Matthew 15:3

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

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}?

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

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

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

Commentary

Context of Matthew 15:3

In Matthew chapter 15, Jesus is confronted by a delegation of Pharisees and scribes who had come from Jerusalem. Their initial accusation against Jesus' disciples was that they violated the "tradition of the elders" by not ritually washing their hands before eating (Matthew 15:2). This tradition was an oral law, not a commandment from the written Law of Moses. Jesus' response in verse 3 turns the accusation back on them, highlighting their own hypocrisy and misplaced priorities.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Authority vs. Human Tradition: Jesus' statement directly challenges the Pharisees' elevation of their man-made rules above God's express commands. He asserts the supreme authority of God's word over any human custom or tradition, no matter how revered. This is a central theme in Jesus' ministry, emphasizing that true piety lies in obedience to God, not adherence to external rituals devised by men.
  • Hypocrisy and Misplaced Priorities: The verse exposes the spiritual blindness and hypocrisy of the religious leaders. While meticulously observing their own traditions, they were willing to neglect or even nullify God's direct commandments. Jesus immediately provides an example concerning the commandment to honor one's parents, which they circumvented through a tradition known as "Corban" (Matthew 15:4-6).
  • Heart Obedience: This passage sets the stage for Jesus' broader teaching that defilement comes from the heart, not from external practices or lack thereof (Matthew 15:18-19). True worship and righteousness stem from an inward commitment to God's will, rather than mere outward conformity to religious rules.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Transgress" (KJV): The Greek word is parabainō (παραβαίνω), which literally means "to step beside" or "to go beyond." In this context, it signifies to violate, transgress, or disregard. Jesus implies a deliberate act of stepping over the boundary of God's law.
  • "Commandment" (KJV): The Greek word is entolē (ἐντολή), referring to a divine injunction, precept, or order. It denotes a direct command from God, such as those found in the Ten Commandments.
  • "Tradition" (KJV): The Greek word is paradosis (παράδοσις), meaning "something handed down," "a teaching," or "a custom." Here, it specifically refers to the oral traditions of the elders, which the Pharisees considered authoritative interpretations and applications of the Mosaic Law, often elevating them to the same or even higher status than the written Law itself.

Practical Application

Matthew 15:3 serves as a timeless warning against prioritizing human doctrines or customs over the clear teachings of God's Word. For believers today, it prompts self-examination:

  1. Evaluate Our Traditions: We must discern whether our personal, cultural, or church traditions align with or contradict biblical principles. Are we holding to practices simply because "that's how it's always been done" rather than because they are rooted in God's truth?
  2. Prioritize God's Word: This verse calls us to place the supreme authority of Scripture above all else. Our ultimate guide for faith and life should be the inspired Word of God, not human opinions or preferences.
  3. Guard Against Hypocrisy: Jesus' rebuke highlights the danger of outward religiosity that lacks genuine heart-level obedience. True faith is demonstrated by a sincere desire to honor God in all aspects of life, not just in public display or adherence to rituals.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Colossians 2:23 (7 votes)

    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 (5 votes)

    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 (5 votes)

    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 (5 votes)

    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 (5 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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.