Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands?

MARK 7:5KJV
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Mark 7:5 (KJV)

What does Mark 7:5 mean?

Mark 7:5 describes a moment when the Pharisees and scribes question Jesus about why his disciples do not follow the traditional Jewish customs, specifically asking why they eat bread without first washing their hands as the elders taught. The verse highlights a conflict between the religious leaders’ expectations and the behavior of Jesus’ followers.

In this scene, the Pharisees and scribes (religious experts) are speaking directly to Jesus, challenging him about the actions of his disciples. Their question is not about hygiene but about religious tradition—washing hands before eating was a ritual practice handed down by previous generations. This sets the stage for Jesus to address the difference between human traditions and God’s commands in the following verses.

The Greek behind Mark 7:5

  • παράδοσις (paradosis, “tradition”): This word refers to teachings or practices passed down from earlier generations. In this context, it means the customs established by Jewish elders, which were considered binding by many religious leaders.
  • πρεσβύτερος (presbyteros, “elders”): This term points to the respected leaders of the past whose traditions shaped current practices. The Pharisees appeal to the authority of these elders rather than to Scripture itself.
  • ἀνίπτος (aniptos, “unwashed”): This word specifically means “not washed” or “not ritually cleansed.” The focus is on ceremonial purity, not physical cleanliness, showing the Pharisees’ concern with ritual observance.

Why Mark 7:5 matters

  • Mark 7:5 helps clarify that the religious leaders’ main concern was about keeping inherited traditions, not about health or basic cleanliness.
  • The verse sets up a key teaching moment where Jesus will challenge the authority of human traditions compared to God’s commands, which is central to the rest of the chapter.
  • Understanding the background of these traditions helps readers see why the Pharisees saw the disciples’ actions as a serious issue, revealing the tension between old customs and the new way Jesus was introducing.

Where else these words appear

“unwashen” Greek G449 · used in 3 verses

  • Matthew 15:20 These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man.
  • Mark 7:2 And when they saw some of his disciples eat bread with defiled, that is to say, with unwashen, hands, they found fault.

“tradition” Greek G3862 · used in 13 verses

  • Matthew 15:2 Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread.
  • Mark 7:8 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.
  • Galatians 1:14 And profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers.

“Then” Greek G1899 · used in 16 verses

  • Luke 16:7 Then said he to another, And how much owest thou? And he said, An hundred measures of wheat. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and write fourscore.
  • 1 Corinthians 15:23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.
  • 1 Thessalonians 4:17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

“Why” Greek G1302 · used in 26 verses

  • Matthew 9:11 And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?
  • Mark 11:31 And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then did ye not believe him?
  • John 8:43 Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word.