ESV Global Study Bible :: Footnotes for Mark 7

Mark 7:1–23 Conflict arises between the Pharisees and Jesus over the issue of true moral purity.

Mark 7:5 Scribes are sent from Jerusalem (v. 1) to investigate the situation brought about by Jesus’ popularity. eat with defiled hands. The disciples are not breaking the Mosaic law but rather the tradition of the elders that prescribed ritual washing of hands, utensils, and furniture (see vv. 2–4). By his example, Jesus implies that his disciples may ignore these traditions (see Luke 11:37–38).

Mark 7:10–13 honor your father and your mother (see Ex. 20:12; 21:17; Deut. 5:16). Jewish tradition allowed that funds committed for the care of parents could be declared Corban (“dedicated to God”; see Lev. 1:2; 2:1). This would mean that the person no longer had to give anything to his parents. thus making void the word of God. The Corban tradition was just one example of a “tradition of men” that nullified an important “commandment of God” (Mark 7:8; see Ex. 20:12).

Mark 7:15 can defile him. The problem of the defiled human heart is much more serious than mere ceremonial impurity (see Jer. 17:9–10). Throughout Scripture, the heart refers to the center of one’s being, including the mind, emotions, and will (see Prov. 4:23).

Mark 7:19 declared all foods clean. The Mosaic ceremonial laws distinguished between “clean” and “unclean” foods (see Lev. 11:1–47). The purpose of these laws was to make people aware of their sin as a barrier to fellowship with a holy God. But after Jesus, through his atoning death, made possible the forgiveness of sins and full fellowship with God, the ceremonial laws would no longer be required.

Mark 7:24–30 Jesus went first to the people of Israel. However, these verses foreshadow the future ministry of the disciples to the Gentiles.

Mark 7:24 did not want anyone to know. See note on Matt. 8:4. Jesus was already known in the Gentile region of Tyre and Sidon, where there were many resettled Jews (see note on Mark 3:7–8). Jesus was called first to proclaim God’s kingdom to the people of Israel, but he also spoke of a time when his disciples would take the gospel to the Gentiles (13:10; 14:9).

Mark 7:26 Elijah had also helped a non-Jewish woman in this area (1 Kings 17:8). Syrophoenician. A native of Phoenicia, which included Tyre and Sidon.

Mark 7:27 Jesus’ response is surprising and may seem offensive. Taking into account vv. 29–30, one can conclude that Jesus spoke as he did merely to test the woman’s faith.

Mark 7:28–30 yet even the dogs. The woman’s response to Jesus’ surprising statement (v. 27) is both humble and persistent. Perhaps she understands and humbly accepts that God called Israel first for a particular purpose (see Ex. 4:22).

Mark 7:31–8:26 As Jesus continues his ministry of teaching and healing, the disciples’ hearts remain hard (8:17–21). They fail to understand who Jesus really is.

Mark 7:33 Unlike his other healings, Jesus uses physical means to heal the man. This allows him to illustrate the problem of spiritual deafness and blindness (see 8:17–18, 21).

Mark 7:36 to tell no one. See 1:45; 5:20; 34; 8:26; and note on Matt. 8:4.