Matthew 15:3

KJV

But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} he answered {G611} and said {G2036} unto them {G846}, Why {G1302} do ye {G5210} also {G2532} transgress {G3845} the commandment {G1785} of God {G2316} by {G1223} your {G5216} tradition {G3862}?

Complete Jewish Bible

He answered, "Indeed, why do you break the command of God by your tradition?

Berean Standard Bible

Jesus replied, “And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition?

American Standard Version

And he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God because of your tradition?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Matthew 15:3, Jesus directly confronts a delegation of Pharisees and scribes from Jerusalem, turning their accusation against His disciples back upon themselves. He challenges their misplaced priorities, questioning why they, the religious leaders, would transgress the clear commandment of God by upholding and prioritizing their own human traditions. This verse serves as a foundational statement on the supremacy of divine revelation over man-made rules and exposes the hypocrisy of external religiosity that neglects true obedience to God's will.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is Jesus' sharp retort to an accusation leveled against His disciples by Pharisees and scribes who had traveled from Jerusalem. In [Matthew 15:1-2](/matthew/15-1-2 "Matthew 15:1-2 - Pharisees Accuse Disciples"), these religious leaders question why Jesus' disciples "transgress the tradition of the elders, for they do not wash their hands when they eat bread." This was not a violation of Mosaic Law but of an elaborate oral tradition concerning ritual purity. Jesus' response in [Matthew 15:3](/matthew/15-3 "Matthew 15:3 - Jesus' Counter-Accusation") immediately shifts the focus, counter-accusing them of a far greater transgression: violating God's direct command through their own traditions. He then provides a specific example concerning the commandment to honor parents, which they nullified through the "Corban" vow ([Matthew 15:4-6](/matthew/15-4-6 "Matthew 15:4-6 - The Corban Example")). This entire exchange sets the stage for Jesus' subsequent teaching on true defilement, which comes from the heart, not from external practices ([Matthew 15:10-20](/matthew/15-10-20 "Matthew 15:10-20 - What Truly Defiles a Person")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "tradition of the elders" refers to the vast body of oral laws and interpretations developed by Jewish rabbis over centuries, which were considered by many, especially the Pharisees, to be as authoritative as, if not more binding than, the written Law of Moses. These traditions covered nearly every aspect of life, including ritual handwashing before meals, which was a purity custom, not a hygienic one. The Pharisees were a prominent Jewish religious party known for their strict adherence to both the written Law and these oral traditions. Scribes were experts in the Law, often allied with the Pharisees. Their journey from Jerusalem, the religious capital, indicates the official and serious nature of their inquiry, aiming to challenge Jesus' authority and teaching. Jesus' challenge thus struck at the very core of their religious authority and practice, highlighting a fundamental tension between divine revelation and human interpretation.
* **Key Themes:** [Matthew 15:3](/matthew/15-3 "Matthew 15:3 - The Conflict of Authority") powerfully contributes to several key themes in Matthew's Gospel. Firstly, it underscores the **supreme authority of God's written Word** over any human tradition or interpretation. Jesus consistently elevates the divine command, demonstrating that true piety is found in obedience to God's revealed will, not in man-made rituals. Secondly, the verse exposes the **hypocrisy and misplaced priorities** of the religious elite. While meticulously observing their own traditions, they were willing to neglect or even nullify God's direct commandments, illustrating a form of outward religiosity that lacked genuine heart-level obedience. This theme is further developed in Jesus' woes against the Pharisees in [Matthew 23](/matthew/23 "Matthew 23 - Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees"). Finally, this confrontation introduces the broader theme of **true purity and defilement**, which Jesus elaborates on later in the chapter. He teaches that what truly defiles a person comes from within, from the heart, rather than from external practices or lack thereof, as seen in [Matthew 15:18-19](/matthew/15-18-19 "Matthew 15:18-19 - What Comes from the Heart Defiles")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **answered (Greek, _apokrínomai_):** This word, often translated as "answered," can also imply a decisive response or a counter-statement, especially in a context where an address is expected. Here, Jesus is not merely replying but delivering a pointed and authoritative rebuttal to the Pharisees' accusation, turning the tables on them.
* **transgress (Greek, _parabaínō_):** From _para_ (beside, beyond) and _bainō_ (to go), this verb literally means "to step beside" or "to go beyond." In a moral or legal context, it signifies to violate, infringe, or disregard a boundary or command. Jesus uses this strong term to accuse the Pharisees of a deliberate and serious breach of God's law, not merely a minor oversight.
* **commandment (Greek, _entolḗ_):** This term refers to an authoritative injunction, precept, or order, specifically a divine command. It denotes a direct, explicit instruction from God, such as those found in the Torah. By using _entolḗ_, Jesus highlights the divine origin and supreme authority of the laws the Pharisees were neglecting, contrasting them sharply with their human-made "tradition."
* **tradition (Greek, _parádosis_):** Meaning "something handed down," "a teaching," or "a custom," this word here specifically denotes the oral traditions of the elders. While some traditions could be beneficial, Jesus points out how these particular traditions had become problematic, being elevated above God's written word and even used to nullify its intent.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But he answered and said unto them,"**: This opening clause establishes Jesus' direct and authoritative response. The conjunction "But" (G1161, _dé_) signals a strong contrast or counter-argument to the Pharisees' preceding accusation. Jesus is not merely defending His disciples but launching a powerful offensive against the spiritual blindness and hypocrisy of His accusers.
* **"Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God"**: This is a direct, rhetorical question that forms the core of Jesus' rebuke. The "Why" (G1302, _diatí_) demands an explanation for their actions. The inclusion of "also" (G2532, _kaí_) is significant; it implies that while they accuse His disciples of transgression (of tradition), they themselves are guilty of a far more serious transgression—that of God's own commandment. Jesus elevates the divine command above their man-made rules, exposing their double standard.
* **"by your tradition?"**: This phrase identifies the means by which they transgress God's commandment. The preposition "by" (G1223, _diá_) indicates the instrumental cause. Their "tradition" (G3862, _parádosis_), which they held so dear and considered so authoritative, was paradoxically the very instrument through which they violated God's explicit will. This highlights the danger of elevating human customs to a divine level, especially when they contradict divine revelation.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 15:3 is rich with literary devices that amplify Jesus' message. The most prominent is **Rhetorical Question**, "Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?" This is not a question seeking information but a powerful accusation designed to expose the Pharisees' hypocrisy and challenge their authority. It forces the audience to confront the absurdity of their position. There is also clear **Contrast** or **Antithesis** established between "the commandment of God" and "your tradition." Jesus sets these two entities in direct opposition, highlighting the fundamental conflict between divine authority and human invention. This contrast underscores the core theological issue at stake. Furthermore, **Irony** is present: those who meticulously uphold human traditions are simultaneously guilty of violating divine commands, the very laws they claim to uphold and interpret. This ironic reversal of roles serves to discredit the Pharisees' spiritual authority and reveal their spiritual blindness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 15:3 stands as a pivotal statement on the enduring tension between divine authority and human interpretation, a theme woven throughout biblical history. Jesus' challenge to the Pharisees underscores the theological principle that God's revealed Word is the ultimate standard for faith and life, holding supremacy over all human customs, however ancient or revered. This verse teaches that true piety is not found in outward conformity to man-made rules or rituals, but in sincere, heart-level obedience to God's explicit commands. It warns against the dangers of legalism, where the letter of human law supplants the spirit of divine love and justice, leading to hypocrisy and spiritual blindness. The passage reminds us that traditions, while potentially valuable, must always be weighed against and submitted to the unadulterated truth of Scripture, lest they become a barrier to genuine worship and obedience.

