New Testament
Mark 7:12
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then you no longer let that person do anything for their father or mother.
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And ye suffer him no more to do ought for his father or his mother;
What Mark 7:12 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus criticizes the religious leaders for allowing people to neglect their responsibilities to their parents. The term 'suffer' means to allow or permit. The leaders had created a tradition that allowed individuals to declare their resources as 'Corban' (dedicated to God), which meant they could not use those resources to help their parents. This practice undermined the commandment to honor one's father and mother. Jesus points out that such traditions can lead people away from God's true intentions, which prioritize love and care for family. By prioritizing human traditions over divine commandments, they were effectively nullifying the very essence of God's law, which emphasizes the importance of familial duty and respect. This highlights the danger of letting man-made rules take precedence over God's commands, leading to a disconnect between faith and practical living.
How to apply Mark 7:12 to your life
This verse encourages us to examine our own traditions and practices to ensure they align with God's commands. We should prioritize our responsibilities to our families and not allow cultural or religious practices to hinder our duty to care for and honor our parents.
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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Bethlehem
David's hometown, and the town where Jesus was born.
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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 7:12 mean?
Mark 7:12 highlights how religious leaders allowed traditions to override God's commandments, specifically regarding the duty to care for one's parents. Jesus criticizes this practice, showing that such traditions can lead to neglecting important family responsibilities.
What is the meaning of 'Corban' in Mark 7:12?
In Mark 7:12, 'Corban' refers to a practice where individuals dedicate their resources to God, which then prevents them from using those resources to support their parents. This practice was criticized by Jesus as it undermined the commandment to honor one's father and mother.
How does Mark 7:12 relate to family responsibilities?
Mark 7:12 emphasizes the importance of family responsibilities by showing how traditions can lead to neglecting the duty to care for parents. Jesus teaches that honoring one's parents should take precedence over man-made rules.
What lesson can we learn from Mark 7:12?
From Mark 7:12, we learn to evaluate our own traditions and practices to ensure they do not conflict with our responsibilities to our families. It encourages prioritizing care for parents and honoring family over cultural or religious customs.
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