Book of Mark - Chapter 7 - Verse 11

In this verse from the book of Mark, Jesus addresses the issue of Corban, a practice where someone would declare their possessions as dedicated to God, in order to avoid providing for their parents. By declaring something as Corban, the individual would no longer be obligated to use it for the support of their parents, even though they were still benefitting from it themselves. Jesus condemns this practice, emphasizing the importance of honoring and caring for one's parents. He argues that this deception circumvents the commandment to honor one's mother and father, which is one of the fundamental teachings of the Bible. Jesus makes it clear that true obedience to God involves not only spiritual devotion but also practical actions that show love and respect for others, especially one's own family members.

One theological interpretation of this verse, Mark 7:11, revolves around the concept of honoring one's parents. In Jewish culture, honoring one's father and mother was a crucial aspect of living a righteous and God-honoring life. In this verse, Jesus is rebuking the Pharisees for allowing people to use the practice of declaring something as "Corban" or a gift to avoid taking care of their parents. This practice essentially allowed individuals to neglect their duty to care for their aging parents by claiming that their resources were dedicated to God. However, Jesus emphasizes the importance of honoring one's parents above all else.

A word study of the term "Corban" reveals that it signifies something that has been dedicated to God, often used as an offering or gift. By declaring something as Corban, individuals were exempt from using it for any other purpose, even to support their parents. This word study sheds light on the practice that Jesus condemned, showing how the Pharisees were manipulating religious traditions to prioritize their interests over the commandments of God.