Matthew 15:4

Matthew 15:4 is a pivotal verse in a confrontation between Jesus and the Pharisees concerning the true interpretation and application of God's law. In this verse, Jesus directly quotes Old Testament commandments to expose the hypocrisy of the religious leaders.

Context

This verse is part of Jesus' response to the Pharisees and scribes who criticized His disciples for not observing their traditional ritual hand-washing before eating (Matthew 15:2). Jesus counters their accusation by challenging their own traditions that nullified God's direct commands. Specifically, He highlights their practice of "Corban," where individuals could dedicate their property to God, thereby excusing themselves from using those resources to care for their aging parents. This was a man-made tradition that directly violated the divine command to honor one's father and mother.

Key Themes

• Divine Authority Over Human Tradition: Jesus unequivocally places God's explicit commands above human traditions or interpretations that undermine them. He emphasizes that true piety lies in obedience to God's Word, not in adherence to man-made rules that contradict it. This theme is central to understanding the conflict between Jesus and the religious establishment of His day, as seen in Mark 7:8.
• The Fifth Commandment Reinforced: The verse directly quotes the Fifth Commandment from the Decalogue, "Honour thy father and mother." This command is foundational, promising long life to those who observe it (Deuteronomy 5:16). Jesus underscores its timeless importance, emphasizing respect, care, and provision for parents, especially in their old age.
• Gravity of Disrespecting Parents: The second part of the verse, "He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death," highlights the severe consequences for extreme disrespect in the Old Testament Law (Exodus 21:17; Leviticus 20:9). While the legal penalty is not applied in the New Covenant, it powerfully illustrates the profound sinfulness of dishonoring those whom God has placed in authority over us.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "honour" is timao (τιμάω), which means not just to revere or respect, but also to value, to provide for, and to care for. It implies active support, particularly financial and practical care for elderly parents. The word for "curseth" is kakologeo (κακολογέω), meaning to speak evil of, revile, or abuse with words. Jesus’ use of these terms in connection with the Old Testament law underscores the comprehensive nature of the command: it applies to both attitude and action, encompassing both active support and refraining from verbal abuse.

Practical Application

For believers today, Matthew 15:4 serves as a powerful reminder of several key principles:

• Prioritize God's Word: We must continually examine our lives and traditions to ensure they align with God's clear commands, rather than nullifying them through human customs or preferences.
• Enduring Commandment: The command to honor parents remains a fundamental aspect of Christian living (Ephesians 6:2-3). This involves showing respect, offering practical support when needed, and maintaining loving relationships.
• Beware of Hypocrisy: The passage warns against religious outwardness that masks an inward disregard for God's true intentions. True faith is demonstrated by genuine obedience to God's heart, not just by observing external rituals.

This verse challenges us to understand that God's commands are not burdensome, but are for our good and reflect His righteous character. Honoring parents is a reflection of honoring God Himself.