Matthew 15:2

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Why {G1302} do thy {G4675} disciples {G3101} transgress {G3845} the tradition {G3862} of the elders {G4245}? for {G1063} they wash {G3538} not {G3756} their {G846} hands {G5495} when {G3752} they eat {G2068} bread {G740}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Why is it that your talmidim break the Tradition of the Elders? They don't do n'tilat-yadayim before they eat!"

Berean Standard Bible

“Why do Your disciples break the tradition of the elders? They do not wash their hands before they eat.”

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 15:2 presents a pivotal confrontation between the religious leaders from Jerusalem and Jesus' disciples, where the Pharisees and scribes challenge the disciples for failing to observe the "tradition of the elders," specifically the ritual of ceremonial hand washing before eating. This seemingly minor infraction serves as the immediate catalyst for Jesus' profound teaching on the true source of defilement, exposing the hypocrisy of those who prioritize human traditions over God's divine commandments.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse initiates a significant discourse in [Matthew 15](/matthew/15 "Matthew 15 - Tradition vs. True Purity"), immediately following Jesus' miraculous feeding of the five thousand and walking on water in [Matthew 14](/matthew/14 "Matthew 14 - Miracles and Opposition"). The arrival of scribes and Pharisees from Jerusalem signifies a heightened level of scrutiny and opposition, moving from local challenges to a more authoritative, centralized critique. The accusation in [Matthew 15:2](/matthew/15-2 "Matthew 15:2 - The Pharisees' Accusation") directly sets the stage for Jesus' counter-question in [Matthew 15:3](/matthew/15-3 "Matthew 15:3 - Jesus' Counter-Question"), where He exposes their own transgression of God's command for the sake of their tradition. This dialogue culminates in Jesus' teaching that "what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person" in [Matthew 15:18](/matthew/15-18 "Matthew 15:18 - What Truly Defiles").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "tradition of the elders" refers to the extensive body of oral laws and customs that had developed over centuries among Jewish religious authorities, particularly the Pharisees. These traditions, known as *Halakha*, were considered by many to be as binding, if not more so, than the written Mosaic Law. The specific practice in question, *netilat yadayim*, was a ceremonial hand washing ritual, distinct from hygienic washing, intended to purify individuals from ritual defilement before partaking in meals. This practice was not prescribed in the Torah but was a rabbinic ordinance. For the Pharisees, strict adherence to such traditions was a hallmark of piety and a means of maintaining ritual purity, setting them apart from the common people. Their journey from Jerusalem underscores the authoritative nature of their challenge, representing the religious establishment's scrutiny of Jesus and His movement.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme emerging from this verse is the profound tension between **human tradition and divine commandment**. The Pharisees' accusation highlights their prioritization of meticulously observed external rituals over the spirit and direct commands of God's Law. This passage also introduces the theme of **external purity versus internal purity**, a recurring motif in Jesus' ministry. While the religious leaders focused on outward cleanliness and ceremonial adherence, Jesus consistently emphasized the condition of the heart as the true source of righteousness or defilement, as seen in [Matthew 15:11](/matthew/15-11 "Matthew 15:11 - What Truly Defiles a Person"). Furthermore, the interaction subtly points to the **hypocrisy** of those who meticulously observe human rules while neglecting the weightier matters of the Law, such as justice, mercy, and faithfulness, a critique Jesus often leveled against the religious elite.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **transgress (Greek, _parabaínō'_):** From *para* (beside, beyond) and the base of *basis* (a stepping); literally, "to step beyond" or "to go against." In this context, it signifies a violation or infringement of an established rule or boundary. The Pharisees accuse the disciples of "stepping beyond" or violating the "tradition of the elders," implying a serious breach of religious decorum and law as they understood it.
* **tradition (Greek, _parádosis'_):** From *paradidōmi* (to hand over, transmit); refers to something that is "handed down" or "transmitted." Here, it specifically denotes the body of oral precepts and interpretations passed down from earlier rabbinic authorities, distinct from the written Law of Moses. For the Pharisees, these traditions held immense authority, shaping their understanding and practice of piety.
* **elders (Greek, _presbýteros'_):** Comparative of *presbys* (elderly); meaning "older" or "senior." As a noun, it refers to respected senior figures, in this context, the revered rabbis and teachers of previous generations whose interpretations and rulings formed the basis of the "tradition." The term conveys authority and veneration, underscoring the weight the Pharisees placed on these inherited customs.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders?"**: This opening rhetorical question from the Pharisees and scribes immediately establishes the confrontational tone. It is not an innocent inquiry but an accusation, challenging Jesus' authority and the conduct of His followers based on their perceived deviation from established religious norms. The focus is on the disciples' actions, but the underlying challenge is directed at Jesus, their teacher, for His apparent failure to enforce these traditions.
* **"for they wash not their hands when they eat bread."**: This clause provides the specific, concrete example of the "transgression." The omission of ceremonial hand washing before eating bread, a common staple, was a significant breach of the "tradition of the elders" in the eyes of the Pharisees. This detail reveals their meticulous concern for external ritual purity and their belief that such practices were essential for maintaining holiness and avoiding defilement.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 15:2 employs several literary devices to convey its message and set the scene for Jesus' subsequent teaching. The verse opens with a **Rhetorical Question** ("Why do thy disciples transgress...?"), which functions not as a genuine request for information but as an accusation and a challenge, designed to put Jesus and His disciples on the defensive. This question immediately establishes a **Conflict** between Jesus' approach to faith and the rigid legalism of the religious authorities. There is also an element of **Irony** present, as the accusers, meticulously concerned with external purity rituals, are themselves later revealed by Jesus to be internally defiled by their own traditions and hypocrisy ([Matthew 15:7-9](/matthew/15-7-9 "Matthew 15:7-9 - Jesus Condemns Their Hypocrisy")). The verse also uses **Metonymy**, where "washing hands" stands in for the broader concept of adherence to the "tradition of the elders," representing the entire system of oral law and ritual purity that the Pharisees upheld.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 15:2 serves as a critical theological touchstone, highlighting the perennial tension between human-made religious rules and the divine will. It underscores the danger of elevating traditions to the status of God's commands, thereby nullifying the true intent of the Law and shifting focus from internal righteousness to external performance. Jesus' response in the subsequent verses reveals that true defilement comes not from external contact or lack of ritual, but from the wicked intentions and desires of the human heart. This passage calls believers to discern between genuine obedience to God's Word and mere adherence to cultural, denominational, or personal customs that may, at best, be irrelevant, and at worst, become stumbling blocks to true spiritual transformation and relationship with God.

