New Testament
Matthew 15:5
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
But you teach that someone can say to their father or mother, 'Whatever money I might have used to help you has been dedicated to God' —
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But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me;
What Matthew 15:5 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus criticizes the religious leaders for allowing people to neglect their responsibilities to their parents by claiming that their money is dedicated to God. This practice, known as Corban, was a loophole that allowed individuals to avoid helping their aging parents financially. By declaring their funds as a gift to God, they felt justified in not providing for their family, which contradicted the commandment to honor one's father and mother. Jesus highlights the hypocrisy of this teaching, showing that it undermines the very essence of God's law, which emphasizes love and care for family. The verse serves as a reminder that religious practices should not be used to excuse neglecting moral obligations, particularly towards family members who are in need.
How to apply Matthew 15:5 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our priorities and responsibilities. We should ensure that our religious commitments do not lead us to neglect our duties to our family. Supporting and caring for our parents is a vital part of honoring them, and we must find a balance between our faith and our familial obligations.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
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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 15:5 mean?
Matthew 15:5 highlights Jesus' criticism of religious leaders who allowed people to avoid supporting their parents by declaring their money as dedicated to God. This practice, known as Corban, was seen as a way to sidestep the commandment to honor one's father and mother.
What is the meaning of Corban in Matthew 15:5?
Corban refers to a practice where individuals could declare their money or possessions as a gift to God, thus exempting them from using those resources to help their parents. Jesus pointed out that this loophole contradicted the moral obligation to care for family.
How does Matthew 15:5 relate to family responsibility?
Matthew 15:5 underscores the importance of family responsibility by showing that religious obligations should not replace the duty to care for one's parents. It serves as a reminder that honoring family is a key aspect of living out one's faith.
What lesson can we learn from Matthew 15:5?
The lesson from Matthew 15:5 is to prioritize our moral obligations, especially towards family, over religious practices that may lead to neglect. It encourages a balance between faith commitments and caring for loved ones.
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