Opening Your Bible
Loading study tools and insights...
LOADING
Loading study tools and insights...
Loading study tools and insights...
Mark 7:11 (BSB)
But you say that if a man says to his father or mother, ‘Whatever you would have received from me is Corban’ (that is, a gift devoted to God),
THE HOLY BIBLE
ListenListen · Chapter audio
Hear this chapter read aloud — the verse you’re on highlights as the reading moves forward.
Chapter read aloud · verse highlights follow along
Scripture quotations (main text) are from the Berean Study Bible (BSB), © 2016, 2018 by Bible Hub. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), ©2001 by Crossway, is used for comparison and word study only.
Bible Copyright & Permissions“But you say that if a man says to his father or mother, ‘Whatever you would have received from me is Corban’ (that is, a gift devoted to God),” — Mark 7:11
Imagine you’re in a heated family debate, and someone says, 'I can’t help you with your needs because I’ve dedicated my resources to God.' This moment captures a conflict between personal responsibility and religious obligation. It’s like a teenager saying they can’t help with chores because they’re saving money for a new video game. The tension here is palpable—people are using religious rules to sidestep caring for their parents. It’s a powerful truth about how we sometimes let our commitments to God overshadow our commitments to those we love. This verse invites you to reflect on where your priorities lie.
Mark, a close companion of Peter, wrote this book to share the story of Jesus with a focus on His actions and teachings. He includes this detail to showcase the tension between true faith and empty rituals. Mark wanted to reveal how Jesus challenged the status quo, urging his readers to see beyond tradition to the heart of God’s message—genuine love and responsibility towards others.
This was written around 70 AD, a time when the early followers of Jesus were navigating a complex world of Roman occupation and cultural expectations. The Jewish people were trying to hold onto their traditions while facing pressures from outside influences. Understanding this setting helps you see why Jesus’s teachings were revolutionary. He was calling people back to the essence of their faith, urging them to prioritize love and compassion over rigid rituals.
This verse is a wake-up call for you today. It challenges you to think about how often you might use commitments or responsibilities to sidestep real relationships. Are there areas in your life where you're hiding behind excuses? This verse reminds you that your love for family and friends should come first, and your faith should inspire you to care deeply for those around you. It’s a prompt to evaluate your priorities and ensure that your actions reflect genuine love.
This week, take a moment to evaluate your commitments. Is there something you’ve been putting off for a loved one because you think you’re too busy? Maybe it’s a phone call to check in, helping with a task, or even just spending time together. Act on it! Choose to prioritize those relationships. Let your faith motivate you to be present and supportive for your family and friends instead of letting obligations hold you back.
In Mark 7, we see a bigger picture unfold where Jesus confronts the religious leaders over their traditions that often contradict the core values of love and care. Before this verse, Jesus is calling out the hypocrisy of people who honor God with their lips while neglecting the needs of their families. This specific moment highlights how these leaders used a fancy term—'Corban'—to excuse their lack of support for their parents. After this, Jesus emphasizes that it’s not just about following rules but about genuinely loving others. This moment is pivotal because it shows how easily we can miss the heart of what matters in faith.
How can you ensure that your commitments to faith don’t overshadow your responsibility to care for those you love?
Keep reading the full Mark 7:11 study — free
Sign Up or Login Free