Matthew 15:13

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} he answered {G611} and said {G2036}, Every {G3956} plant {G5451}, which {G3739} my {G3450} heavenly {G3770} Father {G3962} hath {G5452} not {G3756} planted {G5452}, shall be rooted up {G1610}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He replied, "Every plant that my Father in heaven has not planted will be pulled up by the roots.

Berean Standard Bible

But Jesus replied, “Every plant that My heavenly Father has not planted will be pulled up by its roots.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 15:13 presents Jesus' profound and unequivocal declaration concerning the ultimate fate of all that lacks divine origin. In direct response to the disciples' observation that the Pharisees were offended by His teachings, Jesus asserts that any doctrine, system, or practice not established by His heavenly Father is destined for complete removal. This statement underscores the absolute supremacy of God's truth over human tradition and serves as a powerful pronouncement of divine judgment against all spiritual counterfeits.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is Jesus' direct and authoritative response to His disciples' concern, expressed in [Matthew 15:12](/matthew/15-12 "Matthew 15:12 - Disciples' Observation of the Pharisees' Offense"), that the Pharisees were offended by His teaching. The preceding narrative in [Matthew 15:1-9](/matthew/15-1-9 "Matthew 15:1-9 - Jesus Confronts Pharisaic Tradition") details a confrontation where Pharisees and scribes from Jerusalem challenge Jesus and His disciples for violating their tradition of ceremonial hand-washing before eating. Jesus deftly turns the accusation back on them, exposing how their human traditions, particularly the Corban vow, effectively nullified God's commandments ([Matthew 15:6](/matthew/15-6 "Matthew 15:6 - Nullifying God's Word Through Tradition")). He then teaches the crowds and His disciples that true defilement comes not from external practices but from the evil thoughts and intentions of the heart ([Matthew 15:10-11](/matthew/15-10-11 "Matthew 15:10-11 - Jesus Teaches on True Defilement")). Thus, [Matthew 15:13](/matthew/15-13 "Matthew 15:13 - The Fate of Un-divine Plants") dismisses the Pharisees' offense as inconsequential, asserting that their entire system, being of human origin, is ultimately doomed.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Pharisees were a prominent and influential Jewish religious sect during the Second Temple period, known for their meticulous adherence to the Mosaic Law and, crucially, to an extensive body of oral traditions. These oral laws, which they believed were divinely revealed alongside the written Torah, governed nearly every aspect of life, including purity rituals, dietary practices, and Sabbath observance. They often added layers of human interpretation and regulation to God's written law. The Pharisees derived their authority from their perceived piety and meticulous observance of these traditions, which they believed distinguished them as truly righteous. Jesus' ministry continually challenged their legalism, hypocrisy, and their elevation of human tradition above divine command, leading to frequent clashes that highlighted a fundamental tension between His gospel of grace and their system of works.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme in this passage, and particularly in [Matthew 15:13](/matthew/15-13 "Matthew 15:13 - The Divine Gardener's Judgment"), is the profound contrast between **divine authority and human tradition**. Jesus implicitly critiques the Pharisees' system, which, though appearing religious, was fundamentally a "plant" not sown by God. This highlights the theme of **true versus false righteousness**, emphasizing that external adherence to man-made rules is spiritually bankrupt if it does not flow from a heart transformed by God's truth. Furthermore, the verse introduces the theme of **divine judgment**, asserting that anything not originating from God will ultimately be "rooted up," signifying its complete and irreversible removal. This echoes broader biblical warnings against false teachings and those who lead others astray, underscoring the necessity of discerning what is truly from God, a theme woven throughout [Matthew's Gospel](/matthew "The Gospel According to Matthew").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **plant (Greek, _phyteía'_):** From φυτεύω, this term refers to something transplanted, or concretely, a shrub or vegetable. In this context, it is used metaphorically to represent a doctrine, a religious system, a tradition, or even individuals who are part of such a framework. The imagery evokes something that grows and is established, but its ultimate fate depends entirely on its origin.
* **planted (Greek, _phyteúō'_):** Derived from φύω, meaning "to set out in the earth" or "to implant." Figuratively, it means "to instil doctrine." Here, it signifies divine establishment or initiation. The passive voice ("hath not planted") emphasizes that the action of planting, or the lack thereof, comes from an external, superior agent—God Himself, the ultimate gardener.
* **rooted up (Greek, _ekrizóō'_):** Formed from ἐκ ("out of") and ῥιζόω ("to root"), this verb means "to uproot" or "to pluck up by the root." It conveys a complete, irreversible, and forceful removal, destruction, or dismantling. The passive voice ("shall be rooted up") again points to a divine agent of judgment, indicating that the eradication is not by human hands but by God's ultimate decree and power.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But he answered and said,"**: This phrase introduces Jesus' direct and authoritative response to the disciples' observation about the Pharisees' offense. It signals a pronouncement of significant theological weight, not merely a casual remark, setting the stage for a profound spiritual truth.
* **"Every plant,"**: This is the subject of Jesus' declaration, presented metaphorically. The word "Every" (Greek _pâs_) emphasizes the universal scope of this principle, indicating that there are no exceptions. "Plant" (Greek _phyteía_) symbolizes any doctrine, tradition, religious system, or even individuals within such a system.
* **"which my heavenly Father hath not planted,"**: This crucial clause provides the criterion for judgment. The "heavenly Father" (Greek _ouránios Patḗr_) explicitly identifies God as the ultimate authority and originator of all that is true and enduring. Anything that does not have its origin in Him, anything not divinely established or sanctioned, falls under this category, directly contrasting with the Pharisees' human-made traditions.
* **"shall be rooted up."**: This is the inevitable and certain outcome for anything not planted by God. The passive voice ("shall be rooted up") implies divine action in the "rooting up," signifying a complete and irreversible destruction or removal. It is a declaration of ultimate judgment and dismantling, indicating that such "plants" lack true life, divine sustenance, and therefore cannot endure God's scrutiny.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 15:13 is rich in **Metaphor**, primarily through the extended imagery of the "plant" and "rooting up." The "plant" serves as a powerful symbol for any doctrine, tradition, or religious system, particularly those of the Pharisees, that lacks divine origin. The act of "planting" represents divine establishment and sustenance, while "rooting up" signifies God's judgment and complete destruction or removal of that which is not of Him. This agricultural imagery makes the abstract concept of divine judgment tangible and easily understandable. The verse also employs **Antithesis**, sharply contrasting what "my heavenly Father hath planted" with what He "hath not planted." This stark opposition highlights the fundamental dichotomy between divine truth and human error, underscoring the absolute necessity of divine origin for anything to possess true spiritual validity and eternal endurance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 15:13 powerfully articulates the principle of divine sovereignty over all truth and practice, asserting that only what originates from God will ultimately endure. It challenges the human tendency to elevate tradition, personal interpretation, or cultural norms above God's revealed will, exposing the futility of religious systems built on human ingenuity rather than divine foundation. This verse underscores the critical importance of discerning the source of spiritual authority and truth, reminding believers that genuine faith must be rooted in God's Word and His Spirit, not in the shifting sands of human wisdom or ritual. The "rooting up" signifies God's ultimate judgment against all falsehood and spiritual counterfeit, assuring that His kingdom and His truth will prevail.

