Mark 7:9 (KJV)

What does Mark 7:9 mean?

Mark 7:9 records Jesus accusing religious leaders of setting aside what God commanded in order to preserve a practice they had received from others. His point is that their loyalty to that practice has led them to disregard a command they should have honored.

Jesus is speaking to Pharisees and scribes who questioned why some of his disciples ate without washing their hands in the customary way. After criticizing their practices in verse 8, Jesus addresses them directly: “Full well ye reject.” The words carry a sharp, mocking edge, as though he were praising their skill at doing something wrong.

The Greek behind Mark 7:9

• “well” — καλῶς (kalōs): The word can mean “well” or “skillfully.” Here Jesus appears to use it sharply: the leaders are doing a “fine” job of setting God’s command aside.
• “reject” — ἀθετέω (atheteō): The word carries the sense of setting something aside or treating it as invalid. Jesus uses it to describe more than simply forgetting a command.
• “tradition” — παράδοσις (paradosis): The word refers to something handed down from one person or generation to another. Here it describes a received practice that the leaders are intent on preserving.

Why Mark 7:9 matters

• The verse gives a reason for the leaders’ action: “that ye may keep your own tradition.” Jesus presents the two loyalties as coming into conflict.
• The example that follows makes the charge concrete. In verses 10–13, Jesus describes how a practice involving a gift dedicated to God could be used to avoid helping one’s parents, despite the command to honor them.