Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Mark 7:8

"Ye leave the commandment of God, and hold fast the tradition of men." — Mark 7:8 (ASV)

Jesus then contrasted the “commands of God” with the “traditions of men.” It is clear that the great body of Jewish tradition had failed to get to the heart of God’s commands. It was supposed to fence in the law so that the people would not infringe on it. Actually, however, the tradition distorted and ossified the law (v.9) and even served as a means of getting around God’s law.