Mark 7:4

And 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.

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — The narrator records the Pharisees' ritual practices while they confront Jesus about his disciples ignoring the tradition of the elders. This occurs during a direct challenge regarding ceremonial purity before meals.

The words — ἀγορᾶς (agoras) means market, and ἔλθωσιν (elthōsin) translates as may come or return. These terms anchor the mandated washing to a specific post-market activity.

The thread — The focus on washing cups and vessels runs parallel to the critique in Matthew 23:25 and the observation in Luke 11:38, while Hebrews 9:10 classifies such washings as external regulations.

Why it lands — The text lists human traditions without endorsing them, requiring the reader to separate mandated customs from divine commands. It demands a clear-eyed assessment of which practices carry spiritual weight.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Greek words

King James Version

And when they come from the market, except they wash, they eat not. And many other things there be, which they have received to hold, as the washing of cups, and pots, brasen vessels, and of tables.

Cross-references

Matthew 23:25 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.
Luke 11:38 But the Pharisee was surprised to see that Jesus did not first wash before the meal.
Hebrews 9:10 They consist only in food and drink and special washings—external regulations imposed until the time of reform.
Isaiah 1:16 Wash and cleanse yourselves. Remove your evil deeds from My sight. Stop doing evil!
Jeremiah 4:14 Wash the evil from your heart, O Jerusalem, so that you may be saved. How long will you harbor wicked thoughts within you?
John 2:6 Now six stone water jars had been set there for the Jewish rites of purification. Each could hold from twenty to thirty gallons.
James 4:8 Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
Job 9:30 If I should wash myself with snow and cleanse my hands with lye,
Psalms 26:6 I wash my hands in innocence that I may go about Your altar, O LORD,
Matthew 27:24 When Pilate saw that he was accomplishing nothing, but that instead a riot was breaking out, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd. “I am innocent of this man’s blood,” he said. “You bear the responsibility.”