Matthew 15:8
These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me.
These people
This phrase refers to the religious leaders and, by extension, the people of Israel who were following their example. In the historical context, Jesus was addressing the Pharisees and scribes who were known for their strict adherence to the law and traditions. The Greek word for "people" here is "λαός" (laos), which often denotes a group bound by common identity or purpose. This highlights the collective nature of the critique, emphasizing that the issue was widespread among the community.

honor Me
The word "honor" in Greek is "τιμάω" (timao), which means to value or revere. In the biblical context, honoring God involves more than just outward expressions; it requires genuine reverence and obedience. The historical backdrop of this passage is rooted in the Jewish tradition of honoring God through rituals and sacrifices. However, Jesus points out that true honor is not merely external but must come from a sincere heart.

with their lips
This phrase underscores the superficial nature of the people's worship. The Greek word "χείλος" (cheilos) refers to the lips, symbolizing speech or verbal expression. In the scriptural context, this highlights the disconnect between what is spoken and what is genuinely felt or believed. The people were saying the right things, but their words were empty because they did not reflect their true spiritual state.

but their hearts
The heart, or "καρδία" (kardia) in Greek, is often used in Scripture to represent the center of one's being, including emotions, thoughts, and will. In a conservative Christian perspective, the heart is the seat of true faith and devotion. This phrase indicates a stark contrast between outward expressions and inner reality, emphasizing that God desires heartfelt worship and commitment.

are far from Me
The Greek word for "far" is "ἀπέχω" (apecho), which means to be distant or separated. This phrase conveys a spiritual distance, not a physical one. Historically, the Israelites were God's chosen people, yet their actions and attitudes had created a chasm between them and God. This serves as a warning that proximity to religious practices does not equate to closeness with God. True relationship with God requires alignment of heart and action.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus Christ
The speaker of this verse, addressing the Pharisees and scribes who were questioning Him about the traditions of the elders.

2. Pharisees and Scribes
Religious leaders of the time who were known for their strict adherence to Jewish law and traditions.

3. Isaiah
The prophet whose words Jesus quotes in this verse, originally found in Isaiah 29:13.

4. Disciples
Followers of Jesus who were present during this teaching and often received further explanation of His teachings.

5. Jerusalem
The central place of Jewish worship and the location where many of these religious debates took place.
Teaching Points
Authentic Worship
True worship is not just about external expressions but involves a sincere heart devoted to God.

Heart Condition
God values the condition of our hearts over our outward religious practices.

Hypocrisy Warning
We must guard against hypocrisy, ensuring our actions align with our professed beliefs.

Self-Examination
Regularly examine your heart and motives to ensure they align with God's will.

Tradition vs. Commandment
Evaluate whether traditions in your life align with God's commandments or distract from them.
Bible Study Questions
1. How can we ensure that our worship is genuine and not just lip service?

2. In what ways might we be guilty of honoring God with our lips while our hearts are far from Him?

3. How does understanding the original context of Isaiah 29:13 enhance our interpretation of Matthew 15:8?

4. What practical steps can we take to align our hearts with our words in our daily walk with Christ?

5. How can we discern when traditions are helpful or when they become a hindrance to true worship?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Isaiah 29:13
Jesus directly quotes this Old Testament scripture, highlighting the continuity of God's message about genuine worship.

Matthew 23:27-28
Jesus criticizes the Pharisees for their hypocrisy, similar to the message in Matthew 15:8.

1 Samuel 16:7
God looks at the heart rather than outward appearances, emphasizing the importance of inner sincerity.

James 1:22
Encourages believers to be doers of the word, not just hearers, aligning with the call for genuine faith.

