Devine Scripture

Matthew 15:1

What does Matthew 15:1 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 15:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 15:1 means

This verse sets the stage for a critical encounter, detailing the arrival of religious leaders from Jerusalem to confront Jesus. These were not local officials but influential figures, likely coming with a deliberate intent to challenge Jesus's teachings and practices. Their journey from the religious center of Jerusalem highlights the growing tension between Jesus and the established religious authority, underscoring the weight and importance of the coming debate about spiritual priorities.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Then there come to Jesus from Jerusalem Pharisees and scribes, saying,

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying,

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Then there come to Jesus from Jerusalem Pharisees and scribes, saying,

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Then there came to Jesus from Jerusalem Pharisees and scribes, saying,

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Then come unto Jesus do they from Jerusalem--scribes and Pharisees--saying,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Then came to him from Jerusalem scribes and Pharisees, saying:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Then the scribes and Pharisees from Jerusalem come up to Jesus, saying,

Context

This verse initiates a significant new section in the chapter, following Jesus's ministry around the Sea of Galilee. It introduces the main antagonists of the first part of the chapter, the Pharisees and scribes, who will engage Jesus in a sharp debate about religious tradition. This encounter immediately establishes the theme of external observance versus internal righteousness that dominates the first half of Matthew 15.

v.1This passage

v.2Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Mark 3:22

    And the scribes that came down from Jerusalem said, He hath Beelzebub, and, By the prince of the demons casteth he out the demons.

  • Luke 5:30

    And the Pharisees and their scribes murmured against his disciples, saying, Why do ye eat and drink with the publicans and sinners?

  • Luke 5:21

    And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, Who is this that speaketh blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone?

  • Luke 5:17

    And it came to pass on one of those days, that he was teaching; and there were Pharisees and doctors of the law sitting by, who were come out of every village of Galilee and Judæa and Jerusalem: and the power of the Lord was with him to heal.

  • Mark 7:1

    And there are gathered together unto him the Pharisees, and certain of the scribes, who had come from Jerusalem,

  • Matthew 5:20

    For I say unto you, that except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no wise enter into the kingdom of heaven.

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