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.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀπό
when they come from
G575
ἀπό
when they come from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
2 of 23
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
ἀγορᾶς
the market
G58
ἀγορᾶς
the market
Strong's:
G58
Word #:
3 of 23
properly, the town-square (as a place of public resort); by implication, a market or thoroughfare
ἐὰν
G1437
ἐὰν
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
4 of 23
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 #:
5 of 23
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
βαπτίσωνται
they wash
G907
βαπτίσωνται
they wash
Strong's:
G907
Word #:
6 of 23
to immerse, submerge; to make whelmed (i.e., fully wet); used only (in the new testament) of ceremonial ablution, especially (technically) of the ordi
ἐσθίουσιν
they eat
G2068
ἐσθίουσιν
they eat
Strong's:
G2068
Word #:
8 of 23
used only in certain tenses, the rest being supplied by g5315; to eat (usually literal)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πολλά
many
G4183
πολλά
many
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
11 of 23
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
ἐστιν
there be
G2076
ἐστιν
there be
Strong's:
G2076
Word #:
12 of 23
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
ἃ
which
G3739
ἃ
which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
13 of 23
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
παρέλαβον
they have received
G3880
παρέλαβον
they have received
Strong's:
G3880
Word #:
14 of 23
to receive near, i.e., associate with oneself (in any familiar or intimate act or relation); by analogy, to assume an office; figuratively, to learn
κρατεῖν
to hold
G2902
κρατεῖν
to hold
Strong's:
G2902
Word #:
15 of 23
to use strength, i.e., seize or retain (literally or figuratively)
ποτηρίων
of cups
G4221
ποτηρίων
of cups
Strong's:
G4221
Word #:
17 of 23
a drinking-vessel; by extension, the contents thereof, i.e., a cupful (draught); figuratively, a lot or fate
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
18 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ξεστῶν
pots
G3582
ξεστῶν
pots
Strong's:
G3582
Word #:
19 of 23
by implication, (of friction) to boil or heat); a vessel (as fashioned or for cooking) (or perhaps by corruption from the latin <i>sextarius</i>, the
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
20 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Hebrews 9:10Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation.Matthew 23:25Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess.Isaiah 1:16Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil;Jeremiah 4:14O Jerusalem, wash thine heart from wickedness, that thou mayest be saved. How long shall thy vain thoughts lodge within thee?John 2:6And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece.James 4:8Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.Psalms 26:6I will wash mine hands in innocency: so will I compass thine altar, O LORD:1 John 1:7But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.Matthew 27:24When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it.
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 7:4 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.