Romans 10:9-10
Stresses the importance of belief in the heart, not just verbal confession.
Sincerity the Keynote of PietyR. Tuck Matthew 15:8
Casuistry ReprovedJ.A. Macdonald Matthew 15:1-20
On Hand WashingMarcus Dods Matthew 15:1-20
Contrasts of Sentiments and ConductZollikofer.Matthew 15:7-9
Formalism in WorshipJ. G. Pilkington.Matthew 15:7-9
God Only to be Worshipped and LovedDr. Guyse.Matthew 15:7-9
Heart-WorshipCharnock.Matthew 15:7-9
How May We Cure Distractions in Holy DutiesT. Manton, M. D.Matthew 15:7-9
Lip ProfessionPulpit Studies., J. Rawlinson.Matthew 15:7-9
Mere Outward Worship Offensive to GodT. Manton.Matthew 15:7-9
Scriptural WorshipA. Burgess.Matthew 15:7-9
Sincerity in WorshipCharnock.Matthew 15:7-9
Teaching Doctrines the Commandments of MenJ. Rogers, D. D.Matthew 15:7-9
The Heart Far from GodW. D. Harwood.Matthew 15:7-9
The Vanity of Human Institution in ReligionWm. West.Matthew 15:7-9
True SanctityZollikofer.Matthew 15:7-9
People
Canaanitish, David, Isaiah, Jesus, Peter
Places
Genneseret, Jerusalem, Magadan, Sea of Galilee, Sidon, Tyre
Topics
Draw, Draweth, Heart, Hearts, Honor, Honoreth, Honors, Honour, Honoureth, Lips, Mouth, Nigh
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Matthew 15:8

     5164   lips
     6156   fall, of humanity

Matthew 15:1-8

     7464   teachers of the law

Matthew 15:1-9

     5731   parents
     7540   Judaism
     8444   honouring God

Matthew 15:1-11

     7426   ritual washing

Matthew 15:1-12

     6206   offence

Matthew 15:1-14

     5345   influence

Matthew 15:1-19

     8720   double-mindedness

Matthew 15:1-20

     7342   cleanliness

Matthew 15:2-9

     5379   law, Christ's attitude

Matthew 15:3-9

     5896   irreverence
     8774   legalism

Matthew 15:4-8

     2333   Christ, attitude to OT

Matthew 15:6-9

     2363   Christ, preaching and teaching

Matthew 15:7-8

     5920   pretence

Matthew 15:7-9

     2009   Christ, anger of
     8271   holiness, purpose

Matthew 15:8-9

     5864   futility
     8237   doctrine, false
     8752   false worship

Library
Mother's Love
Eversley, Second Sunday in Lent, 1872. St Matthew xv. 22-28. "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. But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us. But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Then came she and worshipped him, saying,
Charles Kingsley—All Saints' Day and Other Sermons

Crumbs and the Bread
'Then Jesus went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon. 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. 23. But He answered her not a word. And His disciples came and besought Him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us. 24. But He answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 25. Then came she and worshipped
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xv. 21,"Jesus Went Out Thence, and Withdrew into the Parts of Tyre and Sidon. And Behold, a Canaanitish Woman,"
1. This woman of Canaan, who has just now been brought before us in the lesson of the Gospel, shows us an example of humility, and the way of godliness; shows us how to rise from humility unto exaltation. Now she was, as it appears, not of the people of Israel, of whom came the Patriarchs, and Prophets, and the parents of the Lord Jesus Christ according to the flesh; of whom the Virgin Mary herself was, who was the Mother of Christ. This woman then was not of this people; but of the Gentiles. For,
Saint Augustine—sermons on selected lessons of the new testament

The Perseverance of Faith
"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 15:28. I HAVE frequently spoken to you concerning the faith of this Canaanitish woman, of the way in which Christ tried it, and of the manner in which, at length, he honoured it, and granted all that the suppliant sought. The story is so full of meaning, that one might turn it this way, and that way, and the other way, and always see
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 38: 1892

Genesis xxvii. 38
And Esau said unto his father, Hast thou but one blessing, my father? Bless me, even me also, O my father. MATTHEW xv. 27. And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their master's table. Of these two passages, the first, as we must all remember, is taken from the first lesson of this morning's service; the second is from the morning's gospel. Both speak the same language, and point out, I think, that particular view of the story of Jacob obtaining the blessing
Thomas Arnold—The Christian Life

Sermon for the Second Sunday in Lent
(From the Gospel for the day) Tells us how God drives forward some of His children by the struggle between the inward and outward man. Matt. xv. 21-28.--"Jesus went thence and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon. 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. But He answered her not a word. And His disciples came and besought Him, saying, Send her away, for she
Susannah Winkworth—The History and Life of the Reverend Doctor John Tauler

How to Make Use of Christ for Cleansing of us from Our Daily Spots.
Having spoken of the way of making use of Christ for removing the guilt of our daily transgressions, we come to speak of the way of making use of Christ, for taking away the guilt that cleaveth to the soul, through daily transgressions; "for every sin defileth the man," Matt. xv. 20; and the best are said to have their spots, and to need washing, which presupposeth filthiness and defilement, Eph. v. 27. John xiii. 8-10. Hence we are so oft called to this duty of washing and making us clean. Isa.
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life

