Mark 7:3-4

Mark 7:3-4

[3] For  the Pharisees,  and  all  the Jews,  they wash  their hands  oft,  eat  not,  holding  the tradition  of the elders.  [4] And  when they come from  the market,  they wash,  they eat  not.  And  many  other things  which  they have received  to hold,  as the washing  of cups,  and  pots,  brasen vessels,  and  of tables. 

What does Mark 7:3-4 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

These verses do not appear in Matthew"s parallel account. They explain Pharisaic tradition for those unfamiliar with it such as Mark"s original Gentile readers. In Jesus" day the Jews communicated the traditions of the elders orally from generation to generation. About A.D200 the rabbis completed compiling these into the Mishnah, which became the basis for the Talmud (ca. A.D425). The Pharisees customarily washed themselves after visiting the marketplace to rid themselves of the defilement that contact with Gentiles produced. Most Jews regarded breaking these traditions as sin.
"Indeed, a Rabbi who had held this command in contempt was actually buried in excommunication." [1]