FocusGod's command and the heart
Connection to the wholeJesus challenges a tradition that sets aside God's command and locates moral defilement in what comes from the heart.
interpretation Matthew 15:8
KJVThis people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.
Read it in context
Tradition and defilement
Start reading at Matthew 15:1 (Matthew 15:1 to Matthew 15:20).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Jesus challenges a tradition that sets aside God's command and locates moral defilement in what comes from the heart.
- 15:1 Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying,
- 15:2 Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread.
- 15:3 But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?
- 15:4 For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death.
- 15:5 But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me;
- 15:6 And honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.
- 15:7 Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying,
- 15:8 This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.
- 15:9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
- 15:10 And he called the multitude, and said unto them, Hear, and understand:
- 15:11 Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.
- 15:12 Then came his disciples, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying?
- 15:13 But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up.
- 15:14 Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.
- 15:15 Then answered Peter and said unto him, Declare unto us this parable.
- 15:16 And Jesus said, Are ye also yet without understanding?
- 15:17 Do not ye yet understand, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth goeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught?
- 15:18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.
- 15:19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:
- 15:20 These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Matthew the apostle and tax collector is the author named by early church tradition. This is the historic attribution, not a personal signature in the Gospel. Biblical references: Matthew 9:9; Matthew 10:3. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, Matthew, Gospel of. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Matthew 15:1–15:39): Scribes and Pharisees challenge Jesus; He addresses the crowd and disciples, responds to a Canaanite woman, and ministers to another large crowd. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? A Christian readership deeply familiar with Israel's Scriptures, commonly understood as substantially Jewish in background but also concerned with the Gentile mission. A particular congregation or city is not certain. Biblical references: Matthew 1:1; Matthew 5:17; Matthew 28:19. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Matthew, Gospel of. book background
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Tradition and defilement. Read Matthew 15:1 through Matthew 15:20 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? Jesus challenges a tradition that sets aside God's command and locates moral defilement in what comes from the heart. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The narrative moves from Jesus' ancestry and birth through His ministry, death, resurrection, and commission. The Gospel does not state a modern calendar date for its composition. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The narrative includes Bethlehem, Egypt, Nazareth, Galilee, journeys, and Jerusalem. A discourse or parable can describe places other than where Jesus is speaking. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Tradition and defilement (Matthew 15:1 to Matthew 15:20). Start reading at Matthew 15:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Jesus is the central figure. Matthew identifies Him as Emmanuel, explains His saving mission, and concludes with His authority and commission. Read each teaching with its original listeners and its place in the narrative. See Matthew 1:21, Matthew 1:23, Matthew 28:18, Matthew 28:19. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Join hearing Jesus' words with doing them. Distinguish instructions to named disciples on a particular mission from a general application, and keep conditions and warnings alongside promises. interpretation
Cited: Matthew 15:1, Matthew 15:20, Matthew 1:21, Matthew 1:23, Matthew 28:18, Matthew 28:19
Who wrote it, and how we know
Matthew (Levi), the apostle
From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe book does not name its author.
Early traditionEarly church testimony names Matthew the apostle, notably Papias in the early second century and Irenaeus later.
What is debatedThe name is not in the text. The titles were attached early but are not part of the original writing.
Other accounts of this event
The dispute about washing hands and defilement
Parallel accounts
These passages describe overlapping parts of the same event. Each account retains its own wording and emphasis.
Related passages
- draweth Isa 29:13 Ezek 33:31 John 1:47 1 Pet 3:10
- but Prov 23:26 Jer 12:2 Acts 8:21 Heb 3:12
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Matthew 15
This Gospel presents Jesus in relation to Israel's Scriptures and follows His teaching, death, resurrection, and commission. It does not name a specific original recipient. Read individual sayings within their narrative and discourse settings.
Matthew 1:1 Matthew 28:18 Matthew 28:19 Matthew 28:20
A woman's persistent appeal
Matthew 15:21–28FocusMercy and faith
Connection to the wholeThe Canaanite woman's request highlights persistent trust within the stated setting of Jesus' mission to Israel.
interpretation Healing and feeding
Matthew 15:29–39FocusCompassion for the multitude
Connection to the wholeThe healings and second feeding continue the display of mercy and provision after the confrontation over purity.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Matthew
This Gospel presents Jesus in relation to Israel's Scriptures and follows His teaching, death, resurrection, and commission. It does not name a specific original recipient. Read individual sayings within their narrative and discourse settings.
Matthew 1:1 Matthew 28:18 Matthew 28:19 Matthew 28:20
The promised Messiah introduced
Matthew 1:1–4:16FocusOrigins and preparation
Connection to the wholeThe genealogy, birth, baptism, and temptation establish Jesus' identity and mission before His public preaching expands.
interpretation The kingdom proclaimed
Matthew 4:17–7:29FocusMinistry and the mountain discourse
Connection to the wholeJesus announces the kingdom, calls disciples, and teaches the righteousness and obedience that characterize His hearers' response.
interpretation Authority and mission
Matthew 8:1–10:42FocusWorks of mercy and sent disciples
Connection to the wholeHealings and other mighty works display Jesus' authority; He then commissions disciples and prepares them for opposition.
interpretation Responses to the kingdom
Matthew 11:1–13:58FocusOpposition, revelation, and parables
Connection to the wholeContrasting responses to Jesus lead into parables that explain hearing, growth, judgment, and the kingdom's value.
interpretation FocusIdentity, suffering, and community
Connection to the wholeJesus teaches disciples about His coming suffering and about humility, care for others, correction, and forgiveness.
interpretation Jerusalem and accountability
Matthew 19:1–25:46FocusConflict, judgment, and watchfulness
Connection to the wholeThe journey to Jerusalem and temple disputes lead into warnings about judgment and the need for faithful readiness.
interpretation Death, resurrection, and commission
Matthew 26:1–28:20FocusThe crucified and risen Lord
Connection to the wholeJesus' passion and resurrection bring the narrative to the commission to teach all nations and obey His commands.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.