* [Psalm 1:3](/psalms/1-3 "Psalm 1:3 - The Blessed Man is Like a Tree Planted by Rivers of Water")
* [Jeremiah 1:10](/jeremiah/1-10 "Jeremiah 1:10 - Jeremiah's Commission to Root Out and Plant")
* [1 Corinthians 3:11-15](/1_corinthians/3-11-15 "1 Corinthians 3:11-15 - Building on the True Foundation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 15:13 calls believers to a profound level of discernment and unwavering commitment to divine truth. In a world saturated with diverse spiritual claims, traditions, and philosophies, this verse serves as a crucial filter: Is what I believe, practice, or follow truly planted by my heavenly Father? It compels us to critically examine the foundations of our faith, the traditions of our churches, and even our personal habits and convictions, asking if they align with God's revealed will or if they are merely human constructs, however well-intentioned or deeply ingrained. This means prioritizing the diligent study of God's Word, seeking the Holy Spirit's guidance in all matters, and being willing to courageously abandon anything—no matter how comfortable, familiar, or socially accepted—that lacks divine origin. Ultimately, living by this principle fosters genuine spiritual vitality, ensuring that our lives are built on an unshakeable foundation that will endure God's ultimate scrutiny and judgment.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "plants" (beliefs, practices, or traditions) in my personal life or my faith community might not have been planted by God, and how can I discern their true origin?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper reliance on God's Word and the Holy Spirit to discern between divine truth and human tradition?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure that my spiritual foundation is solely rooted in the heavenly Father's planting, rather than in transient human constructs?**

