Matthew 15:20

Context

This verse concludes Jesus' powerful teaching on true defilement, following a direct confrontation with the Pharisees and scribes. They had challenged Jesus' disciples for not observing the "tradition of the elders" concerning ceremonial handwashing before meals (Matthew 15:2). In response, Jesus accused them of nullifying God's commandment for the sake of their human traditions (Matthew 15:6). He then proceeded to explain that defilement does not come from external sources or physical actions like eating with unwashed hands, but from the wicked thoughts and intentions that originate in the human heart. Verses Matthew 15:18-19 explicitly list the evils that truly defile a person, such as "evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies." Matthew 15:20 serves as a summary statement, reiterating that internal moral corruption, not external ritual impurity, is what truly makes a person unclean before God.

Key Themes

• The Source of True Defilement: The Heart: Jesus decisively shifts the focus from external, ceremonial purity to internal, moral purity. He teaches that what truly corrupts a person's relationship with God is not what goes into the mouth, but what comes out of the heart in the form of evil intentions and actions.
• Inward Purity Over Outward Ritual: This verse strongly emphasizes the supremacy of spiritual integrity over mere adherence to religious rituals or human traditions. Jesus exposes the hypocrisy of those who meticulously observe outward forms while neglecting the condition of their inner being. This aligns with prophetic critiques of empty ritualism (e.g., Isaiah 1:11).
• Critique of Legalism and Human Tradition: By declaring that "to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man," Jesus directly challenges the legalistic interpretations and man-made rules that had become central to the religious practices of the Pharisees. He asserts God's ultimate authority over human customs. A parallel account is found in Mark 7:1-23.

Linguistic Insights

The key word in this verse is "defile" (KJV), from the Greek verb koinōi (κοινοῖ). This term means to make common, unholy, or unclean. In a Jewish context, it often referred to ceremonial impurity. Jesus, however, redefines its primary meaning to refer to moral and spiritual uncleanness, distinguishing it sharply from physical or ritual defilement. He argues that true defilement is not about violating ceremonial purity laws but about a corrupted inner state that produces evil actions.

Practical Application

Matthew 15:20 serves as a profound call to self-examination and spiritual authenticity. It challenges believers to look beyond outward appearances and religious observances to the true condition of their hearts. This verse encourages us to:

• Prioritize Internal Transformation: Focus on cultivating a pure heart, free from evil thoughts, pride, and malice, rather than merely adhering to external religious practices. Our actions reflect our inner state.
• Guard Our Hearts: Recognize that our thoughts and intentions are the source of our moral actions. As Proverbs 4:23 states, "Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life."
• Beware of Hypocrisy: This teaching warns against the danger of religious hypocrisy, where one might appear pious externally but harbor corruption internally. Jesus consistently emphasized the importance of genuine faith and love over mere outward show (Matthew 23:27).
• Understand True Freedom in Christ: For Christians, this verse underscores the freedom from burdensome human traditions and legalistic rules that do not align with God's heart. The focus is on a living relationship with God that transforms us from the inside out, not on ritualistic adherence that cannot cleanse the soul.