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.

MARK 7:8KJV
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Mark 7:8 (KJV)

What does Mark 7:8 mean?

Mark 7:8 means that Jesus is criticizing the religious leaders for setting aside God’s actual commandments in order to follow their own human traditions, such as ceremonial washings. Jesus points out that they prioritize these man-made rules over what God truly wants.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to the Pharisees and some teachers of the law who had challenged him about his disciples not following traditional hand-washing rituals. He uses the example of washing pots and cups to show how their focus on outward rituals has replaced real obedience to God’s commands. This sets the stage for a broader discussion about what truly honors God.

The Greek behind Mark 7:8

  • παράδοσις (paradosis, “tradition”): This word refers to teachings or practices passed down by people, not directly from God. Jesus uses it to highlight the difference between human customs and divine commandments.
  • ἐντολή (entolē, “commandment”): This word means a direct order or instruction from God. The contrast here is between what God has commanded and what people have added.
  • κρατέω (krateō, “hold”): This verb means to cling tightly or hold fast. Jesus is saying the leaders are gripping human traditions more firmly than God’s instructions.
  • βαπτισμός (baptismos, “washing”): This refers to ritual washings, not just ordinary cleaning. Jesus points out that these detailed rituals have become more important to the leaders than the heart of God’s law.

Why Mark 7:8 matters

  • Mark 7:8 clears up the misunderstanding that religious rituals or traditions are always equal to God’s commands; Jesus draws a sharp line between the two.
  • This verse shows Jesus challenging the authority of religious leaders who elevate their own rules above God’s word, which is a key theme in his ministry.
  • Mark 7:8 helps readers see the importance of distinguishing between what God actually asks and what people have added, which is essential for understanding true faithfulness in the rest of the passage.

Where else these words appear

“pots” Greek G3582 · used in 2 verses

  • Mark 7:4 And when they come from the market, except they wash, they eat not. And many other things there be, which they have received to hold, as the washing of cups, and pots, brasen vessels, and of tables.

“things” Greek G3946 · used in 2 verses

  • Mark 7:13 Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.

“washing” Greek G909 · used in 4 verses

  • Mark 7:4 And when they come from the market, except they wash, they eat not. And many other things there be, which they have received to hold, as the washing of cups, and pots, brasen vessels, and of tables.
  • Hebrews 6:2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.
  • Hebrews 9:10 Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation.

“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 7:5 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?
  • 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.