Mark 7:2 - Now when they saw some of his disciples eating bread with defiled, that is unwashed, hands, they found fault.
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What does "Mark 7:2" mean?
This verse from Mark 7:2 is the opening of a passage that highlights a conflict between Jesus and some Pharisees and scribes about ritual purity. Here's a breakdown of what it means:
"Now when they saw some of his disciples eating bread..." This sets the scene. Jesus' disciples were in the process of eating.
"...with defiled, that is unwashed, hands..." This is the key point of contention. The disciples had not performed a ritual hand-washing before eating. The Gospel writer, Mark, clarifies for his audience (presumably Gentile Christians who may not have been familiar with Jewish customs) that "defiled" means "unwashed."
"...they found fault." The Pharisees and scribes were critical and judgmental. They objected to the disciples' behavior because it didn't adhere to their strict interpretation of Jewish tradition concerning ritual purity. They believed that touching things without washing could make a person ritually impure, and that this impurity could then be transferred to the food they ate.
In Context:
This verse isn't just about hygiene. It's about:
Tradition vs. True Piety: The Pharisees and scribes were focused on external rituals and traditions, believing these were essential for maintaining holiness. Jesus, however, emphasized that true piety comes from the heart and is about inward transformation rather than outward observances.
The Nature of Defilement: Jesus will go on in the passage to argue that what truly defiles a person isn't what goes into their mouth (like unwashed food), but what comes out of their heart (evil thoughts, etc.).
Challenging Authority: This incident sets up a challenge to the religious authorities and their interpretations of Jewish law. Jesus is pushing back against a system that he sees as overly focused on legalistic details and neglecting the more important aspects of faith and compassion.
In short, the verse describes a situation where religious leaders are criticizing Jesus' disciples for not following a specific hand-washing ritual before eating, a tradition considered important for maintaining ritual purity. This sets the stage for a debate about the true meaning of defilement and the importance of inward purity over outward observances.
Mark 7:2 - Now when they saw some of his disciples eating bread with defiled, that is unwashed, hands, they found fault.
What does "Mark 7:2" mean?
This verse from Mark 7:2 is the opening of a passage that highlights a conflict between Jesus and some Pharisees and scribes about ritual purity. Here's a breakdown of what it means:
"Now when they saw some of his disciples eating bread..." This sets the scene. Jesus' disciples were in the process of eating.
"...with defiled, that is unwashed, hands..." This is the key point of contention. The disciples had not performed a ritual hand-washing before eating. The Gospel writer, Mark, clarifies for his audience (presumably Gentile Christians who may not have been familiar with Jewish customs) that "defiled" means "unwashed."
"...they found fault." The Pharisees and scribes were critical and judgmental. They objected to the disciples' behavior because it didn't adhere to their strict interpretation of Jewish tradition concerning ritual purity. They believed that touching things without washing could make a person ritually impure, and that this impurity could then be transferred to the food they ate.
In Context:
This verse isn't just about hygiene. It's about:
Tradition vs. True Piety: The Pharisees and scribes were focused on external rituals and traditions, believing these were essential for maintaining holiness. Jesus, however, emphasized that true piety comes from the heart and is about inward transformation rather than outward observances.
The Nature of Defilement: Jesus will go on in the passage to argue that what truly defiles a person isn't what goes into their mouth (like unwashed food), but what comes out of their heart (evil thoughts, etc.).
Challenging Authority: This incident sets up a challenge to the religious authorities and their interpretations of Jewish law. Jesus is pushing back against a system that he sees as overly focused on legalistic details and neglecting the more important aspects of faith and compassion.
In short, the verse describes a situation where religious leaders are criticizing Jesus' disciples for not following a specific hand-washing ritual before eating, a tradition considered important for maintaining ritual purity. This sets the stage for a debate about the true meaning of defilement and the importance of inward purity over outward observances.