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Mark 7:7

Mark 7:7 in Multiple Translations

They worship Me in vain; they teach as doctrine the precepts of men.’

Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

But in vain do they worship me, Teaching as their doctrines the precepts of men.

But their worship is to no purpose, while they give as their teaching the rules of men.

There's no point in their worship of me, for what they teach as doctrines are merely human rules.’

But they worship me in vaine, teaching for doctrines the commandements of men.

and in vain do they worship Me, teaching teachings, commands of men;

They worship me in vain, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’

But, in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

And in vain to they worship me, teaching doctrines and precepts of men.

It is useless for them to worship me, because they teach only what people have commanded as if I myself had commanded them.

They have ceremonies for me, but, really, they rubbish me. You see, they teach rules that men made up themselves, and they tell everybody that those rules come from God.’

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Berean Amplified Bible — Mark 7:7

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Mark 7:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
GRK ματην δε σεβονται με διδασκοντες διδασκαλιας ενταλματα ανθρωπων
ματην matēn G3155 in vain Adv
δε de G1161 then Conj
σεβονται sebomai G4576 be devout Verb-PNI-3P
με egō G1473 I/we Pron-1AS
διδασκοντες didaskō G1321 to teach Verb-PAP-NPM
διδασκαλιας didaskalia G1319 teaching Noun-APF
ενταλματα entalma G1778 precept Noun-APN
ανθρωπων anthrōpos G444 a human Noun-GPM
Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — Mark 7:7

