FocusThe source of defilement
Connection to the wholeJesus exposes the replacement of God's command with tradition and explains defilement in terms of what proceeds from within.
interpretation Mark 7:21
KJVFor from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,
Read it in context
Tradition and the heart
Start reading at Mark 7:1 (Mark 7:1 to Mark 7:23).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Jesus exposes the replacement of God's command with tradition and explains defilement in terms of what proceeds from within.
- 7:1 Then came together unto him the Pharisees, and certain of the scribes, which came from Jerusalem.
- 7:2 And when they saw some of his disciples eat bread with defiled, that is to say, with unwashen, hands, they found fault.
- 7:3 For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands oft, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders.
- 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.
- 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?
- 7:6 He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.
- 7:7 Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
- 7:8 For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do.
- 7:9 And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.
- 7:10 For Moses said, Honour thy father and thy mother; and, Whoso curseth father or mother, let him die the death:
- 7:11 But ye say, If a man shall say to his father or mother, It is Corban, that is to say, a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; he shall be free.
- 7:12 And ye suffer him no more to do ought for his father or his mother;
- 7:13 Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.
- 7:14 And when he had called all the people unto him, he said unto them, Hearken unto me every one of you, and understand:
- 7:15 There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him: but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man.
- 7:16 If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.
- 7:17 And when he was entered into the house from the people, his disciples asked him concerning the parable.
- 7:18 And he saith unto them, Are ye so without understanding also? Do ye not perceive, that whatsoever thing from without entereth into the man, it cannot defile him;
- 7:19 Because it entereth not into his heart, but into the belly, and goeth out into the draught, purging all meats?
- 7:20 And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man.
- 7:21 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,
- 7:22 Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness:
- 7:23 All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Mark, traditionally identified as John Mark and associated with Peter's preaching, is the author named by early church testimony. Biblical references: Acts 12:12; 1 Peter 5:13. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, Mark, Gospel of. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Mark 7:1–7:37): Pharisees and scribes question Jesus; He teaches the crowd and disciples, responds to a Syrophenician woman, and heals a deaf man. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Readers who needed explanations of Jewish customs and Aramaic words, indicating a substantial Gentile audience. An association with Rome is early tradition, not an explicit address in the Gospel. Biblical references: Mark 5:41; Mark 7:3; Mark 7:4. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Mark, Gospel of. book background
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Tradition and the heart. Read Mark 7:1 through Mark 7:23 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? Jesus exposes the replacement of God's command with tradition and explains defilement in terms of what proceeds from within. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The account begins with John the Baptist and follows Jesus' public ministry through His death and resurrection. It does not give a composition date. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? Galilee, surrounding regions, the journey toward Jerusalem, and Jerusalem form the main narrative movement. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Tradition and the heart (Mark 7:1 to Mark 7:23). Start reading at Mark 7:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Mark explicitly presents the gospel of Jesus Christ and connects His service with giving His life a ransom for many. His identity and the call to follow Him shape the narrative. See Mark 1:1, Mark 8:34, Mark 10:45. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Follow Jesus with obedient service rather than status-seeking. Read predictions of suffering and calls to discipleship alongside accounts of power and deliverance. interpretation
Cited: Mark 7:1, Mark 7:23, Mark 1:1, Mark 8:34, Mark 10:45
Who wrote it, and how we know
John Mark, recording Peter's preaching (traditional)
From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe book does not name its author.
Early traditionPapias, quoting an earlier elder, records that Mark wrote down Peter's preaching accurately.
What is debatedThe name is not in the text.
Other accounts of this event
The dispute about washing hands and defilement
Parallel accounts
These passages describe overlapping parts of the same event. Each account retains its own wording and emphasis.
Related passages
- out Gen 6:5 Gen 8:21 Job 14:4 Job 15:14-16 Job 25:4 Ps 14:1,3 Ps 53:1,3 Ps 58:2-3
- evil Prov 15:25 Isa 59:7 Ezek 38:10 Matt 9:4 Jas 2:4
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Mark 7
This Gospel identifies its subject as Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and follows His ministry toward the cross and resurrection. No particular original recipient is named in its opening.
A mother's appeal
Mark 7:24–30FocusMercy beyond Israel's household
Connection to the wholeThe woman's answer and her daughter's deliverance show persistent trust within the order of mission expressed in the exchange.
interpretation Hearing and speech restored
Mark 7:31–37FocusJesus' compassionate power
Connection to the wholeThe healing of the deaf man brings the chapter back to bodily restoration and the crowds' astonishment at Jesus' works.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Mark
This Gospel identifies its subject as Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and follows His ministry toward the cross and resurrection. No particular original recipient is named in its opening.
The ministry prepared
Mark 1:1–13FocusJohn, baptism, and temptation
Connection to the wholeThe brief opening introduces Jesus and His forerunner, moving rapidly toward the proclamation of the kingdom.
interpretation Authority and opposition
Mark 1:14–3:6FocusTeaching, deliverance, and conflict
Connection to the wholeJesus' works and teaching draw followers while controversies bring the first explicit plot against Him.
interpretation FocusDisciples, crowds, and understanding
Connection to the wholeTeaching, mighty works, and varied responses repeatedly expose both Jesus' authority and the disciples' difficulty understanding.
interpretation The way to Jerusalem
Mark 8:27–10:52FocusThe Messiah's suffering and following
Connection to the wholePeter's confession is followed by repeated passion predictions and teaching that redefines greatness and discipleship through service.
interpretation Jerusalem and coming judgment
Mark 11:1–13:37FocusTemple conflict and watchfulness
Connection to the wholeJesus' actions and disputes in Jerusalem lead into His teaching about coming troubles and the command to watch.
interpretation Passion and resurrection
Mark 14:1–16:20FocusDeath, the empty tomb, and proclamation
Connection to the wholeBetrayal, trial, and crucifixion lead to the resurrection proclamation and commission recorded in the KJV's final chapter.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.