Second Withdrawal from Herod's Territory.
^A Matt. XV. 21; ^B Mark VII. 24. ^b 24 And from thence ^a Jesus ^b arose, and went ^a out ^b away ^a and withdrew into the parts { ^b borders} of Tyre and Sidon. [The journey here is indicated in marked terms because it differs from any previously recorded, for it was the first time that Jesus ever entered a foreign or heathen country. Some commentators contend from the use of the word "borders" by Mark that Jesus did not cross over the boundary, but the point is not well taken, for Mark vii. 31
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Another Avoiding of Herod's Territory.
^A Matt. XV. 29; ^B Mark VII. 31. ^b 31 And ^a Jesus ^b again went out. ^a And departed thence, ^b from the borders of Tyre, and came through Sidon, ^a and came nigh unto the sea of Galilee; ^b through the midst of the borders of Decapolis. ^a and he went up into a mountain, and sat down there. [From Tyre Jesus proceeded northward to Sidon and thence eastward across the mountains and the headwaters of the Jordan to the neighborhood of Damascus. Here he turned southward and approached the Sea of Galilee
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Jesus Fails to Attend the Third Passover.
Scribes Reproach Him for Disregarding Tradition. (Galilee, Probably Capernaum, Spring a.d. 29.) ^A Matt. XV. 1-20; ^B Mark VII. 1-23; ^D John VII. 1. ^d 1 And after these things Jesus walked in Galilee: for he would not walk in Judæa, because the Jews sought to kill him. [John told us in his last chapter that the passover was near at hand. He here makes a general statement which shows that Jesus did not attend this passover. The reason for his absence is given at John v. 18.] ^a 1 Then there
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Healing a Phoenician Woman's Daughter.
(Region of Tyre and Sidon.) ^A Matt. XV. 22-28; ^B Mark VII. 24-30. ^b And he entered into a house, and would have no man know it [Jesus sought concealment for the purposes noted in the last section. He also, no doubt, desired an opportunity to impact private instruction to the twelve]; and he could not be hid. [The fame of Jesus had spread far and wide, and he and his disciples were too well known to escape the notice of any who had seen them or heard them described.] 25 But { ^a 22 And} behold,
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Deaf Stammerer Healed and Four Thousand Fed.
^A Matt. XV. 30-39; ^B Mark VII. 32-VIII. 9. ^b 32 And they bring unto him one that was deaf, and had an impediment in his speech [The man had evidently learned to speak before he lost his hearing. Some think that defective hearing had caused the impediment in his speech, but verse 35 suggests that he was tongue-tied]; and they beseech him to put his hand upon him. 33 And he took him aside from the multitude privately, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spat, and touched his tongue [He separated
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Third Withdrawal from Herod's Territory.
Subdivision A. Pharisaic Leaven. A Blind Man Healed. (Magadan and Bethsaida. Probably Summer, a.d. 29.) ^A Matt. XV. 39-XVI. 12; ^B Mark VIII. 10-26. ^b 10 And straightway he entered into the boat with his disciples, ^a and came into the borders of Magadan. ^b into the parts of Dalmanutha. [It appears from the context that he crossed the lake to the west shore. Commentators, therefore, pretty generally think that Magadan is another form of the name Magdala, and that Dalmanutha was either another
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Cavils of the Pharisees Concerning Purification, and the Teaching of the Lord Concerning Purity - the Traditions Concerning Hand-Washing' and Vows. '
As we follow the narrative, confirmatory evidence of what had preceded springs up at almost every step. It is quite in accordance with the abrupt departure of Jesus from Capernaum, and its motives, that when, so far from finding rest and privacy at Bethsaida (east of the Jordan), a greater multitude than ever had there gathered around Him, which would fain have proclaimed Him King, He resolved on immediate return to the western shore, with the view of seeking a quieter retreat, even though it were
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Jesus and the Syro-Phoenician Woman
THE purpose of Christ to withdraw His disciples from the excitement of Galilee, and from what might follow the execution of the Baptist, had been interrupted by the events at Bethsaida-Julias, but it was not changed. On the contrary, it must have been intensified. That wild, popular outburst, which had almost forced upon Him a Jewish Messiah-Kingship; the discussion with the Jerusalem Scribes about the washing of hands on the following day; the Discourses of the Sabbath, and the spreading disaffection,
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