ματην matēn G3155 "in vain" Adv
This word means doing something in vain or to no purpose, like following rules without a genuine heart. It appears in Matthew 15:9 and Mark 7:7. It emphasizes the idea of futility or emptiness.
Definition: μάτην (prop. accusative of μάτη, a fault, folly), adv., [in LXX for הָבַל, שָׁוְא, etc. ;] in vain, to no purpose: Mat.15:9, Mrk.7:7" (LXX) .† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 2 NT verses. KJV: in vain See also: Mark 7:7; Matthew 15:9.
δε de G1161 "then" Conj
This is a conjunction that means and, but, or then, used to connect ideas like in Matthew 1:2 and 2 Corinthians 6:15.
Definition: δέ (before vowels δ᾽; on the general neglect of the elision in NT, see WH, App., 146; Tdf., Pr., 96), post-positive conjunctive particle; __1. copulative, but, in the next place, and, now (Abbott, JG, 104): Mat.1:2ff., 2Co.6:15, 16, 2Pe.1:5-7; in repetition for emphasis, Rom.3:21, 22, 9:30, 1Co.2:6, Gal.2:2, Php.2:8; in transition to something new, Mat.1:18, 2:19, Luk.13:1, Jhn.7:14, Act.6:1, Rom.8:28, 1Co.7:1 8:1, al.; in explanatory parenthesis or addition, Jhn.3:19, Rom.5:8, 1Co.1:12, Eph.2:4, 5:32, al.; ὡς δέ, Jhn.2:9; καὶ . . . δέ, but also, Mat.10:18, Luk.1:76, Jhn.6:51, Rom.11:23, al.; καὶ ἐὰν δέ, yea even if, Jhn.8:16. __2. Adversative, but, on the other hand, prop., answering to a foregoing μέν (which see), and distinguishing a word or clause from one preceding (in NT most frequently without μέν; Bl., §77, 12): ἐὰν δέ, Mat.6:14, 23, al.; ἐγὼ (σὺ, etc.) δέ, Mat.5:22, 6:6, Mrk.8:29, al.; ὁ δέ, αὐτὸς δέ, Mrk.1:45, Luk.4:40, al.; after a negation, Mat.6:19, 20, Rom.3:4, 1Th.5:21, al. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 2552 NT verses. KJV: also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:10; 1 Corinthians 12:9; 1 Peter 1:7.
σεβονται sebomai G4576 "be devout" Verb-PNI-3P
To be devout means to revere and adore God, like in Acts 16:14. It's about having a deep respect for God and showing it through worship and actions, as seen in the lives of devout people in the Bible.
Definition: σέβω [in LXX (chiefly for יָרֵא, Jos.4:24, al.) and NT always mid., σέβομαι, exc. 4Ma.5:24 ;] to worship: with accusative of person(s), Mat.15:9, Mrk.7:7, Act.18:13 19:27; σεβόμενος τ. θεόν, Act.16:14 18:7; σεβόμενοι (σ. προσήλυτοι, σ. Ἕλληνες), devout, Act.13:43, 50 17:4, 17 (cf. προσήλυτος).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 10 NT verses. KJV: devout, religious, worship See also: Acts 13:43; Acts 18:7; Matthew 15:9.
με egō G1473 "I/we" Pron-1AS
This is a pronoun meaning I or me, used by the speaker to refer to themselves. It is often used in the Bible to emphasize the speaker's identity.
Definition: ἐγώ, genitive, etc., ἐμοῦ, ἐμοί, ἐμέ (enclitic μου, μοι, με), pl. ἡμεῖς, -ῶν, -ῖν, -ᾶς, of person(s) pron. I. __(a) The nom. is usually emphatic, when expressed as subjc, as in Mat.3:11, Mrk.1:8, Luk.3:16, al. But often there is no apparent emphasis, as Mat.10:16, Jhn.10:17; ἰδοὺ ἐ. (= Heb. הִנֵּנִי, cf. 1Ki.3:8), Act.9:10; ἐ. (like Heb. אֲנִי), I am, Jhn.1:23 (LXX), Act.7:32 (LXX). __(b) The enclitic forms (see supr.) are used with nouns, adjectives, verbs, adverbs, where there is no emphasis: ἐν τ. πατρί μου, Jhn.14:20; μου τ. λόγους, Mat.7:24; ὀπίσω μου, Mat.3:11; ἰσχυρότερός μου, ib.; λέγει μοι, Rev.5:5; also with the prep. πρός, as Mrk.9:19, al. The full forms (ἐμοῦ, etc.) are used with the other prepositions, as δι᾽ ἐμοῦ, ἐν ἐμοί, εἰς ἐμέ, etc., also for emphasis, as Luk.10:16, Jhn.7:23, Mrk.14:7, al. __(with) The genitive μου and ἡμῶν are often used for the poss. pronouns ἐμός, ἡμέτερος: τ. λαόν μου, Mat.2:6; μου τῂ ἀπιστιᾳ, Mrk.9:24. __(d) τί ἐμοὶ καὶ σοί ( = Heb. מַה־לִי וָלָךְ, Jdg.11:12, al.), i.e. what have we in common: Mat.8:29, Mrk.1:24, 5:7, Luk.8:28, Jhn.2:4; τί γάρ μοι, 1Co.5:2. __(e) The interchange of ἐγώ and ἡμεῖς, common in π., appears in Pauline Epp. (see M, Pr., 86f., M, Th., 131f.). __(f) κἀγώ (= καὶ ἐγώ), and I, even I, I also: Mat.2:8, Luk.2:48, Jhn.6:56, Rom.3:7, 1Co.7:40, al.; κἀγώ . . . καί, both . . . and, Jhn.7:28. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1872 NT verses. KJV: I, me See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 16:24; 1 Peter 1:3.
διδασκοντες didaskō G1321 "to teach" Verb-PAP-NPM
This word means to teach or instruct someone, like Jesus teaching his disciples in Matthew 5:2. It can also mean to teach a thing or concept.
Definition: διδάσκω [in LXX chiefly for למד pl., also for ידע hi., ירה hi., etc. ;] to teach (i.e. instruct) a person, teach a thing; __1. trans.: with accusative of person(s), Mat.5:2, Mrk.1:22, al.; before ὅτι, Mrk.8:31; περί, 1Jn.2:27; with inf., Luk.11:1; with accusative of thing(s), Mrk.6:30 12:14; with cogn. accusative, Mat.15:9 (LXX); with dupl. accusative, Mrk.4:2, Jhn.14:26; pass., Gal.1:12, 2Th.2:15; with dative of person(s) (like Heb., cf. Job.21:23, but prob. a vernac. usage, see Swete, in l.), Rev.2:14. __2. Absol., to teach, give instruction: Mat.4:23, Mrk.1:21, and often in Gosp., Rom.12:7, 1Co.4:17, 1Ti.2:12, al. SYN.: παιδεύω (cf. Westc., Heb., 402; Cremer, 180). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 91 NT verses. KJV: teach See also: 1 Corinthians 4:17; Luke 6:6; Hebrews 5:12.
διδασκαλιας didaskalia G1319 "teaching" Noun-APF
This word refers to the act of teaching or instruction, as seen in Romans 12:7 and Ephesians 4:14. It can also mean doctrine or learning.
Definition: διδασκαλία, -ας, ἡ (διδάσκω), [in LXX: Pro.2:17 (אַלּוּף), Isa.29:13 (לָמַד), Sir.24:33 39:8 * ;] teaching, instruction, in both active and objective senses, most frequently the latter: Rom.12:7 15:4, Eph.4:14, 1Ti.4:6, 13, 16 5:17 6:1, 3, 2Ti.3:10 3:16, Tit.2:7, 10; ὑγιαινοῦσα δ., 1Ti.1:10, 2Ti.4:3, Tit.1:9 2:1; pl., δ. τ. ἀνθρώπων, Col.2:22; δ. δαιμονίων, 1Ti.4:1, δ. διδάσκειν, Mat.15:9, Mrk.7:7" (LXX) (Cremer, 182).† SYN.: διδαχή (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 21 NT verses. KJV: doctrine, learning, teaching See also: 1 Timothy 1:10; 2 Timothy 4:3; Romans 12:7.
ενταλματα entalma G1778 "precept" Noun-APN
This word means a precept or commandment from God, as seen in Matthew 15:9 and Mark 7:7. It refers to a specific instruction or teaching. The Bible often uses this term to describe God's laws and commandments.
Definition: ἔνταλμα, -τος, τό (ἐντέλλω), [in LXX: Job.23:11 (אָשֻׁר) Job.23:12, Isa.29:13 (מִצְוָה), Isa.55:11 (aliter in Heb.)* ;] a precept: pl., Mat.15:9 (LXX), Mrk.7:7, Col.2:22.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 3 NT verses. KJV: commandment See also: Colossians 2:22; Mark 7:7; Matthew 15:9.
ανθρωπων anthrōpos G444 "a human" Noun-GPM
This word means a human being, and is used in the Bible to describe people, like in John 16:21 and Romans 7:1.
Definition: ἄνθρωπος, -ου, ὁ, [in LXX chiefly for אִישׁ ,אָדָם, also for אֱנוֹשׁ, etc. ;] man: __1. generically, a human being, male or female (Lat. homo): Jhn.16:21; with art., Mat.4:4 12:35, Mrk.2:27, Jhn.2:25, Rom.7:1, al; disting. from God, Mat.19:6, Jhn.10:33, Col.3:23, al.; from animals, etc., Mat.4:19, Luk.5:10, Rev.9:4, al.; implying human frailty and imperfection, 1Co.3:4; σοφία ἀνθρώπων, 1Co.2:5; ἀνθρώπων ἐπιθυμίαι, 1Pe.4:2; κατὰ ἄνθρωπον περιπατεῖν, 1Co.3:3; κατὰ ἄ. λέγειν (λαλεῖν), Rom.3:5, 1Co.9:8; κατὰ ἄ- λέγειν, Gal.3:15 (cf. 1Co.15:32, Gal.1:11); by meton., of man's nature or condition, ὁ ἔσω (ἔξω) ἄ., Rom.7:22, Eph.3:16, 2Co.4:16 (cf. 1Pe.3:4); ὁ παλαιὸς, καινὸς, νέος ἄ., Rom.6:6, Eph.2:15 4:22, 24 Col.3:9, 10; joined with another subst., ἄ. ἔμπορος, a merchant, Mat.13:45 (WH, txt. om. ἄ.); οἰκοδεσπότης, Mat.13:52; βασιλεύς, 18:23; φάγος, 11:19; with name of nation, Κυρηναῖος, Mat.27:32; Ἰουδαῖος, Act.21:39; Ῥωμαῖος, Act.16:37; pl. οἱ ἄ., men, people: Mat.5:13, 16 Mrk.8:24, Jhn.4:28; οὐδεὶς ἀνθρώπων, Mrk.11:2, 1Ti.6:16. __2. Indef., ἄ. = τις, some one, a man: Mat.17:14, Mrk.12:1, al.; τις ἄ., Mat.18:12, Jhn.5:5, al.; indef. one (Fr. on), Rom.3:28, Gal.2:16, al.; opposite to women, servants, etc., Mat.10:36 19:10, Jhn.7:22, 23. __3. Definitely, with art., of some particular person; Mat.12:13, Mrk.3:5, al.; οὗτος ὁ ἄ., Luk.14:30; ὁ ἄ οὗτος, ἐκεῖνος, Mrk.14:71, Mat.12:45; ὁ ἄ. τ. ἀνομίας, 2Th.2:3; ἄ τ. θεοῦ (of Heb. אִישׁ אֱלֹהִים), 1Ti.6:11, 2Ti.3:17, 2Pe.1:21; ὁ υἰὸς τοῦ ἀ., see: υἱός. SYN.: ἀνήρ, which see (and cf. MM, VGT, 44; Cremer, 103, 635). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 503 NT verses. KJV: certain, man See also: 1 Corinthians 1:25; Acts 22:25; 1 Peter 1:24.