* [Mark 7:1-8](/mark/7-1-8 "Mark 7:1-8 - Jesus Rebukes the Pharisees for Their Traditions")
* [Isaiah 29:13](/isaiah/29-13 "Isaiah 29:13 - Worship with Lips, Not Heart")
* [Colossians 2:8](/colossians/2-8 "Colossians 2:8 - Beware of Human Philosophy and Empty Deception")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 15:2 offers a timeless challenge for believers across generations: to critically examine the foundations of our faith and practice. Are we, like the Pharisees, more concerned with outward appearances, the approval of others, or adherence to man-made rules and traditions, than with the genuine transformation of our hearts and sincere obedience to God's clear commands? This verse compels us to ask if our "traditions of the elders"—whether denominational customs, cultural norms, or personal preferences—have inadvertently superseded the living Word of God in our lives. True worship and authentic discipleship flow from a heart devoted to Christ, not from meticulous adherence to external rituals. Our focus should be on cultivating internal purity, loving God and neighbor, and living out the spirit of the Law, rather than merely performing religious duties.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "traditions of elders" in my life or church might be hindering genuine obedience to God's Word or obscuring the simplicity of the Gospel?**
* **Am I more concerned with outward religious practices or with the true condition of my heart before God?**
* **How can I ensure my faith is rooted in Christ's teachings and the inspired Word of God rather than human expectations or cultural norms?**

### FAQ
**What was the "tradition of the elders" that the disciples were accused of transgressing?**

Answer: The "tradition of the elders" (Hebrew: *Halakha*) referred to a vast body of oral laws, interpretations, and customs that had been developed and passed down by revered rabbis and scribes over centuries. These traditions were not part of the written Mosaic Law (the Torah) but were considered by the Pharisees to be equally, if not more, binding. The specific tradition mentioned in [Matthew 15:2](/matthew/15-2 "Matthew 15:2 - The Pharisees' Accusation") was *netilat yadayim*, the ceremonial washing of hands before eating bread or other meals. This ritual was intended to remove ritual impurity and was distinct from hygienic washing. For the Pharisees, observing these traditions was a crucial demonstration of piety and a means of maintaining ritual purity in daily life.

**Why was ceremonial hand washing so important to the Pharisees?**

Answer: For the Pharisees, ceremonial hand washing was deeply significant for several reasons. Primarily, it was a matter of **ritual purity**. They believed that by adhering to these traditions, they could maintain a state of holiness and avoid defilement, particularly from contact with common people or objects that might be ritually impure. This practice was also a visible sign of their **piety and devotion** to God, distinguishing them as those who meticulously followed the Law and its interpretations. Furthermore, it reinforced their **identity and authority** as the guardians and interpreters of religious law. By observing these traditions, they sought to live a life of separation and holiness, aspiring to the standards of priestly purity in their daily lives, even though they were not priests. Their concern was less about hygiene and more about a symbolic cleansing to ensure their meals were eaten in a state of ritual purity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 15:2, while seemingly a minor dispute over handwashing, ultimately points to Christ as the fulfillment and re-interpreter of true righteousness. Jesus does not merely dismiss the traditions; He exposes their inadequacy and, more profoundly, their capacity to nullify God's actual commands, as He articulates in [Matthew 15:3-6](/matthew/15-3-6 "Matthew 15:3-6 - Jesus Exposes Their Hypocrisy"). He shifts the focus from external, ritualistic purity to internal, heart-driven righteousness. In Christ, the meticulous observance of human traditions becomes obsolete because He Himself is the living Word and the ultimate standard of purity. His teaching that "what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person" ([Matthew 15:18](/matthew/15-18 "Matthew 15:18 - What Truly Defiles")) culminates in His work on the cross, where He provides the ultimate cleansing from within for all who believe. Through His sacrifice, Christ perfectly fulfills the righteous requirements of the Law ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")) and becomes "the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes" ([Romans 10:4](/romans/10-4 "Romans 10:4 - Christ, the End of the Law")). Thus, the true "washing" and purification come not from water rituals, but from the atoning blood of the Lamb of God, which cleanses the conscience and transforms the heart ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Christ's Blood Cleanses Our Conscience"); [1 John 1:7](/1_john/1-7 "1 John 1:7 - The Blood of Jesus Cleanses Us")).

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

Luke 11:38

And when the Pharisee saw [it], he marvelled that he had not first washed before dinner.

Mark 7:2

And when they saw some of his disciples eat bread with defiled, that is to say, with unwashen, hands, they found fault.

Colossians 2:8

Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

Colossians 2:20

Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances,

Colossians 2:23

Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.

1 Peter 1:18

Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, [as] silver and gold, from your vain conversation [received] by tradition from your fathers;

Mark 7:5

Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands?