Mark 7:11 Meaning and Explanation
“But ye say, If a man shall say to his father or mother, It is Corban, that is to say, a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; he shall be free.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Jesus exposes the loophole: a man could pronounce his goods Corban — a gift devoted to God — and so withhold from his parents whatever might have helped them.
What Does Mark 7:11 Mean?
Corban is a Hebrew word for an offering brought to God. Spoken as a vow over money or property, it declared those goods dedicated — barred from ordinary use — even while they remained in the hands of the owner. Once spoken, the vow could be held against a father or mother in need.
A word meant for worship became a shelter from duty. The warning reaches every age: religious language can be conscripted to excuse unlove, and a gift to God can be counterfeited out of what was owed to others. Whatever is truly given to God will never make us poorer toward those he commands us to honor.
Mark 7:11 in the Original Language
korban (κορβᾶν), 'Corban' -- a Hebrew term for an offering dedicated to God.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mark 7:11
What does Mark 7:11 mean?
Jesus exposes the loophole: a man could pronounce his goods Corban — a gift devoted to God — and so withhold from his parents whatever might have helped them.