Contradictions and Paradoxes in Mark 7:3

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Mark 7:3 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Mark 7:3. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Mark, the Pharisees and many other Jewish people had a special rule where they had to wash their hands a certain way before eating because it was an important tradition passed down from older times. This shows how they followed these rules very carefully to stay clean and show respect to their elders' teachings.

Mark 7:3: For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash [their] hands oft, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders. [oft: or, diligently: in the original, with the fist: Theophylact, up to the elbow]

Contradiction with Matthew 15:20

This verse states that to eat with unwashed hands defiles not a man, contradicting the idea in Mark 7:3 which emphasizes the tradition of washing hands before eating.

Matthew 15:20: These are [the things] which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man.

Contradiction with Luke 11:39

Jesus criticizes the Pharisees for being overly concerned with outward cleanliness while neglecting inner purity, which contrasts with the focus on handwashing in Mark 7:3.

Luke 11:39: And the Lord said unto him, Now do ye Pharisees make clean the outside of the cup and the platter; but your inward part is full of ravening and wickedness.

Contradiction with Colossians 2:20-22

These verses discuss not being bound to human traditions, like those mentioned in Mark 7:3 about handwashing, which are seen as perishable and earthly.

Colossians 2:20-22: Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, [rudiments: or, elements]

Contradiction with 1 Samuel 16:7

This verse emphasizes that God looks at the heart, not outward appearances or rituals such as handwashing mentioned in Mark 7:3.

1 Samuel 16:7: But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for [the LORD seeth] not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart. [outward...: Heb. eyes]

Contradiction with Matthew 23:25-26

Criticizes focusing on outward cleanliness rather than inward cleanliness, conflicting with the practice of handwashing before meals noted in Mark 7:3.

Matthew 23:25-26: Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess.
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