Matthew 15:12

Then came his disciples, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying?

Then {G5119} came {G4334} his {G846} disciples {G3101}, and said {G2036} unto him {G846}, Knowest thou {G1492} that {G3754} the Pharisees {G5330} were offended {G4624}, after they heard {G191} this saying {G3056}?

The talmidim came to him and said, "Do you know that the P'rushim were offended by what you said?"

Then the disciples came to Him and said, “Are You aware that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this?”

Then came the disciples, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, when they heard this saying?

Commentary

Matthew 15:12 (KJV) records the disciples' reaction to Jesus' teaching, specifically their concern over the offense taken by the powerful religious leaders of the day.

Context

This verse immediately follows Jesus' pivotal teaching on what truly defiles a person. In the preceding verses (Matthew 15:1-9), Pharisees and scribes from Jerusalem had challenged Jesus' disciples for not adhering to their tradition of ceremonial handwashing before eating. Jesus, however, turned the accusation back on them, highlighting how their human traditions superseded God's commandments, fulfilling the prophecy in Isaiah 29:13. His "saying" that offended them, as recorded in Matthew 15:11, was: "Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man." This radical teaching challenged the very foundation of their external, ritualistic piety.

Key Themes

  • Clash Between Truth and Tradition: The Pharisees' offense underscores the ongoing tension between Jesus' divine truth and the rigid, man-made traditions of the religious establishment. They prioritized outward appearance and human rules over the spiritual condition of the heart.
  • Spiritual Blindness of Religious Leaders: Despite their supposed spiritual authority, the Pharisees were unable or unwilling to grasp the profound spiritual truth Jesus was teaching. Their offense reveals their spiritual blindness and resistance to the kingdom message.
  • Disciples' Growing Understanding: The disciples' question shows their awareness of the Pharisees' influential position and their concern over the backlash. While they were still learning, this moment highlights their initial struggle to fully comprehend the implications of Jesus' teachings and the spiritual battles He was facing.

Linguistic Insight

The word "offended" in the KJV comes from the Greek word skandalizō (σκανδαλίζω). This term is stronger than merely being annoyed; it means to cause to stumble, to ensnare, or to lead into sin. In this context, the Pharisees were not just displeased; they were profoundly shocked and angered by Jesus' direct challenge to their authority and their cherished traditions, leading them to harden their hearts further against Him.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a powerful reminder that following Christ and embracing His truth may sometimes lead to opposition, especially from those who cling to human traditions or external religiosity rather than genuine heart transformation. It teaches us the importance of:

  • Prioritizing the Heart: True purity and defilement originate from within (Proverbs 4:23). Our focus should be on our inner spiritual condition, not just outward actions or rituals.
  • Courage in Truth: Jesus did not shy away from speaking truth, even when it offended powerful people. Believers are called to uphold God's word, even if it's unpopular.
  • Discerning True Spirituality: We must guard against becoming like the Pharisees, valuing human traditions above divine commands or mistaking outward conformity for true godliness.

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

  • 1 Kings 22:13 (3 votes)

    And the messenger that was gone to call Micaiah spake unto him, saying, Behold now, the words of the prophets [declare] good unto the king with one mouth: let thy word, I pray thee, be like the word of one of them, and speak [that which is] good.

  • 1 Kings 22:14 (3 votes)

    And Micaiah said, [As] the LORD liveth, what the LORD saith unto me, that will I speak.

  • 1 Corinthians 10:32 (3 votes)

    Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God:

  • 1 Corinthians 10:33 (3 votes)

    Even as I please all [men] in all [things], not seeking mine own profit, but the [profit] of many, that they may be saved.

  • Matthew 17:27 (2 votes)

    Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee.

  • 2 Corinthians 6:3 (2 votes)

    Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed:

  • Galatians 2:5 (2 votes)

    To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.