New Testament
Mark 7:20
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He continued, "It's what comes out of a person that makes them unclean.
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And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man.
What Mark 7:20 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus emphasizes that it is not external factors, like food or traditions, that make a person unclean or sinful. Instead, it is the thoughts, intentions, and actions that originate from within a person that truly defile them. This teaching challenges the religious norms of the time, which focused heavily on external rituals and cleanliness. Jesus is pointing out that moral purity comes from the heart and mind, not merely from following rules or dietary laws. The focus shifts from outward appearances to inner character, highlighting the importance of what we think and how we act. This message encourages self-examination and a deeper understanding of one's own motivations and behaviors, urging individuals to cultivate purity from within rather than relying solely on external practices.
How to apply Mark 7:20 to your life
To apply this teaching, we should focus on our inner thoughts and motivations. Regular self-reflection can help us identify negative patterns and attitudes that may lead to unclean actions. By nurturing a pure heart and mind, we can live more authentically and align our actions with our values.
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 7:20 mean?
Mark 7:20 means that a person's moral state is determined by their inner thoughts and actions rather than external factors like food or traditions. Jesus teaches that true defilement comes from within, emphasizing the importance of one's heart and intentions.
What is the meaning of defile in Mark 7:20?
In Mark 7:20, 'defile' refers to making oneself unclean or impure. Jesus explains that it is the negative thoughts and actions that originate from within a person that truly make them morally unclean.
How does Mark 7:20 relate to personal behavior?
Mark 7:20 relates to personal behavior by encouraging individuals to examine their inner thoughts and motivations. It suggests that moral integrity is rooted in one's character and actions rather than merely following external rules.
What lesson can we learn from Mark 7:20?
The lesson from Mark 7:20 is to prioritize inner purity over external appearances. It encourages self-reflection and the cultivation of a pure heart and mind to ensure that our actions align with our true values.
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