True Purity and Faith Revealed

Before You Study

Read This First

Matthew 15 follows Jesus' growing ministry in Galilee, where religious leaders increasingly oppose Him. The scribes and Pharisees confront Jesus about His disciples' failure to follow traditional hand-washing rituals, highlighting the tension between God's commands and human traditions. This chapter unfolds in a Jewish context where oral traditions often overshadowed God's written law, making Jesus' correction both bold and necessary. Understanding this background helps us grasp the significance of Jesus' teaching on inner purity and His expanding mission to include Gentiles.

What You'll Learn

• How Jesus exposes the danger of elevating human traditions above God's commandments.
• The biblical meaning of true defilement as originating from the heart, not external rituals.
• Why Jesus' interaction with the Canaanite woman reveals God's expanding mercy beyond Israel.
• The compassionate nature of Jesus demonstrated in healing and providing for the multitudes.
• The contrast between blind religious leaders and the spiritual insight Jesus offers.
• The significance of Jesus' miracles as signs of God's kingdom breaking into the world.

True purity comes from the heart, faith transcends tradition, and God's mercy extends to all who believe.

Bible Translation Note: All Scripture on this page is quoted from the King James Version (KJV) and presented in full without alteration.

Matthew 15:1 Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying,

Matthew 15:2 Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread.

Matthew 15:3 But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?

Matthew 15:4 For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death.

Matthew 15:5 But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me;

Matthew 15:6 And honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.

Matthew 15:7 Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying,

Matthew 15:8 This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.

Matthew 15:9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

Matthew 15:10 And he called the multitude, and said unto them, Hear, and understand:

Matthew 15:11 Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.

Matthew 15:12 Then came his disciples, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying?

Matthew 15:13 But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up.

Matthew 15:14 Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.

Matthew 15:15 Then answered Peter and said unto him, Declare unto us this parable.

Matthew 15:16 And Jesus said, Are ye also yet without understanding?

Matthew 15:17 Do not ye yet understand, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth goeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught?

Matthew 15:18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.

Matthew 15:19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:

Matthew 15:20 These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man.

Matthew 15:21 Then Jesus went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon.

Matthew 15:22 And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil.

Matthew 15:23 But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us.

Matthew 15:24 But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

Matthew 15:25 Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me.

Matthew 15:26 But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children’s bread, and to cast it to dogs.

Matthew 15:27 And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.

Matthew 15:28 Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.

Matthew 15:29 And Jesus departed from thence, and came nigh unto the sea of Galilee; and went up into a mountain, and sat down there.

Matthew 15:30 And great multitudes came unto him, having with them those that were lame, blind, dumb, maimed, and many others, and cast them down at Jesus’ feet; and he healed them:

Matthew 15:31 Insomuch that the multitude wondered, when they saw the dumb to speak, the maimed to be whole, the lame to walk, and the blind to see: and they glorified the God of Israel.

Matthew 15:32 Then Jesus called his disciples unto him, and said, I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days, and have nothing to eat: and I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way.

Matthew 15:33 And his disciples say unto him, Whence should we have so much bread in the wilderness, as to fill so great a multitude?

Matthew 15:34 And Jesus saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? And they said, Seven, and a few little fishes.

Matthew 15:35 And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground.

Matthew 15:36 And he took the seven loaves and the fishes, and gave thanks, and brake them, and gave to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.

Matthew 15:37 And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets full.

Matthew 15:38 And they that did eat were four thousand men, beside women and children.

Matthew 15:39 And he sent away the multitude, and took ship, and came into the coasts of Magdala,

Matthew 15:1

Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying,

Study: The scribes and Pharisees from Jerusalem approach Jesus to challenge His disciples, representing the religious establishment's concern over maintaining traditional purity laws. Their presence highlights the growing conflict between Jesus' teaching and established Jewish customs, setting the stage for a deeper discussion on true holiness.

Matthew 15:2

Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread.

Study: The question about hand-washing reveals the Pharisees' focus on ritual cleanliness as a sign of holiness. This tradition, though not commanded by God, was deeply ingrained in Jewish culture to maintain ceremonial purity, showing how human traditions can sometimes overshadow God's original intentions.

Matthew 15:3

But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?

Study: Jesus confronts the Pharisees by accusing them of breaking God's commandments through their traditions, emphasizing that human rules should never contradict divine law. This response exposes the hypocrisy of prioritizing man-made customs over God's clear commands.

Matthew 15:4

For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death.

Study: Jesus cites the commandment to honor father and mother, a foundational law given by God to preserve family and social order. By referencing this, He reminds the Pharisees that God's commands carry serious consequences and should not be nullified by human traditions.

Matthew 15:5

But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me;

Study: The Pharisees' tradition allowed people to declare possessions as gifts dedicated to God, thereby avoiding their responsibility to support their parents. This loophole illustrates how traditions can be manipulated to evade God's moral requirements.

Matthew 15:6

And honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.

