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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Mark 7:3 Now in holding to the tradition of the elders, the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat until they wash their hands ceremonially.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/mark/7-3.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/6/41_Mrk_07_03.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Mark 7:3 - Tradition and Worship" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Now in holding to the tradition of the elders, the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat until they wash their hands ceremonially." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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<a href="/kjv/mark/7.htm">King James Bible</a> For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands oft, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders. <a href="/nkjv/mark/7.htm">New King James Version</a> For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they wash their hands in a special way, holding the tradition of the elders. <a href="/nasb_/mark/7.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> (For the Pharisees and all the other Jews do not eat unless they carefully wash their hands, thereby holding firmly to the tradition of the elders; <a href="/nasb/mark/7.htm">NASB 1995</a> (For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they carefully wash their hands, thus observing the traditions of the elders; <a href="/nasb77/mark/7.htm">NASB 1977 </a> (For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they carefully wash their hands, thus observing the traditions of the elders; <a href="/lsb/mark/7.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> (For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they carefully wash their hands, thus observing the tradition of the elders; <a href="/amp/mark/7.htm">Amplified Bible</a> (For the Pharisees and all of the Jews do not eat unless they carefully wash their hands, holding firmly to the traditions of the elders; <a href="/csb/mark/7.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> (For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they give their hands a ceremonial washing, keeping the tradition of the elders. <a href="/hcsb/mark/7.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> (For the Pharisees, in fact all the Jews, will not eat unless they wash their hands ritually, keeping the tradition of the elders. <a href="/asv/mark/7.htm">American Standard Version</a> (For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands diligently, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders; <a href="/cev/mark/7.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> The Pharisees and many others obey the teachings of their ancestors. They always wash their hands in the proper way before eating. <a href="/erv/mark/7.htm">English Revised Version</a> For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands diligently, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders: <a href="/gwt/mark/7.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> (The Pharisees, like all other Jewish people, don't eat unless they have properly washed their hands. They follow the traditions of their ancestors. <a href="/gnt/mark/7.htm">Good News Translation</a> For the Pharisees, as well as the rest of the Jews, follow the teaching they received from their ancestors: they do not eat unless they wash their hands in the proper way; <a href="/isv/mark/7.htm">International Standard Version</a> (The Pharisees—and indeed all the Jewish people—don't eat unless they wash their hands properly, following the tradition of their elders. <a href="/msb/mark/7.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Now in holding to the tradition of the elders, the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat until they wash their hands ceremonially. <a href="/net/mark/7.htm">NET Bible</a> (For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they perform a ritual washing, holding fast to the tradition of the elders. <a href="/nheb/mark/7.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> (For the Pharisees, and all Jewish people, do not eat unless they wash their hands and forearms, holding to the Tradition of the Elders. <a href="/wbt/mark/7.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands often eat not, holding the tradition of the elders. <a href="/wey/mark/7.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> <a href="/web/mark/7.htm">World English Bible</a> (For the Pharisees and all the Jews don’t eat unless they wash their hands and forearms, holding to the tradition of the elders. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/mark/7.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> for the Pharisees, and all the Jews, if they do not wash the hands to the wrist, do not eat, holding the tradition of the elders, <a href="/blb/mark/7.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they wash the hands carefully, holding the tradition of the elders; <a href="/ylt/mark/7.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> for the Pharisees, and all the Jews, if they do not wash the hands to the wrist, do not eat, holding the tradition of the elders, <a href="/slt/mark/7.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> (For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they vigorously wash hands, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/mark/7.