New Testament

Mark 7:18

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In this verse, Jesus is addressing the misunderstanding of his disciples regarding what truly makes a person unclean or sinful.

Author
John Mark
Written
Around AD 55-65
Genre
Gospel
Original Audience
Roman and Gentile Christians
CBTClear Bible Translation

He said to them, "Do you still not get it? Don't you realize that nothing going into a person from the outside can make them unclean?

KJVKing James Version

And he saith unto them, Are ye so without understanding also? Do ye not perceive, that whatsoever thing from without entereth into the man, it cannot defile him;

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, Jesus is addressing the misunderstanding of his disciples regarding what truly makes a person unclean or sinful. He emphasizes that it is not the food or external things that enter the body that defile a person, but rather what comes from within, such as thoughts, intentions, and actions. This teaching challenges the traditional Jewish laws about dietary restrictions and purity, highlighting that true defilement comes from the heart. Jesus is urging his followers to look beyond external rituals and focus on inner morality and spiritual integrity. The message is clear: external practices do not determine one's spiritual state; it is the condition of the heart that matters most in one's relationship with God.

How to apply Mark 7:18 to your life

This verse encourages us to examine our own hearts and motivations rather than just our outward actions. We should focus on cultivating inner purity and integrity, ensuring that our thoughts and intentions align with our faith. It reminds us that true spirituality is about what is inside us, not just external appearances.

Curated for this public verse page. Mark Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Mark 7:18 mean?

Mark 7:18 means that Jesus is teaching his disciples that external things, like food, do not make a person unclean. Instead, it is what comes from within a person, such as their thoughts and intentions, that truly defines their purity.

What is the meaning of defile in Mark 7:18?

In Mark 7:18, 'defile' refers to making someone unclean or impure in a moral or spiritual sense. Jesus is explaining that it is not the food that enters the body that causes this, but rather the inner thoughts and actions of a person.

How does Mark 7:18 relate to dietary laws?

Mark 7:18 challenges traditional dietary laws by stating that what a person eats does not make them unclean. Jesus is teaching that spiritual purity is determined by one's heart and actions, not by following external food restrictions.

What lesson can we learn from Mark 7:18?

The lesson from Mark 7:18 is to focus on our inner thoughts and motivations rather than just our outward actions. It encourages us to cultivate a pure heart and align our intentions with our faith.

The Book of Mark
Book Summary

The Book of Mark

Mark 1: John the Baptist and the Beginning of Jesus's Ministry

John the Baptist appears in the wilderness and preaches a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. People from Judaea and Jerusalem come to him, confess their sins, and are baptized in the river Jordan. John wears camel's hair and a leather belt and eats locusts and wild honey. He announces that someone stronger than he is coming after him and says he is not worthy to stoop down and untie his sandals. He baptizes with water, but the one coming will baptize with the Holy Ghost.

Premium

Unlock the full Mark summary

Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.

The complete summary of Mark — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 16 chapters.

What you get

Every chapter of Mark summarized in clear, modern English

How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points

Permanent access — read anytime, on any device

Best Value

Best value • Save over 90%

or

One-time purchase • Access anytime

ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.

Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.