New Testament
Matthew 15:1
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Then scribes and Pharisees from Jerusalem came to Jesus and said,
Compare translations
Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying,
What Matthew 15:1 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see a group of religious leaders, specifically the scribes and Pharisees, coming from Jerusalem to confront Jesus. Their arrival signifies a challenge to His authority and teachings. The scribes were experts in the Jewish law, while the Pharisees were a prominent religious group known for their strict adherence to the law and traditions. By coming to Jesus, they are likely seeking to question Him about His practices and beliefs, particularly regarding the law of Moses. This encounter sets the stage for a deeper discussion about the nature of true righteousness and the importance of inner purity over mere external observance of the law. The tension between Jesus and these leaders highlights the conflict between traditional religious practices and the new teachings that Jesus was bringing, which emphasized love, mercy, and the spirit of the law rather than just the letter of it.
How to apply Matthew 15:1 to your life
This verse reminds us to examine our own motivations and beliefs. Are we holding onto traditions that may not align with the core teachings of love and compassion? It's essential to prioritize our relationship with God over mere rule-following, ensuring our faith is genuine and heartfelt.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Peter's story: Andrew Brings Simon to Jesus (John 1:40–42)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Peter
Photo: zeevveez, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.0. Source. Location: Capernaum, on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Capernaum
Jesus' home base by the Sea of Galilee, and the town where Peter lived.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Matthew 15:1
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Matthew 15:1
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 15:1 mean?
Matthew 15:1 describes a confrontation between Jesus and religious leaders, specifically the scribes and Pharisees from Jerusalem. Their visit indicates a challenge to Jesus' authority and teachings, particularly regarding Jewish law.
Who are the scribes and Pharisees in Matthew 15:1?
In Matthew 15:1, the scribes are experts in Jewish law, while the Pharisees are a religious group known for their strict adherence to traditions. Together, they represent the established religious authority questioning Jesus.
What does this verse reveal about Jesus' relationship with religious leaders?
This verse highlights the tension between Jesus and the religious leaders of His time. It sets the stage for a conflict over interpretations of the law and the nature of true righteousness.
How does Matthew 15:1 relate to the themes of tradition and innovation?
Matthew 15:1 illustrates the clash between traditional religious practices upheld by the Pharisees and the innovative teachings of Jesus, which emphasize love and inner purity over strict rule-following.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.