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> For the Pharisees, and all the Jews eat not without often washing their hands, holding the tradition of the ancients: <a href="/cpdv/mark/7.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, do not eat without repeatedly washing their hands, holding to the tradition of the elders. <a href="/nabre/mark/7.htm">New American Bible</a> (For the Pharisees and, in fact, all Jews, do not eat without carefully washing their hands, keeping the tradition of the elders. <a href="/nrsvce/mark/7.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> (For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, do not eat unless they thoroughly wash their hands, thus observing the tradition of the elders;<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/mark/7.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> For all the Jews, even the Pharisees, unless their hands are washed carefully would not eat, because they strictly observe the tradition of the elders. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/mark/7.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> For all the Judeans and the Pharisees do not eat unless they wash their hands carefully because they keep the tradition of the Elders.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/mark/7.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> (for the Pharisees and all the Jews eat not, unless they wash their hands carefully, because they hold the tradition of the elders: <a href="/godbey/mark/7.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> For the Pharisees and all the Jews, unless they diligently wash their hands, do not eat, holding the tradition of the elders. <a href="/haweis/mark/7.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> For the Pharisees and all the Jews, unless they wash their hands to the wrist, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders. <a href="/mace/mark/7.htm">Mace New Testament</a> for the Pharisees, and the Jews in general, in pursuance of their antient traditions, never eat till they have wash'd their hands up to their elbows. <a href="/wey/mark/7.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> <a href="/worrell/mark/7.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, unless they wash their hands thoroughly, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders; <a href="/worsley/mark/7.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> for the pharisees, and indeed all the Jews, do not eat till they have washed their hands thoroughly, observing the tradition of the ancients. <a href="/parallel/mark/7-3.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DmwDTC71zvQ?start=2068" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/mark/7.htm">Tradition and Worship</a> …2and they saw some of His disciples eating with hands that were defiled—that is, unwashed. 3<a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.">Now</a> <a href="/greek/2902.htm" title="2902: kratountes (V-PPA-NMP) -- From kratos; to use strength, i.e. Seize or retain.">in holding</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">to the</a> <a href="/greek/3862.htm" title="3862: paradosin (N-AFS) -- An instruction, tradition. From paradidomi; transmission, i.e. a precept; specially, the Jewish traditionary law.">tradition</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tōn (Art-GMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">of the</a> <a href="/greek/4245.htm" title="4245: presbyterōn (Adj-GMP) -- Comparative of presbus; older; as noun, a senior; specially, an Israelite Sanhedrist or Christian presbyter.">elders,</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: Hoi (Art-NMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/5330.htm" title="5330: Pharisaioi (N-NMP) -- Of Hebrew origin; a separatist, i.e. Exclusively religious; a Pharisean, i.e. Jewish sectary.">Pharisees</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/3956.htm" title="3956: pantes (Adj-NMP) -- All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.">all</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hoi (Art-NMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/2453.htm" title="2453: Ioudaioi (Adj-NMP) -- Jewish. From Iouda; Judaean, i.e. Belonging to Jehudah.">Jews</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ouk (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.">do not</a> <a href="/greek/2068.htm" title="2068: esthiousin (V-PIA-3P) -- Strengthened for a primary edo; used only in certain tenses, the rest being supplied by phago; to eat.">eat</a> <a href="/greek/1437.htm" title="1437: ean (Conj) -- If. From ei and an; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.">until</a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether."></a> <a href="/greek/3538.htm" title="3538: nipsōntai (V-ASM-3P) -- To wash; mid. I wash my own (hands, etc.). To cleanse; ceremonially, to perform ablution.">they wash</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tas (Art-AFP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">their</a> <a href="/greek/5495.htm" title="5495: cheiras (N-AFP) -- A hand. ">hands</a> <a href="/greek/4435.htm" title="4435: pygmē (N-DFS) -- The fist. From a primary pux; the clenched hand, i.e. with the fist.">ceremonially.</a> 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.