Mark 7 16

Mark 7:16 kjv

If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.

Mark 7:16 nkjv

If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear!"

Mark 7 verses

Mark 7 16 Meaning

Mark 7:16, "If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear," serves as an urgent and emphatic call for spiritual discernment and understanding. It challenges listeners to move beyond merely hearing words physically, urging them to truly comprehend, receive, and obey the profound spiritual truths Jesus is proclaiming. It signals that what has just been said (Jesus' teaching on defilement coming from within the heart, Mark 7:14-15) is of paramount importance and requires more than casual attention.

Mark 7 16 Context

Mark 7:16 is positioned at a crucial juncture in Jesus' ministry, directly following His groundbreaking teaching that challenged deeply ingrained religious traditions of His time. In Mark 7:1-13, the Pharisees and scribes question Jesus and His disciples for not observing the ceremonial washing of hands, a tradition of the elders, not a biblical command. Jesus counters by condemning their hypocrisy, pointing out how their traditions nullified God’s true commands (like honoring parents).

Then, in Mark 7:14-15, Jesus calls the crowd and delivers a pivotal spiritual truth: "There is nothing outside a person that by going into him can defile him, but the things that come out of a person are what defile him." This radical statement overturned centuries of dietary laws and purity regulations in the popular understanding. It shifted the focus from external observance to internal heart condition, stating that evil thoughts, immorality, theft, murder, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance, and folly (Mk 7:20-23) are the true sources of defilement. Mark 7:16, "If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear," serves as an emphatic conclusion and summons for the crowd (and all subsequent listeners) to grasp the profound, counter-cultural, and paradigm-shifting nature of this teaching.

Historically and culturally, the Jewish people placed immense importance on purity laws and traditions, viewing adherence as vital for righteousness before God. Jesus' teaching fundamentally redefined purity, challenging the very framework of religious piety upheld by the religious elite and often misunderstood by the common people.

Mark 7 16 Word analysis

• If anyone: This phrase ("εἴ τις" - ei tis in Greek) implies a universal but conditional invitation. It is open to all who are present and willing, yet it requires a personal response and commitment to listening. It does not force understanding but calls for an individual's conscious choice.
• has ears: Literally referring to physical auditory organs. However, in this biblical idiom, "ears" (τὴν ἀκοὴν - tēn akoēn) signify the capacity for spiritual reception, comprehension, and discernment. It implies not just the physical ability to hear sounds but the inner readiness and ability to grasp deep, spiritual truths.
• to hear: The Greek word used is ἀκούειν (akouein). This term goes beyond merely perceiving sound. It encompasses listening with attentiveness, understanding, taking heed, obeying, and acting upon what is heard. It implies a processing and internalization of the message, leading to a transformative effect. In this context, it is hearing with spiritual insight, understanding the true nature of God's demands for the heart, not just external compliance.
• let him hear: This phrase (ἀκουέτω - akouetō), an imperative verb, functions as an exhortation or a strong command. It emphasizes the urgency and profound significance of the preceding statement. It's a call to active, not passive, engagement with Jesus' words. It places the responsibility on the individual listener to truly engage with the message.

Mark 7 16 Bonus section

It is important to note that Mark 7:16 is often omitted from many modern English Bible translations (e.g., NIV, ESV, NASB) and some critical Greek texts (e.g., Nestle-Aland 28th Edition) due to its absence in some of the earliest and most highly regarded Greek manuscripts (like Codex Vaticanus and Codex Sinaiticus). However, it is present in other significant manuscripts and traditions (like the Byzantine text type, which underlies the King James Version). Even where absent, the concept it expresses is profoundly pervasive throughout Jesus' teachings, particularly when He presents a critical or deep spiritual truth (as seen in Matt 11:15, 13:9; Mk 4:9, 4:23; Lk 8:8, 14:35). Thus, whether an original part of Mark's Gospel at this precise spot, it embodies a characteristic idiom of Jesus that urges deep spiritual listening and discernment to the truths of God's kingdom.

Mark 7 16 Commentary

Mark 7:16, while concise, carries immense weight in the Gospel narrative. It functions as an alert signal, directing listeners to pay exceptionally close attention to the radical redefinition of "purity" that Jesus has just declared. It's not merely an ancient proverb; it’s an urgent call to discernment in the face of spiritual revelation. Jesus understood that His teaching on the defilement of the heart (Mark 7:15, 20-23) would challenge deeply entrenched religious beliefs and traditions, especially those of the Pharisees focused on outward rituals.

This verse emphasizes that spiritual truth, particularly the profound truths of the Kingdom of God, requires more than just intellectual assent or physical presence; it demands spiritual ears – a receptive heart and a willingness to understand and obey. Many could physically hear Jesus speak, but only those with "ears to hear" would grasp the implications, internalize the message, and allow it to transform their lives. It's a reminder that true discipleship involves not just hearing the Word, but discerning its true meaning and applying it practically, letting it shape one's inner being and outward conduct. The essence of the Christian walk lies in actively hearing and living out the truth, moving beyond superficial religion to genuine heart-purity and obedience to God.

For practical usage, this verse challenges us:

• To self-examine: Am I truly listening to God's Word with an open heart, or just hearing sounds?
• To pray for understanding: Acknowledge that spiritual truths require divine enabling for true comprehension.
• To apply: The test of genuine hearing is obedience and changed living, demonstrating that the Word has taken root.