New Testament
Matthew 15:3
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But he answered them, "Why do you also break the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition?"
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But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?
What Matthew 15:3 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus confronts the religious leaders about their practices that contradict God's commandments. He points out that their traditions are causing them to ignore or even break God's laws. This highlights a common issue where human-made rules can overshadow divine instructions. Jesus emphasizes that following God’s commandments should take precedence over traditions that may seem important but ultimately lead people away from true obedience. The question he poses challenges the leaders to reflect on their priorities and the authenticity of their faith. It serves as a reminder that traditions should not replace or undermine the core teachings of God. Instead, they should enhance our understanding and practice of faith, ensuring that we remain aligned with God's will.
How to apply Matthew 15:3 to your life
This verse encourages us to examine our own traditions and practices. We should ask ourselves if they align with God's commandments or if they distract us from true obedience. It's important to prioritize our relationship with God over human traditions, ensuring that our faith remains genuine and focused on His teachings.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
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Key themes
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 15:3 mean?
Matthew 15:3 shows Jesus challenging religious leaders about their traditions that conflict with God's commandments. He points out that their practices are leading them to break God's laws, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing divine instructions over human traditions.
What is the significance of tradition in Matthew 15:3?
In Matthew 15:3, tradition is portrayed as potentially harmful when it causes people to ignore or break God's commandments. Jesus highlights the need to evaluate whether our traditions support or undermine our obedience to God's teachings.
What does Jesus mean by 'transgress the commandment of God' in Matthew 15:3?
When Jesus refers to 'transgressing the commandment of God' in Matthew 15:3, he is pointing out that the religious leaders are violating God's laws by adhering to their own traditions. This emphasizes the danger of allowing human-made rules to take precedence over divine commands.
How does Matthew 15:3 relate to religious hypocrisy?
Matthew 15:3 illustrates religious hypocrisy by showing how the leaders prioritize their traditions over God's commandments. Jesus calls attention to their inconsistency, highlighting that true faith should align with obedience to God rather than mere adherence to human customs.
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