Mark 7:9

"“For you set aside the commandment of God, and hold tightly to the tradition of men—the washing of pitchers and cups, and you do many other such things.”"

Key Reflection

In Mark 7:9, Jesus critiques the religious leaders for prioritizing man-made traditions over God's commandments. The verse highlights a specific issue—the washing of cups and pitchers—as an example of how these leaders had deviated from true obedience to God’s law in favor of meticulous adherence to their own rituals. This cultural context reflects a broader tension between the rigorous observance of ceremonial laws and genuine faith, a theme that underscores Jesus' mission to restore the integrity of God's commandments.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 9. Full well. These words are capable of different interpretations. Some read them as a question: "Do ye do well in rejecting?" etc. Others suppose they mean skilfully, cunningly. "You show great cunning, or art, in laying aside God's commands, and substituting in their place those of men." Others suppose them to be ironical. "How nobly you act! From conscientious attachment to your traditions, you have made void the law of God;" meaning to intimate by it, that they had acted wickedly and basely.

More from Mark 7

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