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?
Original Language Analysis
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 25
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Φαρισαῖοι
the Pharisees
G5330
Φαρισαῖοι
the Pharisees
Strong's:
G5330
Word #:
5 of 25
a separatist, i.e., exclusively religious; a pharisean, i.e., jewish sectary
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 25
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 #:
7 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
περιπατοῦσιν
walk
G4043
περιπατοῦσιν
walk
Strong's:
G4043
Word #:
14 of 25
to tread all around, i.e., walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow (as a companion or votary)
κατὰ
according
G2596
κατὰ
according
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
15 of 25
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
παράδοσιν
to the tradition
G3862
παράδοσιν
to the tradition
Strong's:
G3862
Word #:
17 of 25
transmission, i.e., (concretely) a precept; specially, the jewish traditionary law
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πρεσβυτέρων
of the elders
G4245
πρεσβυτέρων
of the elders
Strong's:
G4245
Word #:
19 of 25
older; as noun, a senior; specially, an israelite sanhedrist (also figuratively, member of the celestial council) or christian "presbyter"
ἀλλὰ
but
G235
ἀλλὰ
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
20 of 25
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
χερσὶν
hands
G5495
χερσὶν
hands
Strong's:
G5495
Word #:
22 of 25
the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)
ἐσθίουσιν
eat
G2068
ἐσθίουσιν
eat
Strong's:
G2068
Word #:
23 of 25
used only in certain tenses, the rest being supplied by g5315; to eat (usually literal)
Cross References
Acts 21:21And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs.2 Thessalonians 3:6Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.Acts 21:24Them take, and purify thyself with them, and be at charges with them, that they may shave their heads: and all may know that those things, whereof they were informed concerning thee, are nothing; but that thou thyself also walkest orderly, and keepest the law.Matthew 15:2Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread.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.
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 7:5 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.