New Testament
Mark 7:15
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Nothing that enters a person from the outside can make them unclean. It's what comes out of a person that makes them unclean."
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There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him: but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man.
What Mark 7:15 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus emphasizes that external factors, such as food or rituals, do not determine a person's spiritual purity. Instead, it is the internal thoughts, intentions, and actions that reveal one's true character. The focus is on the heart and mind, suggesting that moral and spiritual cleanliness comes from within. This teaching challenges the traditional Jewish laws about dietary restrictions and emphasizes a deeper understanding of what it means to be defiled. Jesus is pointing out that it is not the physical act of eating that makes someone unclean, but rather the negative thoughts and behaviors that can arise from within a person. This shifts the focus from external observance of laws to internal moral integrity, highlighting the importance of one's inner life in relation to God.
How to apply Mark 7:15 to your life
This verse encourages us to examine our inner thoughts and motivations rather than just our outward actions. We should strive to cultivate a pure heart and mind, focusing on kindness, honesty, and love. By doing so, we can ensure that our actions reflect our true character and faith.
Curated for this public verse page. Mark Summary
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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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Key themes
Related topics
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 7:15 mean?
Mark 7:15 means that external things, like food or rituals, do not make a person spiritually unclean. Instead, it is the negative thoughts and actions that come from within a person that truly defile them.
What is the meaning of 'unclean' in Mark 7:15?
In Mark 7:15, 'unclean' refers to spiritual impurity that arises from a person's thoughts and behaviors, rather than from external sources like food or customs.
How does Mark 7:15 relate to dietary laws?
Mark 7:15 challenges traditional dietary laws by stating that what enters the body does not defile a person. Instead, it emphasizes that moral integrity and purity come from within.
What can we learn from Mark 7:15?
From Mark 7:15, we learn to focus on our inner thoughts and motivations. It encourages us to cultivate a pure heart and mind, ensuring our actions reflect our true character.
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