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.