Matthew 15:13

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

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}.

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

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

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

In Matthew 15:13, Jesus delivers a profound and direct statement, dismissing the authority of the Pharisees and emphasizing the ultimate fate of all that is not established by God Himself. This verse serves as a powerful declaration of divine judgment against human traditions that usurp God's truth.

Context

This verse comes as a response to the disciples' observation that the Pharisees were offended by Jesus' teaching regarding defilement. Earlier in Matthew 15:1-11, the Pharisees had challenged Jesus and His disciples for not observing the tradition of hand-washing before eating. Jesus countered their legalism by explaining that true defilement comes from the heart, not from external rituals. When the disciples noted the Pharisees' offense in Matthew 15:12, Jesus essentially tells them not to worry about the Pharisees' reaction, as their system and teachings are not of divine origin.

Key Themes

  • Divine Origin vs. Human Tradition: The core message highlights the stark contrast between what God establishes and what humans create. The "plant" symbolizes doctrines, systems, or even individuals who are part of a religious or spiritual framework. Jesus asserts that only what God initiates and approves will endure.
  • The Authority of God's Word: Jesus' statement underscores the supreme authority of God's revealed truth over any man-made rule or interpretation. The Pharisees' traditions, however well-intentioned, had become a burden and a substitute for genuine obedience to God's commands, as seen in Mark 7:13.
  • Judgment on Falsehood: The phrase "shall be rooted up" signifies ultimate removal, destruction, or exposure. This is a powerful prophetic declaration that any teaching, system, or lifestyle not originating from God will eventually be dismantled. This concept echoes warnings against false prophets and teachings found elsewhere in scripture, such as in Matthew 7:15.

Linguistic Insights

The metaphor of "planting" and "rooting up" is common in biblical literature to describe establishment and destruction, or divine work and judgment. The Greek word for "plant" (phyteia) can refer to something planted or a growth. The imagery emphasizes organic growth and the natural consequence of lacking a divine foundation. If God, the ultimate gardener, did not plant it, it lacks true life and will not stand.

Practical Application

For believers today, Matthew 15:13 serves as a vital reminder to:

  • Discern Truth: We must constantly evaluate doctrines, teachings, and traditions against the standard of God's Word. Is it truly from God, or is it a human invention?
  • Prioritize God's Will: Our focus should be on what the heavenly Father has planted – His direct commands, His character, and His kingdom principles – rather than being sidetracked by external rituals or man-made rules that lack spiritual substance.
  • Trust in Divine Providence: There is comfort in knowing that ultimately, anything contrary to God's will and truth will not prevail. This truth provides assurance for those who seek to live according to God's ways.

This verse encourages a deep reliance on the Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth, ensuring we are rooted in Christ and His authentic teachings, not in traditions that will eventually be "rooted up" (John 16:13).

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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;

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