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Scripture · New Testament

Mark 7:3

Mark 7:3 is verse 3 of Mark chapter 7, shown here in the Berean Standard Bible.

Berean Standard Bible

Now in holding to the tradition of the elders, the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat until they wash their hands ceremonially.

Literally until they have washed their hands to the fist

BSB source and public domain terms

King James Version

For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands oft, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders.

World English Bible

(For the Pharisees and all the Jews don’t eat unless they wash their hands and forearms, holding to the tradition of the elders.

Read in context

Mark 7:1–5 · Berean Standard Bible

1 Then the Pharisees and some of the scribes who had come from Jerusalem gathered around Jesus,

2 and they saw some of His disciples eating with hands that were defiled—that is, unwashed.

3 Now in holding to the tradition of the elders, the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat until they wash their hands ceremonially.

4 And on returning from the market, they do not eat unless they wash. And there are many other traditions for them to observe, including the washing of cups, pitchers, kettles, and couches for dining.

5 So the Pharisees and scribes questioned Jesus: “Why do Your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders? Instead, they eat with defiled hands.”

Read all of Mark 7

Greek words

Data created by STEPBible.org based on work at Tyndale House Cambridge (CC BY 4.0).

Study Mark 7:3

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Cross-references

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge lists these related verses. Scripture text comes from the Berean Standard Bible.

Mark 7:7

They worship Me in vain; they teach as doctrine the precepts of men.’

Mark 7:8

You have disregarded the commandment of God to keep the tradition of men.”

Mark 7:9

He went on to say, “You neatly set aside the command of God to maintain your own tradition.

Mark 7:10

For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and your mother’ and ‘Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death.’

Mark 7:13

Thus you nullify the word of God by the tradition you have handed down. And you do so in many such matters.”

Matthew 15:2

“Why do Your disciples break the tradition of the elders? They do not wash their hands before they eat.”

Matthew 15:3

Jesus replied, “And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition?

Matthew 15:4

For God said, ‘Honor your father and mother’ and ‘Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death.’

Matthew 15:5

But you say that if anyone says to his father or mother, ‘Whatever you would have received from me is a gift devoted to God,’

Matthew 15:6

he need not honor his father or mother with it. Thus you nullify the word of God for the sake of your tradition.

Galatians 1:14

I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers.

Colossians 2:8

See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, which are based on human tradition and the spiritual forces of the world rather than on Christ.

Colossians 2:21

“Do not handle, do not taste, do not touch!”?

Colossians 2:22

These will all perish with use, because they are based on human commands and teachings.

Colossians 2:23

Such restrictions indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-prescribed worship, their false humility, and their harsh treatment of the body; but they are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh.

1 Peter 1:18

For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life you inherited from your forefathers,

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