Matthew 15:1
Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying,
Original Language Analysis
Τότε
Then
G5119
Τότε
Then
Strong's:
G5119
Word #:
1 of 11
the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)
προσέρχονται
came
G4334
προσέρχονται
came
Strong's:
G4334
Word #:
2 of 11
to approach, i.e., (literally) come near, visit, or (figuratively) worship, assent to
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦ
to Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦ
to Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
4 of 11
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀπὸ
which were of
G575
ἀπὸ
which were of
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
6 of 11
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
Ἱεροσολύμων
Jerusalem
G2414
Ἱεροσολύμων
Jerusalem
Strong's:
G2414
Word #:
7 of 11
hierosolyma (i.e., jerushalaim), the capitol of palestine
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 11
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Acts 23:9And there arose a great cry: and the scribes that were of the Pharisees' part arose, and strove, saying, We find no evil in this man: but if a spirit or an angel hath spoken to him, let us not fight against God.Mark 3:22And the scribes which came down from Jerusalem said, He hath Beelzebub, and by the prince of the devils casteth he out devils.Matthew 5:20For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.Matthew 23:2Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat:Luke 5:21And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, Who is this which speaketh blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone?Luke 5:17And it came to pass on a certain day, as he was teaching, that there were Pharisees and doctors of the law sitting by, which were come out of every town of Galilee, and Judaea, and Jerusalem: and the power of the Lord was present to heal them.Luke 5:30But their scribes and Pharisees murmured against his disciples, saying, Why do ye eat and drink with publicans and sinners?
Historical Context
The scribes were experts in Mosaic Law and its interpretation, while Pharisees were a strict Jewish sect emphasizing oral tradition alongside Scripture. Their journey from Jerusalem (about 80 miles) demonstrated serious concern about Jesus' movement. This delegation likely represented the Sanhedrin's interests in evaluating Jesus' orthodoxy.
Questions for Reflection
- How does religious authority sometimes oppose genuine spiritual truth?
- What traditions in your religious practice might need examination against Scripture?
- How do you respond when church leaders question your faithfulness?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The arrival of scribes and Pharisees from Jerusalem signals official scrutiny of Jesus' ministry. These religious authorities represented the theological establishment, traveling from the center of Jewish power to investigate Jesus' growing influence. Their presence initiates a crucial confrontation between divine authority and human tradition. From a Reformed perspective, this encounter reveals the fundamental conflict between God's Word and man's religious systems, foreshadowing the rejection of Christ by institutional religion.