* [Mark 7:8-9](/mark/7-8-9 "Mark 7:8-9 - Abandoning God's Command for Tradition")
* [Isaiah 29:13](/isaiah/29-13 "Isaiah 29:13 - Worship Taught by Human Rules")
* [Colossians 2:8](/colossians/2-8 "Colossians 2:8 - Beware of Human Tradition")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 15:3 serves as a timeless mirror for believers today, prompting us to critically examine our own spiritual practices and priorities. In a world saturated with diverse customs and interpretations, Jesus' words call us back to the foundational authority of God's Word. We must vigilantly guard against elevating denominational traditions, cultural norms, personal preferences, or even well-meaning but unbiblical practices above the clear teachings of Scripture. True spirituality is not about adhering to a checklist of external rules, but about cultivating a heart that genuinely seeks to honor and obey God in all things. This verse challenges us to ask if our "traditions"—whether personal habits, church customs, or societal expectations—are truly aligning with, or inadvertently undermining, God's explicit commands for love, justice, mercy, and truth. Our ultimate allegiance must be to Christ and His Word, allowing it to shape our lives from the inside out, rather than conforming to external pressures that may compromise our devotion.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "traditions" (personal, family, church, cultural) do I hold dear, and have I ever critically examined them against the clear teachings of Scripture?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be prioritizing external conformity or human expectations over genuine, heart-level obedience to God's commandments?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper love for and submission to God's Word, ensuring it remains the supreme authority in all my beliefs and practices?**
* **Am I ever guilty of spiritual hypocrisy, perhaps by meticulously observing certain religious duties while neglecting more fundamental commands like love, justice, or mercy?**

