s eyes. Instead, Jesus is preparing to explain that what truly matters is what comes from a person’s heart and actions.

The Greek behind Mark 7:18

  • The word ἀσύνετοι (G801, asynetoi) translated “without understanding” means lacking insight or not grasping the real meaning. Jesus is expressing surprise or disappointment that even his closest followers are missing his point.
  • The verb νοεῖτε (G3539, noeite) translated “perceive” means to think, understand, or consider. Jesus is urging his disciples to think more deeply about the spiritual meaning behind the traditions.
  • The word κοινοῦν (G2840, koinoun) translated “defile” refers to making something common or ritually impure. In this context, it challenges the traditional Jewish concern with ritual purity tied to external things.

Why Mark 7:18 matters

  • Mark 7:18 clarifies that Jesus is shifting the focus from external religious rituals to the internal state of a person’s heart and mind.
  • This verse helps clear up the misunderstanding that following food laws or rituals alone can make someone right with God.
  • The question Jesus asks sets up his later teaching in the passage, where he explains that evil comes from within, not from what a person eats or touches.

Where else these words appear

“understanding” Greek G801 · used in 5 verses

  • Matthew 15:16 And Jesus said, Are ye also yet without understanding?
  • Romans 1:21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
  • Romans 1:31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:

“without” Greek G1855 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 23:25 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess.
  • Mark 7:15 There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him: but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man.
  • 2 Corinthians 7:5 For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears.

“defile” Greek G2840 · used in 12 verses

  • Matthew 15:11 Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.
  • Mark 7:15 There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him: but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man.
  • Acts 11:9 But the voice answered me again from heaven, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.

“ye” Greek G3539 · used in 14 verses

  • Matthew 15:17 Do not ye yet understand, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth goeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught?
  • Mark 8:17 And when Jesus knew it, he saith unto them, Why reason ye, because ye have no bread? perceive ye not yet, neither understand? have ye your heart yet hardened?
  • Ephesians 3:4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)