Matthew 15:9

KJV

But in vain they do worship me, teaching [for] doctrines the commandments of men.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} in vain {G3155} they do worship {G4576} me {G3165}, teaching {G1321} for doctrines {G1319} the commandments {G1778} of men {G444}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Their worship of me is useless, because they teach man-made rules as if they were doctrines.'"

Berean Standard Bible

They worship Me in vain; they teach as doctrine the precepts of men.’”

American Standard Version

But in vain do they worship me, Teachingas theirdoctrines the precepts of men.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Matthew 15:9, Jesus delivers a scathing indictment against the religious leaders of His day, condemning their worship as futile and meaningless because it prioritizes human traditions and precepts over the divine commandments of God. Quoting from the prophet Isaiah, Jesus exposes the hypocrisy of those who outwardly appear devout but whose hearts are far from God, revealing that true worship is not found in adherence to man-made rules but in sincere obedience to God's revealed will.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the powerful climax of Jesus' direct confrontation with the Pharisees and scribes, who had challenged His disciples for not observing the traditional ritual of handwashing before eating, a custom not mandated by Mosaic Law but by human tradition (see [Matthew 15:1-2](/matthew/15-1-2 "Matthew 15:1-2 - Pharisees Challenge Jesus")). Jesus' response, beginning in [Matthew 15:3](/matthew/15-3 "Matthew 15:3 - Jesus' Counter-Argument"), turns their accusation back on them, exposing their own hypocrisy in nullifying God's commandment—specifically the command to honor parents—through their man-made tradition of "Corban" (dedicating resources to God, thereby avoiding parental support, as also detailed in [Mark 7:9-13](/mark/7-9-13 "Mark 7:9-13 - Jesus Condemns Corban")). Verse 9, a direct quotation from [Isaiah 29:13](/isaiah/29-13 "Isaiah 29:13 - Prophecy of Vain Worship"), functions as the ultimate theological justification for Jesus' critique, revealing the deep spiritual problem underlying their external religiosity.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Judaism was characterized by a complex interplay between the written Torah (God's Law) and the oral traditions (the "tradition of the elders" or *halakha*), which had developed over centuries to interpret and apply the Law. While some oral traditions were beneficial, the Pharisees, in particular, had elevated these human interpretations to the level of divine authority, sometimes even above the written Law itself. This created a system where external conformity to intricate rituals and regulations became paramount, often at the expense of true heart obedience and justice. The geographical setting of this encounter, likely in Galilee, highlights Jesus' direct challenge to the established religious authority that emanated from Jerusalem, confronting their widespread influence on the common people.

* **Key Themes:** Matthew 15:9 powerfully contributes to several key themes prevalent in the Gospels and particularly in Matthew's narrative. It underscores the theme of **Divine Authority vs. Human Tradition**, asserting that God's commandments hold supreme authority over any human precepts, regardless of their antiquity or perceived piety. It also highlights the theme of **True Worship**, contrasting external ritualistic observance with genuine, heartfelt devotion that stems from an obedient heart, a concept Jesus further elaborates on in passages like [John 4:23-24](/john/4-23-24 "John 4:23-24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth"). Furthermore, the verse exposes the **Hypocrisy** of the religious leaders, a recurring motif in Jesus' ministry, where He consistently unmasks the outward show of righteousness that conceals an inward spiritual emptiness, as seen in His woes against the Pharisees in [Matthew 23](/matthew/23 "Matthew 23 - Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **vain (Greek, _mátēn'_):** This adverb signifies futility, emptiness, or to no purpose. When applied to worship, it means that the acts of adoration, reverence, and service, despite their outward appearance, are devoid of spiritual efficacy, produce no genuine benefit, and are ultimately unacceptable to God. Such worship is hollow, lacking the internal sincerity and divine approval that makes it truly meaningful.
* **worship (Greek, _sébomai'_):** This verb in the middle voice means "to revere" or "to adore." It denotes a profound sense of awe and devotion directed towards a deity. In this context, Jesus acknowledges that the Pharisees *do* engage in acts of worship, but He immediately qualifies it as "vain," indicating that the *object* of their reverence might outwardly be God, but the *manner* and *basis* of their worship render it unacceptable in His sight.
* **doctrines (Greek, _didaskalía'_):** Derived from the word for "teacher," this noun refers to instruction, teaching, or a body of precepts. Jesus' indictment is that the Pharisees were teaching "the commandments of men" *as if* they were divine "doctrines." This elevation of human precepts to divine status corrupted the very essence of religious instruction, leading people away from God's true will and into a system of man-made legalism.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But in vain they do worship me":** This opening clause delivers the core condemnation. The conjunction "But" (G1161, _dé_) introduces a strong contrast to the Pharisees' perceived righteousness. Despite their outward displays of piety and their claim to worship God, Jesus declares that their worship is "in vain." This means it is useless, empty, and achieves no spiritual purpose or divine favor. The object of their worship is ostensibly God ("me"), yet the quality of that worship is fundamentally flawed, lacking the authenticity and obedience that God truly desires.
* **"teaching for doctrines the commandments of men":** This second clause explains *why* their worship is vain. Their fundamental error lies in their pedagogical practice: they present human regulations ("the commandments of men") as if they were divine truths or authoritative teachings ("for doctrines"). This act of elevating human tradition to the level of God's revealed will distorts true religion, misleads the people, and ultimately renders their worship of God meaningless, as it is based on human invention rather than divine revelation.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 15:9 is rich with **Irony**, as Jesus uses the very words of the Old Testament prophet Isaiah to condemn those who claim to be its most devout interpreters. The religious leaders, who prided themselves on their adherence to the Law, are shown to be violating its spirit by their rigid adherence to human traditions. The verse also employs **Quotation/Allusion**, directly citing [Isaiah 29:13](/isaiah/29-13 "Isaiah 29:13 - Prophecy of Hypocrisy") to lend prophetic weight and divine authority to Jesus' condemnation. This strategic use of Scripture validates Jesus' message and demonstrates that the spiritual blindness and hypocrisy of His contemporaries were not new, but a fulfillment of ancient prophecy. Furthermore, there is an element of **Contrast** woven throughout the verse, highlighting the stark difference between genuine, God-honoring worship and the empty, human-centered religiosity that Jesus confronts.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 15:9 profoundly underscores the theological principle that the authenticity of worship is determined not by its external form or human approval, but by its alignment with God's revealed will and the sincerity of the worshiper's heart. It challenges the human tendency to substitute man-made rules for divine commands, warning that such a substitution renders all religious activity futile in God's eyes. This verse establishes a critical distinction between true piety, which flows from an obedient heart devoted to God, and mere religiosity, which can be a performance of rituals or adherence to traditions without genuine spiritual substance. It calls believers to a constant evaluation of their faith practices against the ultimate authority of Scripture, ensuring that their devotion is truly God-centered.

