Matthew 15:1

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G5119} came {G4334} to Jesus {G2424} scribes {G1122} and {G2532} Pharisees {G5330}, which were of {G575} Jerusalem {G2414}, saying {G3004},

Complete Jewish Bible

Then some P'rushim and Torah-teachers from Yerushalayim came to Yeshua and asked him,

Berean Standard Bible

Then some Pharisees and scribes came to Jesus from Jerusalem and asked,

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 15:1 introduces a critical confrontation between Jesus and an official delegation of scribes and Pharisees from Jerusalem. This verse sets the stage for a significant theological debate concerning the authority of divine law versus human tradition, highlighting the escalating opposition Jesus faced from the religious establishment in the heart of His Galilean ministry.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Matthew 15:1 immediately follows Jesus' powerful demonstration of authority over nature and disease in Gennesaret, where "as many as touched were made perfectly whole" [Matthew 14:36](/matthew/14-36 "Matthew 14:36 - Healing in Gennesaret"). Prior to this, Jesus had walked on water [Matthew 14:22-33](/matthew/14-22-33 "Matthew 14:22-33 - Jesus Walks on Water") and miraculously fed five thousand [Matthew 14:13-21](/matthew/14-13-21 "Matthew 14:13-21 - Feeding the Five Thousand"). These miracles underscored His divine power and growing popularity, which inevitably drew the attention and scrutiny of the religious authorities. The arrival of the scribes and Pharisees in this verse marks a shift from Jesus' interactions with the crowds and disciples to a direct challenge from the Jewish leadership, setting up the subsequent discussion in [Matthew 15:2-20](/matthew/15-2-20 "Matthew 15:2-20 - True Defilement") regarding ritual purity and the true source of defilement. This encounter is a pivotal moment in Matthew's narrative, intensifying the conflict that will ultimately lead to Jesus' crucifixion.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "scribes" (γραμματεῖς, *grammateis*) were professional interpreters and teachers of the Jewish Law, often associated with the Pharisees. They were highly respected for their knowledge and meticulous study of the Torah. The "Pharisees" (Φαρισαῖοι, *Pharisaioi*) were a prominent religious and political sect known for their strict adherence to both the written Mosaic Law and the extensive oral traditions (Halakha) that had developed over centuries. They believed these oral traditions were equally binding as the written Law, serving as a "fence" around it to prevent transgression. Their origin "of Jerusalem" is highly significant; it indicates that these were not merely local synagogue leaders but an official delegation from the Sanhedrin, the supreme Jewish religious and judicial body based in the capital. Their journey from Jerusalem to Galilee suggests a concerted effort to investigate Jesus, challenge His teachings, and curb His influence, reflecting the central religious authority's growing concern over His unconventional ministry.
* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces several crucial themes that permeate the Gospel of Matthew and Jesus' ministry. First, it highlights the **clash of authorities**, pitting Jesus' divine authority and interpretation of God's will against the established human traditions and interpretations of the religious elite. Second, it underscores the theme of **true piety versus external religiosity**, as the subsequent verses reveal the Pharisees' focus on outward rituals (like handwashing) over the inward condition of the heart. This tension is central to Jesus' teachings, particularly in His condemnation of hypocrisy in [Matthew 23](/matthew/23 "Matthew 23 - Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees"). Third, the verse emphasizes the **escalating opposition** Jesus faced; the arrival of a delegation from Jerusalem signifies a more formal and serious challenge to His ministry, foreshadowing the ultimate rejection He would experience. Finally, it sets the stage for a discussion on the **nature of God's Law**, distinguishing between divine commands and human traditions, a theme also explored in parallel accounts such as [Mark 7:1-23](/mark/7-1-23 "Mark 7:1-23 - Clean and Unclean").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **scribes (Greek, _grammateús'_):** From *gramma*, meaning "a writer." This term refers to a professional scribe or secretary, but in the context of the New Testament, it primarily denotes an expert in Jewish law, responsible for its interpretation, teaching, and copying. Their presence signifies a formal inquiry into Jesus' activities.
* **Pharisees (Greek, _Pharisaîos'_):** Of Hebrew origin, meaning "a separatist." This identifies a prominent Jewish sect known for their strict adherence to the Mosaic Law and, crucially, their extensive oral traditions. They were highly influential among the common people and were often at odds with Jesus due to their legalistic interpretations and emphasis on external observance.
* **saying (Greek, _légō'_):** A primary verb, properly meaning "to lay forth" or "relate in words," often implying a systematic or set discourse. Here, it indicates that the scribes and Pharisees approached Jesus with a specific, prepared statement or accusation, rather than a casual inquiry, underscoring the confrontational nature of their visit.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ Then came to Jesus":** The adverb "Then" (G5119, *tóte*) indicates a chronological progression, linking this event to the preceding miracles and growing fame of Jesus. The verb "came" (G4334, *prosérchomai*) suggests an approach, often with a specific purpose or intent, here implying a deliberate confrontation rather than an accidental meeting.
* **"scribes and Pharisees":** These two groups represent the most influential religious authorities of the day. Their joint appearance underscores a unified front of opposition. The scribes provided the legal expertise, while the Pharisees represented the dominant religious ideology and popular piety, making their challenge formidable.
* **"which were of Jerusalem, saying,":** The phrase "of Jerusalem" (G575, *apó* G2414, *Hierosólyma*) emphasizes their official capacity. They were not local Galilean leaders but representatives from the religious capital, implying a formal investigation or challenge sanctioned by the highest religious council. Their immediate action of "saying" (G3004, *légō*) indicates that their purpose was to articulate a specific grievance or accusation against Jesus, setting the stage for the ensuing debate.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 15:1 employs several literary devices to establish the scene and foreshadow the unfolding conflict. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as the arrival of these authoritative figures from Jerusalem immediately signals an impending confrontation that will escalate the tension between Jesus and the Jewish religious establishment. This encounter is a microcosm of the larger conflict that will ultimately lead to Jesus' crucifixion. The verse also utilizes **Antithesis** by implicitly setting up the contrast between Jesus, who embodies divine truth and grace, and the religious leaders, who represent human tradition and legalistic interpretations. Furthermore, the mention of "Jerusalem" serves as **Symbolism**, representing the center of Jewish religious authority and tradition, from which opposition to Jesus' revolutionary teachings often emanated. Their journey from the capital underscores the perceived threat Jesus posed to their established order.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 15:1 introduces a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry, highlighting the inherent tension between God's divine revelation and human-made traditions. The arrival of the scribes and Pharisees from Jerusalem underscores the persistent human tendency to elevate religious customs and interpretations to the level of divine command, often at the expense of true righteousness and mercy. This encounter serves as a theological warning against legalism and hypocrisy, emphasizing that genuine faith is not found in outward conformity to rules, but in a heart transformed by God's word. Jesus consistently challenged this misplaced emphasis, redirecting attention from external rituals to internal purity and the spirit of the Law. The underlying theological message is that God desires obedience that springs from a loving heart, not from a rigid adherence to human precepts.

