Devine Scripture

Matthew 15:3

What does Matthew 15:3 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 15:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 15:3 means

Jesus immediately turns their accusation back on them, asking why they, the religious authorities, transgress God's direct commandments for the sake of their own human traditions. This response shifts the focus from His disciples' actions to the Pharisees' own spiritual failures. Jesus emphasizes that their man-made rules superseded divine law in their lives. This question is foundational to His argument, exposing the hypocrisy of those who outwardly appeared devout but inwardly disregarded God's clear word.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God because of your tradition?

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God because of your tradition?

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And in answer he said to them, Why do you, yourselves, go against the word of God on account of the teaching which has been handed down to you?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And he answering said to them, `Wherefore also do ye transgress the command of God because of your tradition?

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But he answering, said to them: Why do you also transgress the commandment of God for your tradition? For God said:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But he answering said to them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment ofGod on account of your traditional teaching?

Context

This verse serves as Jesus's direct rebuttal to the Pharisees' accusation in verse 2. Instead of defending His disciples, Jesus launches an offensive, challenging the very basis of the Pharisees' authority and their practices. This pivotal question sets the stage for His detailed explanation in the following verses, where He will demonstrate how their traditions actually nullify God's commands.

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

v.3This passage

v.4For God said, Honor thy father and thy mother: and, He that speaketh evil of father or mother, let him die the death.

Cross references

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

  • Colossians 2:23

    Which things have indeed a show of wisdom in will-worship, and humility, and severity to the body; but are not of any value against the indulgence of the flesh.

  • Mark 7:6

    And he said unto them, Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoreth me with their lips, But their heart is far from me.

  • Matthew 7:3

    And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?

  • Titus 1:14

    not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men who turn away from the truth.

  • Mark 7:13

    making void the word of God by your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things ye do.

  • Colossians 2:8

    Take heed lest there shall be any one that maketh spoil of you through his philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ:

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