* [Isaiah 29:13](/isaiah/29-13 "Isaiah 29:13 - The Source of Jesus' Quote")
* [Mark 7:6-7](/mark/7-6-7 "Mark 7:6-7 - Parallel Account of Vain Worship")
* [John 4:23-24](/john/4-23-24 "John 4:23-24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 15:9 serves as a timeless warning and a profound call to introspection for believers across all generations. It compels us to critically examine the foundations of our faith and worship, asking whether our practices are rooted in genuine obedience to God's Word or in human customs, preferences, or cultural norms. The danger lies not necessarily in traditions themselves, but in elevating them to a status equal to or greater than God's explicit commands, thereby inadvertently nullifying the divine will. This verse challenges us to prioritize a transformed heart and sincere devotion over mere external conformity or ritualistic performance. True worship is an overflow of a heart that loves God and seeks to obey Him above all else, recognizing His supreme authority in every area of life. It calls us to authenticity, integrity, and a relentless pursuit of God's truth as revealed in Scripture, guarding against any form of spiritual hypocrisy where our outward actions do not align with our inward devotion.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What traditions or practices in my life or church might I be prioritizing over God's clear commands in Scripture?**
* **How can I ensure that my worship, both corporate and personal, is truly from the heart and pleasing to God, rather than merely an external performance?**
* **Am I more concerned with appearing religious to others or with genuinely obeying God's will?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be inadvertently "teaching for doctrines the commandments of men" instead of God's truth?**

### FAQ
**What does "in vain" mean in the context of worship?**

Answer: In this context, "in vain" (Greek: _mátēn_) means that the worship is useless, empty, futile, or without purpose. It signifies that despite outward appearances or sincere intentions, such worship does not achieve its intended spiritual effect, does not honor God, and is not accepted by Him. Jesus declares that worship becomes "in vain" when it is based on human traditions and teachings rather than on God's revealed commandments and a sincere heart. It highlights a disconnect between external religious activity and genuine, God-honoring devotion.

**Does this verse mean all traditions are bad or that we should abandon all church practices?**

Answer: No, the verse does not condemn all traditions outright. Instead, it condemns the elevation of human traditions to the level of divine commandments, especially when such traditions lead to the neglect or violation of God's actual Word. Many traditions (e.g., celebrating Christmas, specific worship styles, church governance structures) can be beneficial and enriching, providing continuity and community. The problem arises when these traditions become rigid, unbiblical, or are enforced as divine law, thereby overshadowing or contradicting the clear teachings of [God's Word](/2_timothy/3-16 "2 Timothy 3:16 - All Scripture is God-breathed"). The key is to constantly evaluate all practices against the supreme authority of Scripture and to ensure that our hearts are genuinely devoted to God, not merely to human customs.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 15:9, though a condemnation of false worship, profoundly points to Christ as the fulfillment of true worship and the ultimate authority. Jesus Himself is the living embodiment of perfect obedience to God's will, always prioritizing the Father's commands over human expectations or traditions (e.g., [John 4:34](/john/4-34 "John 4:34 - Jesus' Food is to Do God's Will")). He did not come to abolish the Law but to fulfill it, revealing its true spiritual intent beyond mere external observance (as taught in [Matthew 5:17-20](/matthew/5-17-20 "Matthew 5:17-20 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus established a new covenant, where worship is no longer confined to specific rituals or locations but is offered "in spirit and truth" (as He explained in [John 4:23-24](/john/4-23-24 "John 4:23-24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")). He is the true Temple, the ultimate sacrifice, and the High Priest who enables genuine access to God. Therefore, Christ Himself becomes the standard by which all worship is measured; any worship not centered on Him and His redemptive work, or that substitutes human efforts for His finished work, ultimately falls "in vain." He is the one who perfectly demonstrated and now empowers the heart-level obedience that God truly desires, freeing us from the empty traditions of men and leading us into authentic communion with the Father.

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

Isaiah 29:13

Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near [me] with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men:

Mark 7:7

Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching [for] doctrines the commandments of men.

1 Timothy 1:4

Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: [so do].

Titus 1:14

Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth.

Colossians 2:18

Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,

Colossians 2:22

Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men?

1 Timothy 4:6

¶ If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.