he is no longer permittedThis phrase highlights the Pharisaic tradition that allowed individuals to declare their possessions as "Corban," meaning dedicated to God, which in practice meant they were no longer available for ordinary use, including supporting one's parents. This tradition effectively nullified the commandment to honor one's father and mother, as found in
Exodus 20:12 and
Deuteronomy 5:16. The Pharisees' interpretation of the law often prioritized ritual over moral obligations, which Jesus criticizes here.
to do anything
The phrase underscores the totality of the restriction imposed by the tradition of Corban. It reflects a legalistic approach that prioritizes human traditions over divine commandments. This is a recurring theme in Jesus' ministry, where He challenges the religious leaders for their focus on external observances rather than the heart of the law, as seen inMatthew 23:23-28.
for his father or mother
This part of the verse emphasizes the specific commandment being violated. The cultural context of first-century Judaism placed a high value on family and the responsibility of children to care for their aging parents. By allowing the tradition of Corban to override this duty, the religious leaders were undermining a fundamental aspect of the Mosaic Law. This critique aligns with Jesus' broader mission to fulfill the law by restoring its true intent, as He states inMatthew 5:17.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Jesus ChristThe central figure in this passage, Jesus is addressing the Pharisees and scribes, challenging their adherence to human traditions over God's commandments.
2.
Pharisees and ScribesReligious leaders of the time who are known for their strict observance of the law and traditions. They are the ones being rebuked by Jesus for prioritizing human traditions over divine commandments.
3.
CorbanA term used in the preceding verses (
Mark 7:11) referring to a vow dedicating something to God, which the Pharisees used to justify not supporting their parents, thus violating the commandment to honor one's father and mother.
4.
TraditionThe customs and practices handed down by the Jewish elders, which in this context, are being criticized by Jesus for taking precedence over God's word.
5.
Word of GodRefers to the commandments and teachings given by God, which Jesus emphasizes should not be overridden by human traditions.
Teaching Points
Prioritizing God's WordBelievers must ensure that their practices and traditions do not contradict or nullify the teachings of Scripture. God's Word should always take precedence over human customs.
Understanding True WorshipTrue worship involves aligning our hearts and actions with God's commandments, not merely following external rituals or traditions.
Evaluating TraditionsIt is important to regularly evaluate our traditions and practices to ensure they are in line with biblical teachings and do not hinder our obedience to God.
Honoring ParentsThe command to honor one's parents is a timeless principle that should not be circumvented by any tradition or vow. It reflects a broader call to love and respect others.
Guarding Against HypocrisyBelievers are called to live authentically, ensuring that their outward actions reflect their inner commitment to God, avoiding the hypocrisy that Jesus condemned in the Pharisees.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Mark 7:12?
2.How does Mark 7:12 challenge our understanding of honoring parents today?
3.What traditions today might contradict God's commandments, as seen in Mark 7:12?
4.How can we ensure our traditions align with biblical teachings in Mark 7:12?
5.In what ways can we prioritize God's commandments over human traditions?
6.How does Mark 7:12 connect with the commandment to honor father and mother?
7.How does Mark 7:12 challenge traditional views on honoring parents?
8.What historical context influenced the message in Mark 7:12?
9.How does Mark 7:12 relate to the concept of Corban?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Mark 7?
11.What guidance does the Bible offer on elder care?
12.What does 'Corban' mean?
13.Should we honor our parents? (Exodus 20:12 vs. Luke 14:26)
14.What is the World Mission Society Church of God?What Does Mark 7:12 Mean
He- In the flow ofMark 7, “he” refers to an adult son who has resources his aging parents need.
- Jesus personalizes the problem: it is not an abstract policy, but one man standing before his father and mother. (SeeExodus 20:12;Ephesians 6:2, both calling every individual to honor parents.)
Is no longer permitted- The religious leaders’ rule turned a voluntary vow (“Corban”) into an iron‐clad prohibition. Once the son uttered it, they declared, “You must not reverse it.”
- Jesus exposes how human tradition can ban what God commands (Matthew 15:6;Acts 5:29).
- The phrase highlights authority: who truly has the right to permit or forbid? God’s Word, not man’s regulations.
To do anything- “Anything” shows the sweeping effect. Food, shelter, medical care—every practical help was locked away.
- By contrast, Scripture repeatedly calls children to tangible support, not mere sentiment (1 Timothy 5:4, 8;James 2:16).
- Their tradition excused total neglect while appearing pious.
For his father or mother- God’s intent is protective love for parents who once protected us (Proverbs 23:22;Genesis 45:11).
- Even Jesus, in agony on the cross, arranged for Mary’s care (John 19:26-27).
- Denying such support violates both the Fifth Commandment and the heart of the gospel’s love ethic.
SummaryMark 7:12 shows Jesus confronting a man-made rule that shackled a son’s duty to honor and care for his parents. By branding his resources “Corban,” the son gained religious cover to abandon them, and the leaders enforced it. Jesus declares that this tradition directly contradicts God’s clear command, making the Word “void.” The verse warns us to reject any practice—no matter how religious-sounding—that excuses disobedience to God’s plain instruction to love and provide for our parents.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
he [is]αὐτὸν(auton)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.no longerοὐκέτι(ouketi)Adverb
Strong's 3765:No longer, no more. Also ouk eti from ou and eti; not yet, no longer.permittedἀφίετε(aphiete)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 863:From apo and hiemi; to send forth, in various applications.to doποιῆσαι(poiēsai)Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 4160:(a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.anythingοὐδὲν(ouden)Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3762:No one, none, nothing.for hisτῷ(tō)Article - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.fatherπατρὶ(patri)Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3962:Father, (Heavenly) Father, ancestor, elder, senior. Apparently a primary word; a 'father'.orἢ(ē)Conjunction
Strong's 2228:Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than.mother.μητρί(mētri)Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3384:A mother. Apparently a primary word; a 'mother'.
Links
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NT Gospels: Mark 7:12 Then you no longer allow him (Mar Mk Mr) 
