Mark 7:12

And ye suffer him no more to do ought for his father or his mother;

Mark 7:12 (KJV)

Context

In Mark 7:1-13, Jesus confronts the Pharisees and scribes who accused His disciples of neglecting the tradition of the elders by not washing their hands before eating. Jesus responds by exposing how human tradition can undermine God’s commandments, using the practice of Corban as a clear example.

Corban was a tradition by which a person dedicated money or property to the temple or religious use, declaring it unavailable for any other purpose. According to Jewish canons, if a man vowed something contrary to a command, he was obliged to keep his vow and break the command. Thus, if a man vowed that his father or mother should never receive benefit from his substance, and declared it Corban, he was bound by the vow and was not allowed to do anything for his parents, however poor or helpless they might be. The only recourse was to apply to a wise man to revoke the vow, but the man could not do it himself.

Meaning

In this verse, Jesus condemns the active role of those who permit this evasion. The Greek text underscores that the Pharisees and scribes “suffer him no more” to do anything for his father or mother. By allowing a vow to override the clear commandment to honour one’s parents, they nullified God’s word for the sake of their tradition. The verse shows that religious vows or traditions cannot override God’s moral law, especially duties to family.

Biblical connections

The commandment to honour one’s father and mother is one of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:12; Deuteronomy 5:16). It emphasises the importance of respecting and caring for one’s parents, which includes providing for their needs in their old age. Matthew 15:3-9 is a parallel passage where Jesus addresses the same issue and expands on the topic.

Application

This passage reminds us to examine our practices and traditions, ensuring they align with God’s Word. While traditions can have value, they should never supersede God’s moral principles or neglect our responsibilities towards others. Mark 7:12 prompts us to reflect on our treatment of our parents, challenging us to evaluate whether we are fulfilling our duty to honour, respect, and care for them, particularly as they age. It also warns against using religious practices to avoid God-given responsibilities.

Reflection

Jesus emphasises the importance of the heart’s condition in matters of obedience. It is not just about adhering to outward rituals but having a heart that genuinely seeks to love and honour God and others. May this study deepen your understanding and encourage you to live in accordance with God’s Word.