Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands?
So the Pharisees and religious teachers came up to Jesus and were like, 'Why don't your disciples follow what we've always done? Why are they eating without washing their hands first?'
Sometimes the people in charge care more about their rules than your heart.
📚 Historical Context
During the first century AD in Judea, the Pharisees and scribes were influential Jewish religious leaders who emphasized oral traditions passed down from their elders, including ritual hand-washing before meals, which were not directly commanded in the Old Testament. In Mark 7, they confronted Jesus because his disciples ate without performing these washings, revealing a deeper conflict between human customs and God's laws. This incident highlights the growing tension between Jesus' teachings and the established religious practices of the time.
Explore Similar Verses
Ask the AI Assistant
Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.