Mark 7:3

Mark 7:3, in plain English

Mark explains that the Pharisees and most Jewish people didn't eat until they performed a ceremonial hand-washing, following traditions passed down through generations.

Why it's here

Mark takes a moment to explain this for readers who might not be familiar with Jewish customs. It's a helpful window into the religious world Jesus was navigating.

Who's speaking

Mark provides background explanation for his readers.

Where it sits in the story

For those not familiar with Jewish practice, Mark fills in the context: this kind of ceremonial washing was a deeply ingrained tradition, not just a suggestion.

The scholarly reading

Mark provides a parenthetical explanation for his Gentile readers: Pharisees and 'all the Jews' (pantes hoi Ioudaioi — a generalization) practiced ceremonial handwashing before meals, following 'the tradition of the elders' (ten paradosin ton presbyteron).

Language and setting

The 'tradition of the elders' refers to the Oral Torah — rabbinic interpretations and applications that supplemented the written Law. Mark's explanatory aside confirms his audience includes non-Jewish readers.

Voice

Mark provides an explanatory aside for his audience.

Significance

Mark pauses to explain Jewish purity customs to his non-Jewish readers, noting that Pharisees and Jews generally followed elaborate handwashing traditions inherited from earlier generations.

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

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

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

4And 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.

5So 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 — Jesus declares all foods clean and then crosses into Gentile territory to heal a woman's daughter. The walls are coming down.