Study Notes — Mark 7:7

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Isaiah 29:13 Therefore the Lord said: “These people draw near to Me with their mouths and honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. Their worship of Me is but rules taught by men.
2 Matthew 15:9 They worship Me in vain; they teach as doctrine the precepts of men.’ ”
3 James 1:26 If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not bridle his tongue, he deceives his heart and his religion is worthless.
4 Colossians 2:22 These will all perish with use, because they are based on human commands and teachings.
5 Matthew 6:7 And when you pray, do not babble on like pagans, for they think that by their many words they will be heard.
6 1 Timothy 4:1–3 Now the Spirit expressly states that in later times some will abandon the faith to follow deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons, influenced by the hypocrisy of liars, whose consciences are seared with a hot iron. They will prohibit marriage and require abstinence from certain foods that God has created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.
7 Titus 3:9 But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, arguments, and quarrels about the law, because these things are pointless and worthless.
8 1 Samuel 12:21 Do not turn aside after worthless things that cannot profit you or deliver you, for they are empty.
9 Revelation 22:18 I testify to everyone who hears the words of prophecy in this book: If anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book.
10 Revelation 14:11–12 And the smoke of their torment rises forever and ever. Day and night there is no rest for those who worship the beast and its image, or for anyone who receives the mark of its name.” Here is a call for the perseverance of the saints who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.

