Devine Scripture

Matthew 15:12

What does Matthew 15:12 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 15:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 15:12 means

Following Jesus's radical statement in verse 11, the disciples approach Him, concerned that His words had deeply offended the influential Pharisees. This indicates their awareness of the religious leaders' power and their sensitivity to public opinion. The disciples' question suggests they understood the controversial nature of Jesus's teaching and its direct opposition to the established religious traditions of the day, foreshadowing the need for further explanation.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Then came the disciples, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, when they heard this saying?

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Then came his disciples, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying?

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Then came the disciples, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, when they heard this saying?

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Then the disciples came and said to him, Did you see that the Pharisees were troubled when these words came to their ears?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Then his disciples having come near, said to him, `Hast thou known that the Pharisees, having heard the word, were stumbled?'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Then came his disciples, and said to him: Dost thou know that the Pharisees, when they heard this word, were scandalized?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Then his disciples, coming up, said to him, Dost thou know that the Pharisees, having heard this word, have been offended?

Context

This verse demonstrates the immediate effect of Jesus's teaching in verse 11: the disciples recognize its controversial nature and the offense it caused the Pharisees. Their question establishes a moment of tension and confusion for the disciples, prompting Jesus to provide clarification and further instruction. This interaction sets up Jesus's important parables and explanations about true spiritual understanding for His followers.

v.11Not that which entereth into the mouth defileth the man; but that which proceedeth out of the mouth, this defileth the man.

v.12This passage

v.13But he answered and said, Every plant which my heavenly Father planted not, shall be rooted up.

Cross references

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

  • Galatians 2:5

    to whom we gave place in the way of subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.

  • 2 Corinthians 6:3

    giving no occasion of stumbling in anything, that our ministration be not blamed;

  • 1 Corinthians 10:32

    Give no occasion of stumbling, either to Jews, or to Greeks, or to the church of God:

  • Matthew 17:27

    But, lest we cause them to stumble, go thou to the sea, and cast a hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a shekel: that take, and give unto them for me and thee.

  • 1 Kings 22:13

    And the messenger that went to call Micaiah spake unto him, saying, Behold now, the words of the prophets declare good unto the king with one mouth: let thy word, I pray thee, be like the word of one of them, and speak thou good.

  • James 3:17

    But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without variance, without hypocrisy.

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