New Testament
Mark 7:6
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Jesus replied, "Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites. As it's written: 'These people honor me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.
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He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.
What Mark 7:6 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus is addressing the religious leaders of His time, calling them hypocrites. He quotes the prophet Isaiah to highlight a critical issue: while these leaders outwardly express honor and reverence for God through their words, their true feelings and intentions are distant from Him. This indicates a disconnect between their public persona and their inner spiritual state. Jesus emphasizes that mere lip service is insufficient; genuine worship must come from the heart. This critique serves as a reminder that God desires authenticity in our relationship with Him, rather than empty rituals or superficial expressions of faith. The heart's condition is what truly matters in our connection with God, and it challenges us to examine our own lives for any discrepancies between what we say and what we truly believe or feel.
How to apply Mark 7:6 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our own faith practices. Are we genuinely honoring God with our hearts, or are we merely going through the motions? Strive for authenticity in your relationship with God, ensuring that your words and actions align with your true beliefs.
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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Keep studying Mark 7:6
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Key themes
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 7:6 mean?
Mark 7:6 highlights Jesus' criticism of religious leaders who honor God with their words but lack genuine devotion in their hearts. It emphasizes the importance of authentic worship over mere outward expressions of faith.
What is the meaning of 'hypocrites' in Mark 7:6?
In Mark 7:6, 'hypocrites' refers to those who pretend to be righteous or devout while their true intentions and feelings are insincere. Jesus uses this term to call out the disconnect between their public persona and their inner spiritual state.
How does Mark 7:6 relate to worship?
Mark 7:6 teaches that true worship goes beyond words; it must come from a sincere heart. Jesus points out that honoring God superficially is not enough; our inner devotion must match our outward expressions.
What lesson can we learn from Mark 7:6?
The lesson from Mark 7:6 is to examine our own faith practices and ensure that our words and actions genuinely reflect our beliefs. It encourages us to seek a deeper, more authentic relationship with God.
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