Definition: Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Mark 7:5. It’s a really important question that highlights a key difference between the Pharisees and Jesus’ teachings. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: Jesus is pointing out a huge problem with how these religious leaders were living their lives. They weren't following exactly what they taught, but they were not showing proper respect for the traditions (or beliefs) of people who came before them – specifically, the teachers and leaders who had come before them. Let’s unpack it further: “Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders?” This is the core of the problem. They were not following the teachings and behaviors of their followers, which are considered important for a righteous life. “…but eat bread with unwashen hands?” This is the specific action they were failing to do. "Unwashen hands" means not using clean hands – it’s a symbol of purity and respect for God's word. What’s the Significance? Jesus was essentially saying: "You’re not doing what you preach! You’re not showing respect to those who came before you, and that’s leading people astray." It suggests there’s a disconnect between their teachings and how they actually lived. Context is Key: This verse comes from the same passage in Mark where Jesus is calling out the hypocrisy of the religious leaders. It's a critique of their focus on ritualistic rules rather than genuine faith and love. In short, it’s about respect, purity, and living according to God’s will – not just reciting traditions. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Give you a little more context about this passage?