Mark 7:7 Summary

[Jesus is saying that if we prioritize human traditions over God's commands, our worship is empty and meaningless. This is because God wants us to worship Him with our hearts, not just our words or actions (Matthew 15:8-9). We need to make sure that our worship is genuine and focused on God, rather than just following rules or traditions. By studying the Bible and following God's commands, we can ensure that our worship is real and pleasing to God (John 4:24).]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Jesus mean by 'they worship Me in vain'?

Jesus is saying that the Pharisees' worship is empty and meaningless because it is based on human traditions rather than a genuine relationship with God, as seen in Isaiah 29:13 (which Jesus quotes in Mark 7:6-7).

How can we avoid teaching 'the precepts of men' as doctrine?

We can avoid this by carefully studying the Bible, such as in Acts 17:11, and ensuring that our teachings are grounded in Scripture, rather than human traditions or opinions.

Is Jesus saying that all tradition is bad?

No, Jesus is not saying that all tradition is bad, but rather that human traditions should not be elevated to the same level as God's commandments, as seen in Matthew 15:3-6.

How can we ensure that our worship is not 'in vain'?

We can ensure that our worship is genuine by focusing on God's commands and teachings, such as in John 4:24, and by examining our hearts and motives, as in 1 Corinthians 13:1-3.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that I may be prioritizing human traditions over God's commands in my own life?
  2. How can I ensure that my worship is heartfelt and genuine, rather than just going through the motions?
  3. What are some 'precepts of men' that I may be teaching or following, and how can I align my beliefs and practices with Scripture?
  4. In what ways can I prioritize a personal relationship with God over external forms of worship or tradition?

Gill's Exposition on Mark 7:7

Howbeit, in vain do they worship me,.... This is the continuation of the citation out of Isaiah, as is also what follows: teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Mark 7:7

Then came together unto him the Pharisees, and certain of the scribes, which came from Jerusalem. For the exposition, see the notes at Matthew 15:1-20.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Mark 7:7

See Poole on ""

Trapp's Commentary on Mark 7:7

7 Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. Ver. 7. In vain do they worship me] Since they do lose their labour, and worse; for they commit sin. Displeasing service is double dishonour.

Ellicott's Commentary on Mark 7:7

(7) In vain do they worship me.—The word used here and in Matthew 15:9, is not that commonly used to express the outward act of homage, but one which expresses (as in Acts 18:13) inward devotion. The commandments.—The two Greek words used for “commandment” in this and the following verses are, as has been said in the Note on Matthew 15:9, not quite the same in meaning; that in this verse pointing to many detailed precepts; that in the next to the commandment which is “exceeding broad.”

Sermons on Mark 7:7

SermonDescription
Phillips Brooks A Faith That Can Be Kept by Phillips Brooks Phillips Brooks emphasizes the importance of genuine faith rooted in God's truth, contrasting it with superficial beliefs based on human opinions and doctrines. He highlights the n
J.H. Newman Marriage of Clergy by J.H. Newman J.H. Newman preaches about the lack of command by God's law for Bishops, Priests, and Deacons to vow the estate of single life or abstain from marriage. The observance of clerical
Melody Green Life Story of Keith Green - Part 2 by Melody Green In the sermon transcripts, Keith shares his burden for revival and the need for more people to come forward and experience a true transformation in their faith. He emphasizes the i
Art Katz K-053 Come Up and Be There by Art Katz In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the power and wealth of the world compared to the power and reality found in the Word of God. He shares a personal experience of a ten-day
Milton Green (In the Word) 06 - Hearing the Word of God by Milton Green In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of following the Word of God rather than the traditions of men. They urge the listeners to listen to all the tapes in the seri
Steve Gallagher Heart Surrender by Steve Gallagher In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of people honoring God with their words and outward actions, but neglecting to keep their hearts close to Him. He criticizes the pre
John Calvin Necessity of Reforming the Church 3 of 4 (1544) by John Calvin In this sermon, the speaker addresses the primacy of the Romish sea, which refers to the authority of the Roman Catholic Church. The speaker acknowledges that the adversaries of th

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