Devine Scripture

Matthew 15:16

What does Matthew 15:16 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 15:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 15:16 means

Jesus responds to Peter with a touch of gentle reproof, expressing surprise that even His closest followers are still struggling to grasp such a fundamental spiritual truth. He challenges their lack of understanding, indicating that this particular concept should be clearer to them by now. This question underscores the difficulty even those close to Jesus had in letting go of deeply ingrained cultural and religious ideas about purity, preparing them for a more thorough explanation.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And he said, Are ye also even yet without understanding?

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And Jesus said, Are ye also yet without understanding?

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And he said, Are ye also even yet without understanding?

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And he said, Are you, like them, still without wisdom?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And Jesus said, `Are ye also yet without understanding?

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But he said: Are you also yet without understanding?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But he said, Are ye also still without intelligence?

Context

Jesus's response in this verse directly addresses Peter's request for clarification in verse 15, indicating the disciples' slowness to grasp spiritual truth. This question sets the tone for Jesus's subsequent, more detailed explanation of why external things do not defile a person and what truly does. It highlights the need for the deeper teaching that follows, designed to correct their lack of understanding.

v.15And Peter answered and said unto him, Declare unto us the parable.

v.16This passage

v.17Perceive ye not, that whatsoever goeth into the mouth passeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught?

Cross references

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

  • Luke 18:34

    And they understood none of these things; and this saying was hid from them, and they perceived not the things that were said.

  • Luke 24:45

    Then opened he their mind, that they might understand the scriptures;

  • Matthew 15:10

    And he called to him the multitude, and said unto them, Hear, and understand:

  • Mark 9:32

    But they understood not the saying, and were afraid to ask him.

  • Mark 8:17

    And Jesus perceiving it saith unto them, Why reason ye, because ye have no bread? do ye not yet perceive, neither understand? have ye your heart hardened?

  • Hebrews 5:12

    For when by reason of the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need again that some one teach you the rudiments of the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of solid food.

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