Matthew 15:1

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

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

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

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

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

Commentary

Matthew 15:1 introduces a pivotal confrontation between Jesus and the religious establishment, setting the stage for a significant discussion about divine law versus human tradition.

Historical and Cultural Context

This verse marks the arrival of scribes and Pharisees from Jerusalem, indicating a formal and authoritative challenge to Jesus. The scribes were experts in Jewish law, responsible for interpreting and copying the scriptures, while the Pharisees were a prominent religious sect known for their zealous adherence to both the written Law and their extensive oral traditions. Their origin "of Jerusalem" suggests they were not merely local leaders but representatives of the religious authorities from the capital, bringing a more official and weighty accusation against Jesus. This encounter immediately precedes their questioning of Jesus' disciples for not observing the ceremonial washing of hands before eating, a tradition they held dear, as detailed in Matthew 15:2.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Religious Authority vs. Divine Truth: The verse highlights the ongoing tension between Jesus' teachings and the established religious leaders who often prioritized their interpretations and traditions over God's direct commands.
  • Sources of Opposition: It reveals that significant opposition to Jesus often came from those who were considered the most devout or knowledgeable about the Law, demonstrating a clash of spiritual understanding.
  • Setting the Stage for Debate: Matthew 15:1 serves as an introduction to a crucial theological debate about the true nature of defilement and obedience, which unfolds in the subsequent verses. This theme is also echoed in parallel accounts, such as Mark 7:1-23.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek term for "scribes" is grammateis (γραμματεῖς), referring to those who specialized in writing and interpreting the Law. The "Pharisees" (Φαρισαῖοι - Pharisaioi) were distinct for their strict adherence to their traditional interpretations. The phrase "of Jerusalem" underscores their official capacity, implying they were sent to investigate or challenge Jesus' growing influence, rather than merely being curious bystanders.

Practical Application

This opening verse reminds us that true faith is not merely about external rituals or human traditions, but about a sincere heart's obedience to God's word. It encourages believers to critically examine religious practices and teachings, ensuring they align with biblical truth rather than human doctrines. Just as Jesus challenged the prevailing norms, we are called to prioritize God's commands above all else, even when it leads to conflict with established views or expectations. This encounter foreshadows the broader conflict Jesus faced with religious hypocrisy, a theme further explored in Matthew chapter 23.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Mark 3:22 (3 votes)

    ¶ 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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

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

  • Luke 5:30 (3 votes)

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

  • Acts 23:9 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    ¶ 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.