Mark 7:22
Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness:
Original Language Analysis
πλεονεξίαι
covetousness
G4124
πλεονεξίαι
covetousness
Strong's:
G4124
Word #:
2 of 10
avarice, i.e., (by implication) fraudulency, extortion
πονηρίαι
wickedness
G4189
πονηρίαι
wickedness
Strong's:
G4189
Word #:
3 of 10
depravity, i.e., (specially), malice; plural (concretely) plots, sins
ἀσέλγεια
lasciviousness
G766
ἀσέλγεια
lasciviousness
Strong's:
G766
Word #:
5 of 10
licentiousness (sometimes including other vices)
ὀφθαλμὸς
eye
G3788
ὀφθαλμὸς
eye
Strong's:
G3788
Word #:
6 of 10
the eye (literally or figuratively); by implication, vision; figuratively, envy (from the jealous side-glance)
πονηρός
an evil
G4190
πονηρός
an evil
Strong's:
G4190
Word #:
7 of 10
hurtful, i.e., evil (properly, in effect or influence, and thus differing from g2556, which refers rather to essential character, as well as from g455
Cross References
Matthew 20:15Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good?Ecclesiastes 7:25I applied mine heart to know, and to search, and to seek out wisdom, and the reason of things, and to know the wickedness of folly, even of foolishness and madness:Matthew 6:23But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!2 Corinthians 10:5Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;1 Peter 5:5Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.1 Peter 2:15For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:Psalms 10:4The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts.Proverbs 27:22Though thou shouldest bray a fool in a mortar among wheat with a pestle, yet will not his foolishness depart from him.Proverbs 28:22He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.Proverbs 12:23A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness.
Historical Context
First-century Palestinian Jewish context under Roman occupation shapes the narrative. Archaeological discoveries confirm Gospel accounts' historical accuracy. Ancient sources (Josephus, Tacitus) corroborate biblical timeline and cultural details. Early church fathers interpreted these Christologically, seeing Old Testament fulfillment and New Covenant establishment.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this verse reveal Christ's person and work in redemptive history?
- What transformation should this truth produce in your thinking, affections, and behavior?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Mark 7:22 This passage continues Mark's fast-paced narrative demonstrating Jesus' divine authority, miraculous power, and confrontation with religious establishment. The theological themes include Christ's deity, sacrificial mission, call to discipleship, and inauguration of God's kingdom. Reformed interpretation emphasizes sovereign grace, substitutionary atonement, and transformation through regeneration.