Matthew 15:3
But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀποκριθεὶς
he answered
G611
ἀποκριθεὶς
he answered
Strong's:
G611
Word #:
3 of 17
to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)
αὐτοῖς
unto them
G846
αὐτοῖς
unto them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
5 of 17
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐντολὴν
the commandment
G1785
ἐντολὴν
the commandment
Strong's:
G1785
Word #:
11 of 17
injunction, i.e., an authoritative prescription
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ
of God
G2316
θεοῦ
of God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
13 of 17
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
Διὰ
by
G1223
Διὰ
by
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
14 of 17
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Colossians 2:23Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.Colossians 2:8Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.Mark 7:13Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.Titus 1:14Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth.
Historical Context
Jesus challenges the Pharisaic oral law (later codified as the Mishnah around AD 200). While claiming to 'build a fence around the Torah,' these traditions often contradicted Scripture's intent. Jesus' response shows His authority as divine interpreter, not merely another rabbi offering opinions.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you ensure Scripture remains your final authority?
- What church traditions might actually contradict biblical teaching?
- How does Jesus' example guide your response to religious criticism?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus' counter-question employs rabbinic debate technique, answering a question with a question. More significantly, He reverses the accusation: they transgress God's commandment through their tradition. The Reformed principle of 'sola Scriptura' finds strong support here—Scripture alone judges tradition, not tradition Scripture. Jesus establishes the supremacy of divine revelation over human interpretation, a cornerstone of biblical Christianity. This verse powerfully refutes any claim that church tradition equals biblical authority.