### FAQ

**What was the "tradition of the elders" that Jesus refers to?**

Answer: The "tradition of the elders" (or "tradition of the fathers") was a vast body of oral laws, interpretations, and customs that had developed over centuries among Jewish rabbis, particularly the Pharisees. These traditions were considered by many to be as binding as the written Law of Moses, and in some cases, even more so, as they were believed to be the authoritative application of the Law to daily life. Examples included specific rules for ritual handwashing before meals, tithing of small herbs, and various purity laws. Jesus' point in [Matthew 15](/matthew/15 "Matthew 15 - Clean and Unclean") was that these human traditions, while perhaps well-intentioned, had become so elevated that they were used to circumvent or even nullify the clear commandments of God, as illustrated by the "Corban" example in [Matthew 15:4-6](/matthew/15-4-6 "Matthew 15:4-6 - The Corban Vow").

**Does this verse mean all traditions are bad or that Christians should have no traditions?**

Answer: No, this verse does not condemn all traditions outright. The issue Jesus addresses is the *elevation* of human traditions *above* or *in contradiction to* the express commandments of God. Not all traditions are inherently bad; some can be helpful for order, continuity, and expressing faith within a community (e.g., celebrating Christmas or Easter, certain worship practices). The problem arises when traditions become rigid, unbiblical, or are used as a means to avoid genuine obedience to God's Word. The key is discernment: any tradition must be evaluated against Scripture to ensure it aligns with God's will and does not become an idol or a stumbling block to true faith. As Paul teaches in [Colossians 2:8](/colossians/2-8 "Colossians 2:8 - Beware of Human Philosophy"), we must beware of philosophies and traditions that are based on human wisdom rather than Christ.

**How does Jesus' teaching here relate to the Old Testament Law?**

Answer: Jesus' teaching in [Matthew 15:3](/matthew/15-3 "Matthew 15:3 - Jesus and the Law") does not abolish the Old Testament Law; rather, it upholds its divine authority and exposes how human traditions had distorted its true intent. Jesus consistently affirmed the Law and the Prophets ([Matthew 5:17-18](/matthew/5-17-18 "Matthew 5:17-18 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). His critique was directed at the *interpretations* and *additions* to the Law that the Pharisees had developed, which often obscured its spirit and led to hypocrisy. He was not challenging God's Law but the man-made "hedge around the Law" that had become more burdensome and authoritative than the Law itself. Jesus sought to restore the Law to its original, divinely intended purpose, emphasizing its moral and spiritual demands, particularly the commands to love God and neighbor ([Matthew 22:37-40](/matthew/22-37-40 "Matthew 22:37-40 - The Greatest Commandment")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
In [Matthew 15:3](/matthew/15-3 "Matthew 15:3 - Jesus, the True Interpreter"), Jesus stands as the ultimate fulfillment of God's Law and the definitive interpreter of His will. He embodies the perfect obedience that the Pharisees, with all their traditions, could never achieve. By challenging the elevation of human tradition over divine commandment, Jesus demonstrates His authority as the one who brings clarity to God's Word, stripping away the layers of human invention that had obscured its true meaning. He is the new covenant mediator who does not abolish the Law but fulfills it by revealing its spiritual depth and calling for a righteousness that surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees ([Matthew 5:20](/matthew/5-20 "Matthew 5:20 - Righteousness Exceeding the Pharisees")). Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus makes possible the very heart-level obedience He demands. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), providing the means for humanity to be reconciled to God and empowered by the Holy Spirit to live according to God's true commandments, written not on stone tablets but on the hearts of believers ([Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant")). Thus, Jesus is not merely correcting a theological error; He is inaugurating a new era where true worship and obedience flow from a transformed heart, made possible only through Him.

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

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.

Mark 7:6

He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with [their] lips, but their heart is far from me.

Mark 7:8

For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, [as] the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do.

Mark 7:13

Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.

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.

Matthew 7:3

And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?

Matthew 7:5

Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.