New Testament
Mark 7:11
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But you say that if someone tells their father or mother, 'Whatever I might have used to help you is Corban' — meaning it's been dedicated to God —
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But ye say, If a man shall say to his father or mother, It is Corban, that is to say, a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; he shall be free.
What Mark 7:11 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus addresses a practice among the Pharisees where people would declare their possessions as 'Corban,' meaning dedicated to God. This declaration allowed them to avoid using those resources to support their parents, which was a violation of the commandment to honor one's father and mother. By doing this, they created a loophole that made them feel righteous while neglecting their familial responsibilities. Jesus criticizes this practice, highlighting how it contradicts God's commandments and shows a lack of true devotion. The term 'Corban' indicates a gift or offering, but in this context, it was misused to excuse selfishness and disregard for family obligations. Jesus emphasizes that true devotion to God should not come at the expense of caring for one's family, pointing out the hypocrisy in their actions.
How to apply Mark 7:11 to your life
This verse encourages us to examine our priorities and ensure that our religious commitments do not lead us to neglect our responsibilities to family and loved ones. We should strive to honor our parents and support them, reflecting our faith through our actions.
Curated for this public verse page. Mark Summary
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Illustrated scene from John the Apostle's story: Mending Their Nets (Mark 1:19–20)
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Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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At a Glance — the Book of Mark
- Author
- John Mark
- Written
- Around AD 55-65
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Roman and Gentile Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Mark 7:11 mean?
Mark 7:11 discusses how some people used the term 'Corban' to declare their possessions dedicated to God, allowing them to avoid helping their parents. Jesus criticizes this practice as a way to bypass the commandment to honor one's father and mother.
What is the meaning of Corban in Mark 7:11?
In Mark 7:11, 'Corban' refers to something that has been dedicated as a gift to God. However, in this context, it was misused to excuse neglecting family responsibilities.
How does Mark 7:11 relate to family responsibility?
Mark 7:11 emphasizes the importance of honoring and supporting one's parents. It shows that declaring something as 'Corban' should not be an excuse to neglect family duties.
What lesson can we learn from Mark 7:11?
The lesson from Mark 7:11 is to ensure that our religious practices do not lead us to ignore our responsibilities to family. We should prioritize caring for our loved ones while maintaining our faith.
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