### FAQ
**What does Jesus mean by "every plant"?**

Answer: In [Matthew 15:13](/matthew/15-13 "Matthew 15:13 - Every Plant Not Planted by God"), "every plant" is a metaphor used by Jesus to refer broadly to any doctrine, teaching, religious system, or even individuals who adhere to such systems, that do not originate from God. In the immediate context, it primarily refers to the human traditions and legalistic interpretations of the Pharisees, which Jesus had just exposed as nullifying God's commandments ([Matthew 15:6](/matthew/15-6 "Matthew 15:6 - Making God's Word Void Through Tradition")). The imagery suggests something that has grown and become established, but whose legitimacy and ultimate survival depend entirely on whether God Himself initiated it.

**Does this verse imply that all human traditions are bad?**

Answer: Not necessarily all human traditions, but specifically those that compete with, contradict, or nullify God's divine commands and truth. Jesus' teaching here is a direct critique of traditions that elevate human authority above God's, as exemplified by the Pharisees' practices. The key is the origin: if a tradition or teaching is not "planted" by God—meaning it does not align with His character, His Word, or His will—then it is ultimately destined for removal. Traditions that serve to uphold or illuminate God's truth, or are simply cultural expressions that do not violate biblical principles, are not the target of this warning. The warning is against anything that usurps God's unique authority or leads people away from genuine obedience to Him ([Mark 7:8-9](/mark/7-8-9 "Mark 7:8-9 - Rejecting God's Commandment for Tradition")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 15:13, while a warning against human tradition, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus' own identity as the perfectly "planted" Son of God and the embodiment of divine truth. Jesus Himself is the "true vine" ([John 15:1](/john/15-1 "John 15:1 - Jesus, the True Vine")), the one truly planted by the Heavenly Father, through whom all genuine spiritual life flows. His teachings, unlike the traditions of the Pharisees, are not human inventions but the very words of God ([John 12:49-50](/john/12-49-50 "John 12:49-50 - Jesus Speaks God's Words")). Therefore, any system, philosophy, or teaching that does not align with Christ, His person, or His gospel is fundamentally flawed and destined to be "rooted up." The ultimate "rooting up" will occur at the final judgment, when every false teaching, every humanistic philosophy, and every kingdom not established by God will be utterly dismantled, and only the eternal kingdom of Christ will remain ([Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Becomes the Kingdom of Our Lord and of His Christ")). Thus, this verse implicitly calls us to be rooted in Christ alone ([Colossians 2:6-7](/colossians/2-6-7 "Rooted and Built Up in Christ")), for He is the only "plant" that will eternally endure and provide true life.

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

John 15:2

Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every [branch] that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.

Isaiah 60:21

Thy people also [shall be] all righteous: they shall inherit the land for ever, the branch of my planting, the work of my hands, that I may be glorified.

John 15:6

If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast [them] into the fire, and they are burned.

Isaiah 61:3

To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.

Psalms 92:13

Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God.

Matthew 13:40

As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world.

Matthew 13:41

The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity;