Matthew 15:5

KJV

But ye say, Whosoever shall say to [his] father or [his] mother, [It is] a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me;

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} ye {G5210} say {G3004}, Whosoever {G3739}{G302} shall say {G2036} to his father {G3962} or {G2228} his mother {G3384}, It is a gift {G1435}, by {G1537} whatsoever {G3739}{G1437} thou mightest be profited {G5623} by me {G1700};

Complete Jewish Bible

But you say, `If anyone says to his father or mother, "I have promised to give to God what I might have used to help you,"

Berean Standard Bible

But you say that if anyone says to his father or mother, ‘Whatever you would have received from me is a gift devoted to God,’

American Standard Version

But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, That wherewith thou mightest have been profited by me is given to God;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Jesus powerfully exposes the religious hypocrisy of the Pharisees and scribes, revealing how their man-made traditions, specifically the "Corban" vow, directly nullified God's clear command to honor one's parents. This verse highlights a profound tension between outward religious observance and the true, heartfelt obedience to divine law, demonstrating how human regulations can become a convenient excuse to neglect fundamental moral and familial responsibilities.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a direct confrontation between Jesus and the Pharisees and scribes who have come from Jerusalem to challenge Him. The immediate preceding verses (e.g., [Matthew 15:1-2](/matthew/15-1-2 "Matthew 15:1-2 - Pharisees Question Jesus' Disciples")) describe their accusation that Jesus' disciples violate the "tradition of the elders" by not washing their hands before eating. Jesus' response, beginning in [Matthew 15:3](/matthew/15-3 "Matthew 15:3 - Jesus Rebukes the Pharisees"), flips the accusation back onto them, demonstrating how *they* violate God's commandment for the sake of their tradition. [Matthew 15:5](/matthew/15-5 "Matthew 15:5 - The Corban Vow") provides the specific example of their perversion of the Fifth Commandment, with [Matthew 15:6](/matthew/15-6 "Matthew 15:6 - Nullifying God's Word") explicitly stating the consequence: they make the word of God of no effect. This discourse serves as a foundational teaching on true righteousness versus superficial religiosity.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The practice Jesus critiques here relates to the Jewish concept of "Corban" (Hebrew: קָרְבָּן, _qorbān_), meaning "an offering" or "a gift dedicated to God." While dedicating resources to God was a legitimate and commendable act in ancient Israel, the Pharisees had developed a tradition that allowed individuals to declare their possessions "Corban," thereby dedicating them to God and making them unavailable for any other use, including supporting their needy parents. This tradition effectively circumvented the clear divine command to honor and provide for one's father and mother, as outlined in [Exodus 20:12](/exodus/20-12 "Exodus 20:12 - The Fifth Commandment") and [Deuteronomy 5:16](/deuteronomy/5-16 "Deuteronomy 5:16 - Honoring Parents"). The cultural context reveals a tension between the letter of the law and its spirit, and how religious leaders could manipulate interpretations to their own advantage or to allow others to avoid moral duties under a guise of piety.

* **Key Themes:** The passage powerfully articulates several key themes central to Jesus' ministry and the broader book of Matthew. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **religious hypocrisy**, exposing how the Pharisees' outward show of piety masked an inner disregard for God's true intentions, as Jesus declares in [Matthew 15:7-9](/matthew/15-7-9 "Matthew 15:7-9 - Hypocrisy of the Pharisees"). Secondly, it underscores the critical distinction between **human tradition and divine commandment**. Jesus consistently prioritizes God's revealed will over man-made rules, especially when the latter nullify the former. This is a recurring motif in Matthew, where Jesus often contrasts the legalistic interpretations of the Pharisees with the true spirit of the law, as seen in the [Sermon on the Mount](/matthew/5 "Matthew 5 - The Sermon on the Mount"). Finally, the passage reinforces the enduring importance of **familial duty and honoring parents**, a foundational principle of the Mosaic Law and a reflection of true righteousness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **say (Greek, _légō'_):** This word (G3004) is a primary verb meaning "to 'lay' forth," or figuratively, "to relate (in words, usually of systematic or set discourse)." Here, it denotes the Pharisees' established teaching or doctrine, not just a casual utterance. It implies a formal declaration or a customary saying that they upheld and taught.
* **gift (Greek, _dōron'_):** This term (G1435) refers to a present or offering, specifically a "gift dedicated to God." In this context, it is a direct translation of the Hebrew term "Corban" (קָרְבָּן), which signifies something consecrated to God and thus made unavailable for ordinary use. The issue is not the act of giving a gift to God, but the *abuse* of this concept to shirk familial responsibility.
* **profited (Greek, _ōpheléō'_):):** Derived from a word meaning "useful," this verb (G5623) means "to be useful," or "to benefit." The phrase "by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me" refers to any material support or financial advantage that a child might have been able to provide for their parents. The Pharisees' tradition made it so that if resources were declared "Corban," the parents could no longer benefit from them.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But ye say":** This phrase directly contrasts Jesus' emphasis on God's commandment with the Pharisees' teaching. The "ye" (G5210, _hymeîs_) is emphatic, highlighting their personal responsibility for this contradictory doctrine. It introduces their counter-principle to God's law.
* **"Whosoever shall say to [his] father or [his] mother":** This sets up the scenario for the "Corban" vow. It indicates that the teaching applies to any individual who makes this declaration concerning their parents, effectively absolving themselves of filial duty.
* **"[It is] a gift":** This is the core of the "Corban" declaration. The person declares their property or resources as "dōron," meaning dedicated to God. By this declaration, the resources become "sacred" and, according to their tradition, cannot be used to support their parents.
* **"by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me;":** This clause clarifies the consequence of the "gift" declaration. It means that any material support, financial aid, or benefit that the child could have provided to their parents is now withheld because the resources are deemed "Corban." The phrase "by me" (G1700, _emoû_) emphasizes the child's personal resources.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 15:5 employs several significant literary devices. **Contrast** is central, setting Jesus' divine authority and interpretation of the Law against the human traditions of the Pharisees. The verse is part of an extended **argumentation** where Jesus systematically dismantles the Pharisees' legalistic approach, using their own practices as evidence against them. There is also a subtle use of **irony**, as the Pharisees, who pride themselves on their adherence to the Law, are shown to be the ones who actually nullify it through their self-serving interpretations. The concept of "gift" (Corban) itself functions as a **symbol**, representing a perversion of true piety where an act designed for devotion to God is twisted into an excuse for neglecting fundamental moral obligations.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse is a profound theological statement on the nature of true righteousness and obedience. It underscores that God values the spirit of the law—love, compassion, and justice—over rigid, external adherence to human traditions, especially when those traditions undermine divine commands. The "Corban" practice exemplifies how religious zeal can be misdirected, becoming a convenient cloak for selfishness rather than a genuine expression of devotion. True faith is not merely about ritual or declaration, but about living out God's commands in practical love and care for others, particularly those within one's own family. This passage challenges believers to examine their motives and ensure that their religious practices align with God's heart for justice and mercy.

* [Mark 7:11-13](/mark/7-11-13 "Mark 7:11-13 - The Corban Vow in Mark's Gospel")
* [1 Timothy 5:8](/1_timothy/5-8 "1 Timothy 5:8 - Providing for One's Own Household")
* [Micah 6:8](/micah/6-8 "Micah 6:8 - What the Lord Requires")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 15:5 serves as a timeless warning against the dangers of religious legalism and hypocrisy. It challenges us to look beyond outward forms of piety and examine the true motives and practical effects of our faith. Are our spiritual disciplines, church commitments, or even our declarations of devotion truly honoring God, or do they sometimes become convenient excuses to neglect the less glamorous, but equally vital, responsibilities God has placed upon us? This verse particularly calls us to reflect on our familial duties. Honoring parents, especially in their time of need, is not merely a social custom but a divine mandate. It reminds us that genuine faith is demonstrated not just in what we say or what rituals we observe, but in how we love and care for those closest to us, reflecting God's own character of love and provision. We must constantly guard against allowing human traditions or even well-intentioned spiritual practices to supersede the clear, compassionate commands of God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be prioritizing human traditions or personal convenience over clear biblical commands, especially concerning my family or community?**
* **How can I ensure that my religious practices genuinely lead to greater love and service, rather than becoming an excuse to avoid difficult responsibilities?**
* **What does "honoring" my parents (or other elders/authorities in my life) practically look like today, and am I living up to that standard?**

### FAQ

**What was the "Corban" vow, and why was it problematic in this context?**

Answer: The "Corban" (Greek: _dōron_) vow was a Jewish practice where an individual could declare their property or resources as "a gift dedicated to God." While the act of dedicating something to God was legitimate, the problem, as Jesus highlights, was its *misapplication*. The Pharisees' tradition allowed this vow to be used as a loophole to avoid the clear biblical command to honor and provide for one's parents ([Exodus 20:12](/exodus/20-12 "Exodus 20:12 - The Fifth Commandment")). By declaring their assets "Corban," individuals could claim they were unable to use those assets to support their needy parents, effectively nullifying a divine commandment under the guise of religious devotion. Jesus condemned this practice because it prioritized a human tradition over God's compassionate law.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 15:5, while exposing the hypocrisy of the Pharisees, ultimately points to Christ as the fulfillment of true righteousness and the embodiment of genuine obedience to God's will. Unlike the Pharisees who used religious traditions to circumvent divine commands, Jesus perfectly upheld the spirit and letter of the Law, not for personal gain or outward show, but out of perfect love for God and humanity. He did not come to abolish the Law but to fulfill it ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")), demonstrating that true piety involves a heart of obedience that prioritizes love and mercy over legalistic loopholes. Jesus Himself perfectly honored His Father, even to the point of death on the cross, offering the ultimate "gift" of Himself, not to avoid responsibility, but to bear the sins of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). His life and sacrifice reveal that genuine devotion is characterized by self-giving love and unwavering commitment to God's righteous standards, providing the pattern for all who follow Him to live lives of authentic faith that honors God and loves neighbor ([Matthew 22:37-40](/matthew/22-37-40 "Matthew 22:37-40 - The Greatest Commandment")).

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

Mark 7:10

For Moses said, Honour thy father and thy mother; and, Whoso curseth father or mother, let him die the death:

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.

Acts 5:29

Then Peter and the [other] apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.

Matthew 23:16

Woe unto you, [ye] blind guides, which say, Whosoever shall swear by the temple, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gold of the temple, he is a debtor!

Matthew 23:18

And, Whosoever shall swear by the altar, it is nothing; but whosoever sweareth by the gift that is upon it, he is guilty.

Acts 4:19

But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.

Leviticus 27:9

And if [it be] a beast, whereof men bring an offering unto the LORD, all that [any man] giveth of such unto the LORD shall be holy.