Study: Jesus points out that by accepting this tradition, the Pharisees effectively cancel God's commandment, showing how human customs can undermine divine authority. This verse reveals the danger of traditions that contradict God's law and the importance of discerning true obedience.

Matthew 15:7

Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying,

Study: Jesus calls the Pharisees hypocrites and quotes Isaiah to expose their insincerity, highlighting their outward show of piety while their hearts remain distant from God. This rebuke underscores the disconnect between external worship and genuine devotion.

Matthew 15:8

This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.

Study: The Isaiah quote emphasizes that mere lip service to God without heartfelt obedience is meaningless. This verse challenges readers to examine their own worship, ensuring it flows from sincere love rather than empty words.

Matthew 15:9

But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

Study: Jesus condemns vain worship that teaches human commandments as divine doctrine, warning against replacing God's truth with man-made rules. This highlights the importance of aligning teachings strictly with Scripture.

Matthew 15:10

And he called the multitude, and said unto them, Hear, and understand:

Study: Jesus addresses the crowd directly, signaling a shift from debating religious leaders to instructing the people. This invitation to hear and understand calls for attentive listening to His deeper spiritual truths.

Matthew 15:11

Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.

Study: Jesus redefines defilement, teaching that what enters the mouth (food) does not defile a person, but what comes out of the mouth (words and actions) reveals the heart's true condition. This overturns traditional purity laws and focuses on moral and spiritual integrity.

Matthew 15:12

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

Study: The disciples express concern that the Pharisees were offended by Jesus' teaching, showing the tension His words caused among religious authorities. This reaction highlights the challenge of confronting entrenched traditions with gospel truth.

Matthew 15:13

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

Study: Jesus uses agricultural imagery to declare that any teaching not planted by God will be uprooted, affirming God's sovereignty over true doctrine. This warns against false teachings and assures God's ultimate judgment on error.

Matthew 15:14

Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.

Study: Calling the Pharisees 'blind leaders of the blind' illustrates their spiritual blindness and the danger they pose to others. This metaphor warns that following misguided leaders leads to ruin, emphasizing the need for spiritual discernment.

Matthew 15:15

Then answered Peter and said unto him, Declare unto us this parable.

Study: Peter asks Jesus to explain the parable, showing the disciples' desire for deeper understanding. This moment invites readers to seek clarity and growth in their own faith journey.

Matthew 15:16

And Jesus said, Are ye also yet without understanding?

Study: Jesus gently rebukes the disciples for their lack of understanding, encouraging them to think beyond surface appearances and grasp spiritual realities. This challenges believers to cultivate spiritual insight.

Matthew 15:17

Do not ye yet understand, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth goeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught?

Study: Jesus explains that food entering the mouth passes through the body and is expelled, emphasizing the physical nature of eating and its lack of spiritual defilement. This practical explanation contrasts with the spiritual defilement caused by the heart.

Matthew 15:18

But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.

Study: Jesus teaches that what proceeds from the mouth originates in the heart and defiles a person, highlighting the heart as the source of moral purity or impurity. This shifts focus from external rituals to inner transformation.

Matthew 15:19

For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:

Study: Listing evil thoughts and actions that come from the heart, Jesus identifies the true sources of defilement, connecting internal sinfulness with outward behavior. This comprehensive list helps readers recognize the seriousness of heart sin.

Matthew 15:20

These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man.

Study: Jesus concludes that eating with unwashed hands does not defile a person, directly challenging Pharisaic ritual laws and emphasizing God's concern with moral purity over ceremonial cleanliness. This verse encourages believers to prioritize heart holiness.

Matthew 15:21

Then Jesus went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon.

Study: Jesus departs to the regions of Tyre and Sidon, Gentile territories, signaling a geographical and thematic shift toward God's mercy extending beyond Israel. This movement sets the stage for demonstrating faith outside the Jewish community.

Matthew 15:22

And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil.

Study: A Canaanite woman approaches Jesus, pleading for her demon-possessed daughter, illustrating faith from a Gentile perspective. Her presence highlights the widening scope of Jesus' ministry and God's inclusive plan.

Matthew 15:23

But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us.

Study: Jesus initially does not respond, and His disciples urge Him to send her away, reflecting cultural tensions and the disciples' limited understanding of God's mercy. This silence invites reflection on faith and persistence.

Matthew 15:24

But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

Study: Jesus states His mission is to the lost sheep of Israel, emphasizing the priority of God's covenant people while preparing for the gospel's eventual reach to the Gentiles. This reveals the unfolding plan of redemption.

Matthew 15:25

Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me.

Study: The woman worships Jesus and pleads again, demonstrating humility and persistent faith despite initial rejection. Her example encourages believers to approach God with reverence and perseverance.

Matthew 15:26

But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children’s bread, and to cast it to dogs.

Study: Jesus uses the metaphor of children's bread and dogs to test her faith, reflecting common Jewish-Gentile attitudes but also setting the stage for a lesson in humility and faith. This interaction reveals cultural barriers being overcome by faith.

Matthew 15:27

And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.

