Mark 7:3
For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands oft, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders.
Original Language Analysis
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 20
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
Φαρισαῖοι
the Pharisees
G5330
Φαρισαῖοι
the Pharisees
Strong's:
G5330
Word #:
3 of 20
a separatist, i.e., exclusively religious; a pharisean, i.e., jewish sectary
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
4 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐὰν
G1437
ἐὰν
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
8 of 20
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
μὴ
G3361
μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
9 of 20
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
πυγμῇ
oft
G4435
πυγμῇ
oft
Strong's:
G4435
Word #:
10 of 20
the clenched hand, i.e., (only in dative case as adverb) with the fist (hard scrubbing)
νίψωνται
they wash
G3538
νίψωνται
they wash
Strong's:
G3538
Word #:
11 of 20
to cleanse (especially the hands or the feet or the face); ceremonially, to perform ablution
τὰς
G3588
τὰς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χεῖρας
their hands
G5495
χεῖρας
their hands
Strong's:
G5495
Word #:
13 of 20
the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)
ἐσθίουσιν
eat
G2068
ἐσθίουσιν
eat
Strong's:
G2068
Word #:
15 of 20
used only in certain tenses, the rest being supplied by g5315; to eat (usually literal)
κρατοῦντες
holding
G2902
κρατοῦντες
holding
Strong's:
G2902
Word #:
16 of 20
to use strength, i.e., seize or retain (literally or figuratively)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
παράδοσιν
the tradition
G3862
παράδοσιν
the tradition
Strong's:
G3862
Word #:
18 of 20
transmission, i.e., (concretely) a precept; specially, the jewish traditionary law
Cross References
Galatians 1:14And profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers.Mark 7:13Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.Colossians 2:8Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
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 7:3 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.