Mark 7:14-23

Mark 7:14-23

[14] And  when he had called  all  the people  unto them,  Hearken  every one  of you, and  understand:  [15] nothing  from without  a man,  that  entering  into  him  can  defile  him:  but  the things which come  him,  that defile  the man.  [16] have  ears  to hear,  [17] And  when  he was entered  into  the house  from  the people,  his  disciples  asked  him  the parable.  [18] And  he saith  unto them,  so  without understanding  also?  not  perceive,  that  whatsoever thing  from without  entereth  into  the man,  it cannot  defile  him;  [19] Because  it entereth  not  into  his  heart,  but  into  the belly,  and  goeth out  into  the draught,  purging  all  meats?  [20] And  That which cometh  out of  the man,  that  defileth  the man.  [21] For  from within,  out of  the heart  of men,  proceed  evil  thoughts,  adulteries,  fornications,  murders,  [22] covetousness,  wickedness,  deceit,  lasciviousness,  an evil  eye,  blasphemy,  pride,  foolishness:  [23] All  evil things  come  from within,  and  defile  the man. 

What does Mark 7:14-23 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

Jesus continued His response to the critics by focusing on the particular practice that they had objected to ( Mark 7:5). The question of what constituted defilement was very important. The Jews had wandered far from God"s will in this matter because of their traditions.