they saw that some of his disciples ate with hands that were (A)defiled, that is, unwashed. (For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they wash their hands properly,[a] holding to (B)the tradition of (C)the elders, and when they come from the marketplace, they do not eat unless they wash.[b] And there are many other traditions that they observe, such as (D)the washing of (E)cups and pots and copper vessels and dining couches.[c]) And the Pharisees and the scribes asked him, “Why do your disciples not walk according to (F)the tradition of (G)the elders, (H)but eat with (I)defiled hands?” And he said to them, “Well did Isaiah prophesy of you (J)hypocrites, as it is written,

(K)“‘This people honors me with their lips,
    but their heart is far from me;
in vain do they worship me,
    teaching as (L)doctrines the commandments of men.’

You leave the commandment of God and hold to the tradition of men.”

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Mark 7:3 Greek unless they wash the hands with a fist, probably indicating a kind of ceremonial washing
  2. Mark 7:4 Greek unless they baptize; some manuscripts unless they purify themselves
  3. Mark 7:4 Some manuscripts omit and dining couches

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