Mark 7:11: “But you say that if anyone declares that what might have been used to help their father or mother is ‘Corban’ (that is, devoted to God)—”

Extended Explanation of the Verse

In this verse, Jesus continues His rebuke of the Pharisees and religious leaders for their hypocrisy. He points out how they had created a loophole in God’s law that allowed people to dishonor their parents while appearing religious.

The term “Corban” means “devoted to God.” It was a practice where a person could dedicate money or property to God’s service. However, the Pharisees allowed people to declare their wealth as Corban while still using it for themselves. This meant that even though they had the resources to care for their parents, they could refuse to help by claiming the money was “set apart for God.”

Jesus exposes this practice as a man-made tradition that directly violated God’s command to honor one’s parents. Instead of encouraging true obedience to God’s word, the religious leaders had created a way for people to appear holy while neglecting their responsibilities.

Historical Context

The practice of Corban came from the Jewish tradition where people could dedicate their possessions to the temple or religious use. While this sounds noble, it was often misused.

According to Jewish law, once something was declared Corban, it was considered holy and could not be used for personal or secular purposes. However, the Pharisees allowed people to declare Corban but still keep possession of their money or property. This meant they could avoid using their resources to help others, especially their own families, while still appearing deeply religious.

This was a clear violation of the fifth commandment (Exodus 20:12), which requires honoring one’s parents. But the Pharisees had elevated their own traditions over God’s direct command, allowing people to neglect their parents in the name of religion.

Theological Implications

This verse highlights a key spiritual danger: when religious traditions replace real obedience to God. The Pharisees had created a system where people could justify disobedience while still feeling righteous.

This teaches us several important theological lessons:

1. God’s word is always above human traditions. No religious rule can override what God has clearly commanded in Scripture.
2. True worship involves obedience, not just rituals. The Pharisees focused on outward religious acts but neglected real faithfulness to God.
3. God cares about the heart, not appearances. A person might seem deeply religious, but if they are using traditions as a way to avoid true obedience, they are missing the point.

Literary Analysis

This verse is part of a larger argument Jesus is making against the Pharisees. It follows a pattern of contrast between God’s command and the Pharisees’ traditions:

• “But you say” – Jesus is making a direct contrast between God’s actual law and the Pharisees’ teaching.
• “What might have been used to help their father or mother” – This shows how the tradition harmed real people, specifically elderly parents who depended on their children.
• “Corban” (that is, devoted to God) – Jesus pauses to explain the meaning of Corban, showing that this was a religious practice that was being misused.

This verse builds on the accusation Jesus made in Mark 7:9, showing how man-made traditions were used to justify disobedience to God’s word.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• Exodus 20:12 – “Honor your father and mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.”
• Deuteronomy 5:16 – A restatement of the command to honor parents, with a blessing attached.
• Matthew 15:3-6 – A parallel passage where Jesus condemns the Pharisees for making God’s word void through their traditions.
• 1 Timothy 5:8 – “Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse is a warning against using religion as an excuse to neglect true obedience. Many people today fall into similar traps—going through religious motions while ignoring God’s clear commands.

It also challenges Christians to examine their priorities. Are we truly obeying God’s word, or are we following traditions that allow us to avoid difficult but necessary obedience? True faith is not about outward religious acts but about living in obedience to God’s truth.

It also reminds us of the importance of caring for family. God commands us to honor and support our parents, not just through words but through actions. A faith that does not include love and care for others—especially family—is not real faith (James 1:27).

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is seen in His concern for families and relationships. He commands people to honor their parents not just as a rule, but because He values love, respect, and care in families.

Jesus’ rebuke of the Pharisees shows that God does not accept fake righteousness. He loves truth and calls people to genuine faith, not just religious appearances.

God’s love is also seen in how He protects the vulnerable. Many elderly parents relied on their children for support, and God’s command to honor them ensured they would not be neglected. The Pharisees’ traditions, on the other hand, harmed families. This shows that true faith leads to love and care, not selfishness.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s law (Matthew 5:17). He obeyed God’s commands perfectly, unlike the Pharisees who twisted them for their own advantage.

Jesus also demonstrated true honor for His parents. Even while dying on the cross, He made sure His mother Mary was cared for by entrusting her to the disciple John (John 19:26-27). This shows that honoring parents is not just an Old Testament law—it is a principle that Jesus Himself followed.

Finally, Jesus came to expose false religion and restore true worship. The Pharisees relied on traditions, but Jesus taught that real righteousness comes from a heart devoted to God, not from following man-made rules.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Are there any religious traditions in your life that you follow more strictly than God’s actual commands?
2. How can you make sure that your faith is based on God’s word rather than human customs?
3. What are some modern ways people try to justify not obeying God’s commands while still appearing religious?
4. How does this verse challenge you to think about obedience versus outward religion?
5. How can you better live out the command to honor your parents and care for your family?

This verse is a powerful reminder that true faith is about obedience, not empty traditions. Jesus calls us to genuine righteousness, real love, and faithful obedience to God’s word.