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/matthew/15-2.htm">Matthew 15:2</a> “Why do Your disciples break the tradition of the elders? They do not wash their hands before they eat.” <a href="/matthew/23-25.htm">Matthew 23:25-26</a> Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. / Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, so that the outside may become clean as well. <a href="/luke/11-38.htm">Luke 11:38-39</a> But the Pharisee was surprised to see that Jesus did not first wash before the meal. / Then the Lord said, “Now you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness. <a href="/colossians/2-8.htm">Colossians 2:8</a> 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. <a href="/galatians/1-14.htm">Galatians 1:14</a> I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers. <a href="/acts/10-14.htm">Acts 10:14-15</a> “No, Lord!” Peter answered. “I have never eaten anything impure or unclean.” / The voice spoke to him a second time: “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.” <a href="/matthew/23-4.htm">Matthew 23:4</a> They tie up heavy, burdensome loads and lay them on men’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them. <a href="/luke/5-33.htm">Luke 5:33</a> Then they said to Him, “John’s disciples and those of the Pharisees frequently fast and pray, but Yours keep on eating and drinking.” <a href="/romans/14-2.htm">Romans 14:2-3</a> For one person has faith to eat all things, while another, who is weak, eats only vegetables. / The one who eats everything must not belittle the one who does not, and the one who does not eat everything must not judge the one who does, for God has accepted him. <a href="/galatians/2-12.htm">Galatians 2:12-13</a> For before certain men came from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles. But when they arrived, he began to draw back and separate himself, for fear of those in the circumcision group. / The other Jews joined him in his hypocrisy, so that by their hypocrisy even Barnabas was led astray. <a href="/matthew/15-11.htm">Matthew 15:11</a> A man is not defiled by what enters his mouth, but by what comes out of it.” <a href="/john/18-28.htm">John 18:28</a> Then they led Jesus away from Caiaphas into the Praetorium. By now it was early morning, and the Jews did not enter the Praetorium, to avoid being defiled and unable to eat the Passover. <a href="/acts/15-1.htm">Acts 15:1</a> Then some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” <a href="/1_timothy/4-3.htm">1 Timothy 4:3</a> They will prohibit marriage and require abstinence from certain foods that God has created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. <a href="/isaiah/29-13.htm">Isaiah 29:13</a> Therefore the Lord said: “These people draw near to Me with their mouths and honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. Their worship of Me is but rules taught by men.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands oft, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders.oft.the tradition.<a href="/mark/7-7.htm">Mark 7:7-10,13</a> Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men… <a href="/matthew/15-2.htm">Matthew 15:2-6</a> Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread… <a href="/galatians/1-14.htm">Galatians 1:14</a> And profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/matthew/15-2.htm">Ancients</a> <a href="/mark/5-26.htm">Care</a> <a href="/mark/4-24.htm">Carefully</a> <a href="/leviticus/15-13.htm">Ceremonial</a> <a href="/mark/3-19.htm">Delivered</a> <a href="/matthew/2-16.htm">Diligently</a> <a href="/mark/7-2.htm">Eat</a> <a href="/matthew/28-12.htm">Elders</a> <a href="/mark/6-8.htm">Except</a> <a href="/mark/7-2.htm">Food</a> <a href="/mark/7-2.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/matthew/27-16.htm">Holding</a> <a href="/matthew/28-15.htm">Jews</a> <a href="/mark/2-18.htm">Keeping</a> <a href="/matthew/21-32.htm">Observing</a> <a href="/matthew/18-21.htm">Oft</a> <a href="/mark/5-4.htm">Often</a> <a href="/mark/7-1.htm">Pharisees</a> <a href="/matthew/22-38.htm">Rule</a> <a href="/matthew/15-6.htm">Tradition</a> <a href="/micah/6-16.htm">Traditions</a> <a href="/mark/3-27.htm">Unless</a> <a href="/matthew/23-26.htm">Wash</a> <a href="/matthew/15-2.htm">Washing</a> <a href="/genesis/38-30.htm">Wrist</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/mark/7-5.htm">Ancients</a> <a href="/mark/8-15.htm">Care</a> <a href="/mark/10-20.htm">Carefully</a> <a href="/john/3-25.htm">Ceremonial</a> <a href="/mark/7-5.htm">Delivered</a> <a href="/luke/12-58.htm">Diligently</a> <a href="/mark/7-4.htm">Eat</a> <a href="/mark/7-5.htm">Elders</a> <a href="/mark/7-4.htm">Except</a> <a href="/mark/7-4.htm">Food</a> <a href="/mark/7-4.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/mark/7-8.htm">Holding</a> <a href="/mark/15-2.htm">Jews</a> <a href="/mark/14-61.htm">Keeping</a> <a href="/luke/1-6.htm">Observing</a> <a href="/luke/18-3.htm">Oft</a> <a href="/mark/9-22.htm">Often</a> <a href="/mark/7-5.htm">Pharisees</a> <a href="/mark/7-13.htm">Rule</a> <a href="/mark/7-5.htm">Tradition</a> <a href="/mark/7-4.htm">Traditions</a> <a href="/mark/7-4.htm">Unless</a> <a href="/mark/7-4.htm">Wash</a> <a href="/mark/7-4.htm">Washing</a> <a href="/genesis/38-28.htm">Wrist</a><div class="vheading2">Mark 7</div>1. <a href="/mark/7-1.htm">The Pharisees find fault with the disciples for eating with unwashed hands.