Study: The woman accepts the metaphor but cleverly asserts that even the crumbs benefit the dogs, showing her great faith and understanding of God's grace. This response highlights faith's power to transcend cultural boundaries.

Matthew 15:28

Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.

Study: Jesus praises her faith and grants her request, healing her daughter immediately, demonstrating that faith, not ethnicity, grants access to God's mercy. This moment foreshadows the gospel's reach to all nations.

Matthew 15:29

And Jesus departed from thence, and came nigh unto the sea of Galilee; and went up into a mountain, and sat down there.

Study: Jesus returns to Galilee and retreats to a mountain by the Sea of Galilee, a place of teaching and healing, preparing for the next phase of His ministry. This setting underscores the importance of solitude and preparation in ministry.

Matthew 15:30

And great multitudes came unto him, having with them those that were lame, blind, dumb, maimed, and many others, and cast them down at Jesus’ feet; and he healed them:

Study: Great multitudes bring the sick to Jesus for healing, showing His compassion and power to restore physical and spiritual wholeness. This scene illustrates God's kingdom breaking into a broken world.

Matthew 15:31

Insomuch that the multitude wondered, when they saw the dumb to speak, the maimed to be whole, the lame to walk, and the blind to see: and they glorified the God of Israel.

Study: The crowd marvels at the miracles and glorifies God, recognizing divine authority in Jesus' works. This response points to the proper reaction to God's intervention—worship and praise.

Matthew 15:32

Then Jesus called his disciples unto him, and said, I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days, and have nothing to eat: and I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way.

Study: Jesus expresses compassion for the crowd's physical needs after three days without food, showing His care for whole-person ministry. This concern models God's provision and empathy for human weakness.

Matthew 15:33

And his disciples say unto him, Whence should we have so much bread in the wilderness, as to fill so great a multitude?

Study: The disciples question how to feed such a large crowd, revealing their limited resources and understanding. This moment invites trust in God's provision despite apparent scarcity.

Matthew 15:34

And Jesus saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? And they said, Seven, and a few little fishes.

Study: Jesus asks about the available food, highlighting the importance of recognizing and offering what we have to God. This encourages believers to bring their limited resources to God's service.

Matthew 15:35

And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground.

Study: Jesus commands the crowd to sit down, organizing them for the miracle to come, demonstrating order and preparation in God's work. This detail shows the practical aspects of Jesus' ministry.

Matthew 15:36

And he took the seven loaves and the fishes, and gave thanks, and brake them, and gave to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.

Study: Jesus gives thanks, breaks the loaves and fishes, and distributes them through His disciples, illustrating the power of gratitude and the role of community in God's provision. This act prefigures the Lord's Supper and God's abundant blessing.

Matthew 15:37

And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets full.

Study: Everyone eats and is satisfied, and leftovers fill seven baskets, symbolizing God's overflowing provision and blessing. This miracle confirms Jesus' divine authority and care.

Matthew 15:38

And they that did eat were four thousand men, beside women and children.

Study: The number of men fed, excluding women and children, emphasizes the vastness of the crowd and the magnitude of the miracle. This detail underscores God's ability to meet great needs.

Matthew 15:39

And he sent away the multitude, and took ship, and came into the coasts of Magdala,

Study: After dismissing the crowd, Jesus departs by boat to Magdala, indicating a transition to new ministry locations. This movement reflects the ongoing nature of Jesus' mission.

Matthew 15 reveals Jesus confronting religious legalism by teaching that true purity comes from the heart, not external rituals. He exposes the hypocrisy of traditions that nullify God's commands and highlights the importance of genuine faith. The chapter also shows Jesus extending mercy beyond Israel through the faith of a Canaanite woman and demonstrates His compassion by healing and feeding multitudes. These events emphasize God's kingdom values of inner holiness, faith, and inclusive grace.

Lord, help us to seek purity of heart rather than mere outward conformity. Teach us to value Your commands above human traditions and to trust in Your mercy that reaches all who believe. Give us faith like the Canaanite woman and compassion to serve others as Jesus did. May our words and actions reflect Your holiness and love. Amen.

• Pray daily for a pure heart and sincere faith.
• Memorize Matthew 15:11 to remind yourself of true defilement.
• Reflect on any traditions you follow and compare them with Scripture.
• Reach out to someone outside your usual circle to share God's love.
• Journal about how your words reflect your heart's condition.
• Practice gratitude by thanking God before meals this week.
• Serve someone in need, demonstrating Christ's compassion.

Matthew 15 challenges believers to prioritize heart purity over ritual observance, exposes the emptiness of human traditions that contradict God's law, and reveals Jesus' expanding mission to all who have faith. Through teaching, healing, and miracles, Jesus demonstrates God's compassionate kingdom that values inner holiness and inclusive grace.

Check this box when you finish this chapter study.

You have completed 0 of 28 chapters in Matthew.

View your full progress on the Matthew Hub.

Still Studying?

Have a Question About This Chapter?

Ask a Bible question and receive a Scripture-guided study response designed to help point you back to God's Word.