Mark 7:18
And he saith vnto them, Are ye so without vnderstanding also? Doe yee not perceiue that whatsoeuer thing from without entreth into the man, it cannot defile him, Mark 7:18 (KJV)
And he saith unto them,
Are ye so without understanding also? Do ye not perceive, that whatsoever thing from without entereth into the man,
it cannot defile him; Mark 7:18 (KJV)
Context: In this passage Jesus addresses a group of Pharisees and scribes who had criticized His disciples for not observing certain Jewish ceremonial traditions, especially the washing of hands before eating. He challenges their understanding and highlights the importance of inward purity rather than external rituals.
Historical and Cultural Background:
The Pharisees and scribes placed great emphasis on ritual purity laws, including hand‑washing, to maintain ceremonial cleanliness. These practices were human interpretations and additions to the law, not commands from God.
Questioning Their Understanding:
Jesus rebukes the Pharisees and scribes, asking whether they too are without understanding. He points to their spiritual blindness and their failure to grasp the true meaning and intent of God’s commandments.
External versus Internal Defilement:
Jesus teaches that what enters a person from the outside does not defile him spiritually. He is not speaking of physical hygiene but of the condition of the heart and soul. It is not food or external influences that corrupt a person, but the evil thoughts, attitudes, and intentions that arise from within.
The Importance of the Heart:
True defilement originates in the heart, where sinful desires and intentions are born. In the verses that follow (Mark 7:20‑23) Jesus lists various evil acts that proceed from the heart—adultery, theft, murder, greed, and others—showing the need for internal transformation and spiritual purity rather than mere external conformity.
Jesus’ Teachings on True Holiness:
This passage challenges the superficiality of religious rituals and underscores the necessity of a transformed heart. The later teaching that it is not what goes into a person but what comes out that defiles reinforces the call to genuine repentance, faith, and a deep commitment to righteousness instead of reliance on outward practices alone.
Application:
Focus on the condition of your heart, examining it and aligning it with God’s will. Guard against hypocrisy by avoiding the trap of outward appearances that mask a lack of true spirituality. Pursue righteousness by prioritizing godly character, integrity, and love rather than depending solely on external rituals. Remember that this study is a starting point; further meditation on the passage can yield deeper insight and personal application.