* [Isaiah 29:13](/isaiah/29-13 "Isaiah 29:13 - Worship with Lips, Not Heart")
* [Mark 7:6-8](/mark/7-6-8 "Mark 7:6-8 - Condemnation of Human Traditions")
* [Matthew 23:23-28](/matthew/23-23-28 "Matthew 23:23-28 - Woes to Hypocritical Leaders")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 15:1, though brief, offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It serves as a powerful reminder to constantly examine the source and authority of our beliefs and practices. Are we prioritizing human traditions, cultural norms, or even denominational customs over the clear and direct commands of God's Word? The scribes and Pharisees, despite their zeal, had allowed their traditions to nullify the very purpose of the Law – to draw people closer to God in spirit and truth. This verse challenges us to cultivate a heart of genuine obedience that seeks to honor God above all else, rather than merely performing outward religious acts to gain human approval or maintain a facade of piety. It calls us to spiritual discernment, ensuring that our faith is rooted in the transforming power of the Gospel and not in the shifting sands of human expectations or legalistic interpretations.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "traditions" or unwritten rules in my life or community might be unintentionally elevated above God's explicit commands?**
* **How can I cultivate a heart that prioritizes genuine obedience and inward purity over outward religious performance?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to judge others based on their adherence to human traditions rather than their relationship with God?**

### FAQ

**Why did scribes and Pharisees come specifically from Jerusalem to confront Jesus?**

Answer: The scribes and Pharisees came from Jerusalem because it was the religious and political capital of Judea, the seat of the Sanhedrin, which was the highest Jewish judicial and religious council. Their journey from Jerusalem to Galilee signifies that Jesus' growing influence and unconventional teachings had become a significant concern for the central religious authorities. It implies an official delegation, sent to investigate, challenge, and potentially curb Jesus' activities, rather than merely a local or casual inquiry. This underscores the seriousness with which the Jewish leadership viewed Jesus as a threat to their established order and interpretations of the Law.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
In Matthew 15:1, the arrival of the scribes and Pharisees from Jerusalem to challenge Jesus is a crucial moment that highlights His unique role as the ultimate interpreter and fulfillment of God's Law. Unlike the religious leaders who clung to human traditions and external rituals, Jesus consistently pointed to the heart as the true locus of righteousness. He did not come to abolish the Law but to fulfill it [Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law"), bringing its true intent to light and embodying its perfect obedience. This confrontation foreshadows Jesus' role as the one who exposes the spiritual bankruptcy of legalism and offers a new covenant of grace and truth [John 1:17](/john/1-17 "John 1:17 - Grace and Truth Through Jesus Christ"). He is the one who provides genuine cleansing, not through ceremonial washings, but through His atoning sacrifice, which purifies the conscience and transforms the heart [Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Cleansing of Conscience"). Ultimately, Jesus is the end of the Law for righteousness to everyone who believes [Romans 10:4](/romans/10-4 "Romans 10:4 - Christ is the End of the Law"), offering a relationship with God based on faith and inner transformation, rather than adherence to external human precepts.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Mark 3:22

¶ And the scribes which came down from Jerusalem said, He hath Beelzebub, and by the prince of the devils casteth he out devils.

Luke 5:21

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

Matthew 23:2

Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat:

Luke 5:30

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

Acts 23:9

And there arose a great cry: and the scribes [that were] of the Pharisees' part arose, and strove, saying, We find no evil in this man: but if a spirit or an angel hath spoken to him, let us not fight against God.

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 case enter into the kingdom of heaven.

Luke 5:17

¶ And it came to pass on a certain day, as he was teaching, that there were Pharisees and doctors of the law sitting by, which were come out of every town of Galilee, and Judaea, and Jerusalem: and the power of the Lord was [present] to heal them.