</a> 8. <a href="/mark/7-8.htm">They break the commandment of God by the traditions of men.</a> 14. <a href="/mark/7-14.htm">Food defiles not the man.</a> 24. <a href="/mark/7-24.htm">He heals the Syrophenician woman's daughter of an unclean spirit;</a> 31. <a href="/mark/7-31.htm">and one that was deaf, and stammered in his speech.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/mark/7.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/mark/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/mark/7.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Now in holding to the tradition of the elders The "tradition of the elders" refers to the oral laws and interpretations developed by Jewish religious leaders over generations. These traditions were not part of the written Torah but were considered authoritative by the Pharisees. They were meant to provide a "fence" around the Law to prevent any possibility of breaking it. This tradition was later codified in the Mishnah. The emphasis on tradition highlights the tension between human customs and divine commandments, a recurring theme in Jesus' ministry.the Pharisees and all the Jews The Pharisees were a prominent religious group in Judaism known for their strict adherence to the Law and the oral traditions. They were influential in the synagogues and among the common people. "All the Jews" here likely refers to those who followed Pharisaic traditions, as not every Jewish person adhered to these practices. This phrase underscores the widespread influence of Pharisaic teachings in Jewish society at the time.do not eat until they wash their hands ceremonially The ceremonial washing of hands was a ritual purification practice, not for hygiene but for religious purity. This practice was rooted in the Levitical laws concerning cleanliness, though the specific handwashing ritual was an extension of these laws. It symbolized spiritual cleanliness and was a way to maintain ritual purity. This practice is not explicitly commanded in the Torah but was part of the oral tradition. The emphasis on ceremonial washing reflects the broader theme of external versus internal purity, which Jesus addresses in His teachings.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/pharisees.htm">Pharisees</a> A religious group in Judaism known for strict adherence to the Law and traditions. They often clashed with Jesus over interpretations of the Law. 2. <a href="/topical/j/jews.htm">Jews</a> The ethnic and religious group to which Jesus and His disciples belonged. They followed the Mosaic Law and various traditions. 3. <a href="/topical/t/tradition_of_the_elders.htm">Tradition of the Elders</a> Oral traditions passed down through generations, which the Pharisees held in high regard, sometimes even above the written Law. 4. <a href="/topical/j/jesus.htm">Jesus</a> The central figure of the New Testament, who often challenged the Pharisees' interpretations and applications of the Law. 5. <a href="/topical/d/disciples.htm">Disciples</a> Followers of Jesus who were often at the center of the controversies between Jesus and the Pharisees.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/u/understanding_tradition_vs._commandment.htm">Understanding Tradition vs. Commandment</a> Traditions can be valuable, but they should not overshadow or replace God's commandments. Evaluate traditions in light of Scripture. <a href="/topical/h/heart_over_ritual.htm">Heart Over Ritual</a> God desires genuine worship from the heart rather than mere external compliance. Focus on cultivating a sincere relationship with God. <a href="/topical/d/discernment_in_practice.htm">Discernment in Practice</a> Be discerning about which practices are biblically mandated and which are human traditions. Ensure that your faith practices align with Scripture. <a href="/topical/a/avoiding_legalism.htm">Avoiding Legalism</a> Legalism can lead to a focus on rules rather than a relationship with God. Strive for a balance that honors God’s commands without falling into legalism. <a href="/topical/c/cultural_context_and_application.htm">Cultural Context and Application</a> Understand the cultural context of biblical teachings and how they apply today. Seek wisdom in applying ancient truths to modern life.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_mark_7.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Mark 7</a> <a href="/q/was_tyre_rebuilt_after_destruction.htm">What does it mean to be pharisaical?</a> <a href="/q/who_was_adrian_rogers'_impact.htm">Do they honor me with lips, not hearts?</a> <a href="/q/how_do_sadducees_differ_from_pharisees.htm">What distinguishes Sadducees from Pharisees?</a> <a href="/q/was_jesus_considered_a_rabbi.htm">Was Jesus considered a rabbi?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/mark/7.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(3) For the Pharisees, and all the Jews.--For the sake of the same class of readers, St. Mark adds another explanatory note. The custom of which he speaks was not, he says, peculiar to the Pharisees as a sect; it had passed, through their influence, to the whole body of the people.Oft.--The Greek MSS. present two readings, one of which this is the natural meaning; another, which means literally, "with the fist," and figuratively, "with might and main." The evidence is, on the whole, in favour of the former.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/mark/7.