1 Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying, 2 Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread. 3 But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition? 4 For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death. 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; 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. 7 Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, 8 This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. 9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
— Matthew 15:1-9 | Authorized King James Version (AKJV)
The Holy Bible: Authorized King James Version; Cambridge University Press, the Crown’s patentee in the UK. All rights reserved.
Cross References: Exodus 20:12; Exodus 21:17; Isaiah 29:13; Matthew 5:10; Mark 3:22; Mark 7:1-2; Mark 7:5; Mark 7:11; John 5:23; Colossians 2:22
Notes: Matthew 15:1-9 describes a conflict between Jesus and the Pharisees regarding religious traditions. The Pharisees criticize Jesus' disciples for not following their tradition of ceremonial handwashing before meals. Jesus counters by pointing out that the Pharisees are neglecting God's commandments in favor of their own traditions, particularly regarding the care of parents. He accuses them of hypocrisy, citing Isaiah's prophecy about people honoring God with their lips while their hearts are far from him.
