Prior Book | Prior Chapter | Prior Verse | Next Verse | Next Chapter | Next Book | Viewing NASB and Amplified 2015 | |
NASB | Mark 7:19 because it does not go into his heart, but into his stomach, and is eliminated?" (Thus He declared all foods clean.) |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Mark 7:19 since it does not enter his heart, but [only] his stomach, and [from there it] is eliminated?" (By this, He declared all foods ceremonially clean.) |
Bible Question: does this mean eat what you will? as Jesus said in Mark 7:19, and this over rides GOD's laws about what to eat? as in Leviticus 11:7, Deuteronomy 14:8, Isaiah 65:4;66:17, I think it does, but could use some wisdom on this... |
Bible Answer: Hi friend, You asked a good question. In answering it, we must recall that God never contradicts Himself, and the Bible doesn't, either. The Bible is one harmonious whole. Also, Jesus didn't come to change or abolish any law of the Old Testament, but to fulfill! (Matthew 5:17) That said, we must allow the Bible to interpret itself. Read the entire context carefully (Mark 7:1-22; Matthew 15:1-20). Note Jesus' conclusion in Matthew 15:20. To understand the passage in question, we must ask ourselves the following questions: 1. What was the fundamental problem that Jesus was addressing? 2. Why did Jesus say what He said? You'll notice that the problem is the scribes and Pharisees' exaltation of tradition above scripture. They had their own rituals, which they performed in order to appear righteous while they neglected the commandments of God (Mark 7:8, 9). That is the problem with which Jesus dealt. He wanted the Jews to see that external righteousness doesn't amount to anything. What's important is the condition of the heart. The reason for God's outlining certain foods as fit and unfit to be eaten is misunderstood and it not the subject of Mark 7. I strongly recommend that you read the article, "Death in the Kitchen". Here's how you find it. Go to http://www.amazingfacts.org/. Click on the "Online Library" link near the top of the page. You'll see a list of articles, alphabetically arranged. Scroll down to the one entitled, "Death in the Kitchen." May God bless you. |