A Group of Miracles among a Semi-Heathen Population
If even the brief stay of Jesus in that friendly Jewish home by the borders of Tyre could not remain unknown, the fame of the healing of the Syro-Phoenician maiden would soon have rendered impossible that privacy and retirement, which had been the chief object of His leaving Capernaum. Accordingly, when the two Paschal days were ended, He resumed His journey, extending it far beyond any previously undertaken, perhaps beyond what had been originally intended. The borders of Palestine proper, though
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

The Feeding of the Four Thousand - to Dalmanutha - the Sign from Heaven' - Journey to Cæsarea Philippi - what is the Leaven of The
THEY might well gather to Jesus in their thousands, with their wants of body and soul, these sheep wandering without a shepherd; for His Ministry in that district, as formerly in Galilee, was about to draw to a close. And here it is remarkable, that each time His prolonged stay and Ministry in a district were brought to a close with some supper, so to speak, some festive entertainment on his part. The Galilean Ministry had closed with the feeding of the five thousand, the guests being mostly from
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Intercourse of Jesus with the Pagans and the Samaritans.
Following out these principles, Jesus despised all religion which was not of the heart. The vain practices of the devotees,[1] the exterior strictness, which trusted to formality for salvation, had in him a mortal enemy. He cared little for fasting.[2] He preferred forgiveness to sacrifice.[3] The love of God, charity and mutual forgiveness, were his whole law.[4] Nothing could be less priestly. The priest, by his office, ever advocates public sacrifice, of which he is the appointed minister; he
Ernest Renan—The Life of Jesus

To the High and Mighty Prince Charles, Prince of Wales.
Tolle malos, extolle pios, cognosce teipsum: Sacra tene, paci consule, disce pati. Christ Jesus, the Prince of princes, bless your Highness with length of days, and an increase of all graces, which may make you truly prosperous in this life, and eternally happy in that which is to come. Jonathan shot three arrows to drive David further off from Saul's fury; and this is the third epistle which I have written, to draw your Highness nearer to God's favour, by directing your heart to begin, like Josiah,
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

Introductory Note.
[a.d. 145-220.] When our Lord repulsed the woman of Canaan (Matt. xv. 22) with apparent harshness, he applied to her people the epithet dogs, with which the children of Israel had thought it piety to reproach them. When He accepted her faith and caused it to be recorded for our learning, He did something more: He reversed the curse of the Canaanite and showed that the Church was designed "for all people;" Catholic alike for all time and for all sorts and conditions of men. Thus the North-African
Tertullian—Apology

Manifestly Also in the Gospel we Find the Mouth of the Heart...
32. Manifestly also in the Gospel we find the mouth of the heart: so that in one place the Lord is found to have mentioned the mouth both of the body and of the heart, where he saith, "Are ye also yet without understanding? Do ye not yet understand, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth, goeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught? but those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart, and they defile the man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders,
St. Augustine—On Lying

Prayers on Pilgrimage. --"Lord Help Me. " --Matt. xv. 25
Prayers on Pilgrimage.--"Lord help me."--Matt. xv. 25. II. Blessed be Thy name, Jesus Christ!--the same Yesterday, to-day, for ever, What from Thee my soul shall sever, While I hear Thy voice, And in Thee rejoice? Guide me with Thine eye; Warn to fight or fly, When the foe, a lion raging, Or, with serpent guile assuaging, Comes in wrath to tear, Or by fraud ensnare. Hold me with Thine hand, For by faith I stand; On Thy strength my sole reliance, In Thy truth my whole affiance; Then where'er I
James Montgomery—Sacred Poems and Hymns

Luther's Fourth Preface
To Valentine Bapst's Hymn-book, Leipzig, 1545. The xcvi Psalm saith: "Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth." The service of God in the old dispensation, under the law of Moses, was hard and wearisome. Many and divers sacrifices had men to offer, of all that they possessed, both in house and in field, which the people, being idle and covetous, did grudgingly or for some temporal advantage; as the prophet Malachi saith, chap. i., "who is there even among you that would shut
Leonard Woolsey Bacon—The Hymns of Martin Luther

The Woman of Canaan
Then Jesus went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon. 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. But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us. But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Then came she and worshipped him, saying,
Richard Newton—The Life of Jesus Christ for the Young

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