Mark 7:1-9 ▼

1 And there gather together to Him the Pharisees, and some of the scribes, who came from Jerusalem,

2 and saw that some of His disciples ate bread with defiled, that is, unwashed hands.

3 For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, unless they wash their hands thoroughly, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders;

4 and, coming from the marketplace, unless they immerse themselves, they do not eat; and there are many other things which they received to hold; as , immersion of cups, and pots, and brazen vessels.

5 And the Pharisees and the scribes ask Him, "Why do not Thy disciples walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat with defiled hands?"

6 And He said to them, "Well did Isaiah prophesy concerning you hypocrites, as it has been written, This people honor me with their lips; but their heart is far from Me.

7 But in vain do they worship Me, teaching as their doctrines the precepts of men.

8 Having left the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men."

9 And He said to them, "Well do ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may hold your tradition!