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 3. - Except they wash their hands oft. The Greek word here rendered "oft" is πυγμῇ: literally, with the fist, i.e. with the closed hand, rubbing one against the other. This word has caused a vast amount of criticism; and the difficulty of explaining it seems to have led to the adoption of a conjectural reading (πυκνῷς or πυκνῇ) rendered "oft;" crebro in the Vulgate. But the Syriac Peshito Version renders the Greek word by a word which means "diligently," and it is interesting and helpful, as a matter of exegesis, to know that it also renders the Greek word (ἐπιμελῶς) in <a href="/luke/15-8.htm">Luke 15:8</a> by the same Syriac synonym, "diligently." The "clenched fist" implies vigor and resolution, and points to "diligence," and there are very high authorities in favor of this rendering, as, Epiphanius, Isaac Casaubon, and Cornelius a Lapide, to say nothing of our best modern expositors. It is also adopted in the Revised Version. Holding the tradition of the elders. The Pharisees pretended that this tradition had been orally delivered by God to Moses on Mount Sinai, and then transmitted orally down to their time. These oral precepts were afterwards embodied in the Talmud. <a href="/commentaries/mark/7-3.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Now γὰρ (gar) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1063.htm">Strong's 1063: </a> For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason. in holding κρατοῦντες (kratountes) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2902.htm">Strong's 2902: </a> From kratos; to use strength, i.e. Seize or retain. to the τὴν (tēn) Article - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. tradition παράδοσιν (paradosin) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3862.htm">Strong's 3862: </a> An instruction, tradition. From paradidomi; transmission, i.e. a precept; specially, the Jewish traditionary law. of the τῶν (tōn) Article - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. elders, πρεσβυτέρων (presbyterōn) Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4245.htm">Strong's 4245: </a> Comparative of presbus; older; as noun, a senior; specially, an Israelite Sanhedrist or Christian 'presbyter'. the Οἱ (Hoi) Article - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. Pharisees Φαρισαῖοι (Pharisaioi) Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5330.htm">Strong's 5330: </a> Of Hebrew origin; a separatist, i.e. Exclusively religious; a Pharisean, i.e. Jewish sectary. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. all πάντες (pantes) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3956.htm">Strong's 3956: </a> All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole. the οἱ (hoi) Article - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. Jews Ἰουδαῖοι (Ioudaioi) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2453.htm">Strong's 2453: </a> Jewish. From Iouda; Judaean, i.e. Belonging to Jehudah. {do} not οὐκ (ouk) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3756.htm">Strong's 3756: </a> No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not. eat ἐσθίουσιν (esthiousin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2068.htm">Strong's 2068: </a> Strengthened for a primary edo; used only in certain tenses, the rest being supplied by phago; to eat. until ἐὰν (ean) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1437.htm">Strong's 1437: </a> If. From ei and an; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc. they wash νίψωνται (nipsōntai) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Middle - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3538.htm">Strong's 3538: </a> To wash; mid. I wash my own (hands, etc.). To cleanse; ceremonially, to perform ablution. [their] τὰς (tas) Article - Accusative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. hands χεῖρας (cheiras) Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5495.htm">Strong's 5495: </a> A hand. ceremonially. πυγμῇ (pygmē) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4435.htm">Strong's 4435: </a> The fist. From a primary pux; the clenched hand, i.e. with the fist. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/mark/7-3.htm">Mark 7:3 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/mark/7-3.htm">Mark 7:3 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/mark/7-3.htm">Mark 7:3 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/mark/7-3.htm">Mark 7:3 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/mark/7-3.htm">Mark 7:3 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/mark/7-3.htm">Mark 7:3 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/mark/7-3.htm">Mark 7:3 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/mark/7-3.htm">Mark 7:3 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/mark/7-3.htm">Mark 7:3 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/mark/7-3.htm">Mark 7:3 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/mark/7-3.htm">NT Gospels: Mark 7:3 For the Pharisees and all the Jews (Mar Mk Mr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/mark/7-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Mark 7:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Mark 7:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/mark/7-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Mark 7:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Mark 7:4" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>