Mark 7:1-9 ▼

1 And there were gathered unto Him the pharisees, and some of the scribes, from Jerusalem;

2 and when they saw some of his disciples eating with impure (that is, unwashed) hands, they found fault:

3 for the pharisees, and indeed all the Jews, do not eat till they have washed their hands thoroughly, observing the tradition of the ancients.

4 And when they come from the market, they do not eat till they have washed. And there are many other things, which they have received to observe, as the washing of cups, and pots, and brass-vessels, and seats.

5 Then the pharisees and the scribes ask Him, Why do not thy disciples walk according to the tradition of the ancients, but eat without washing their hands?

6 But He answered them, Well did Esaias prophesy concerning you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me:

7 and in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the injunctions of men.

8 For laying aside the commandment of God, ye retain the tradition of men, as the washings of pots and cups, and many other such like things.

9 And ye expressly annul the commandment of God, that ye may retain your own tradition;