New Testament

Matthew 15:13

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In this verse, Jesus is emphasizing the importance of divine authority in spiritual matters.

Author
Matthew the apostle
Written
Around AD 60-70
Genre
Gospel
Original Audience
Jewish Christians
CBTClear Bible Translation

Jesus replied, "Every plant that my heavenly Father didn't plant will be pulled up by the roots.

KJVKing James Version

But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, Jesus is emphasizing the importance of divine authority in spiritual matters. He uses the metaphor of plants to illustrate that only what God has established will endure. Any teachings or practices that are not rooted in God's will are destined to fail and be removed. This statement serves as a warning against following false teachings or leaders who do not align with God's truth. Jesus is asserting that God is the ultimate gardener, and He will ensure that only His true followers and teachings remain. This reflects a broader theme in the Gospel of Matthew, where Jesus often confronts the religious leaders of His time, highlighting their hypocrisy and the need for genuine faith. The imagery of being 'pulled up by the roots' suggests a complete removal, indicating that anything not aligned with God's purpose is not just ineffective but will ultimately face judgment.

How to apply Matthew 15:13 to your life

This verse encourages us to evaluate our beliefs and practices against God's Word. We should seek to follow teachings that are rooted in Scripture and align with God's truth. It reminds us to be discerning about spiritual influences in our lives, ensuring they come from God.

Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Matthew 15:13 mean?

Matthew 15:13 means that only what God has established will last. Jesus uses the metaphor of plants to show that teachings not rooted in God's will are destined to fail and will be removed.

What is the significance of 'pulled up by the roots' in Matthew 15:13?

The phrase 'pulled up by the roots' signifies complete removal and judgment. It indicates that anything not aligned with God's purpose will not only be ineffective but will ultimately face consequences.

How does Matthew 15:13 relate to false teachings?

Matthew 15:13 warns that false teachings, like plants not planted by God, will not endure. It emphasizes the need to discern spiritual influences and ensure they are rooted in God's Word.

What themes are present in Matthew 15:13?

Key themes in Matthew 15:13 include divine authority, spiritual integrity, the danger of false teachings, and the judgment that comes from not aligning with God's will.

The Book of Matthew
Book Summary

The Book of Matthew

Matthew 1: The Generation and Birth of Jesus Christ

The book begins with the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. It records the generations from Abraham to David, from David until the carrying away into Babylon, and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ, each being fourteen generations. The genealogy concludes with Jacob begetting Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.

Premium

Unlock the full Matthew summary

Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.

The complete summary of Matthew — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 28 chapters.

What you get

Every chapter of Matthew summarized in clear, modern English

How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points

Permanent access — read anytime, on any device

Best Value

Best value • Save over 90%

or

One-time purchase • Access anytime

ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.

Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.