New International Version Then some Pharisees and teachers of the law came to Jesus from Jerusalem and asked, New Living Translation Some Pharisees and teachers of religious law now arrived from Jerusalem to see Jesus. They asked him, English Standard Version Then Pharisees and scribes came to Jesus from Jerusalem and said, Berean Standard Bible Then some Pharisees and scribes came to Jesus from Jerusalem and asked, Berean Literal Bible Then Pharisees and scribes come to Jesus from Jerusalem, saying, King James Bible Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying, New King James Version Then the scribes and Pharisees who were from Jerusalem came to Jesus, saying, New American Standard Bible Then some Pharisees and scribes came to Jesus from Jerusalem and said, NASB 1995 Then some Pharisees and scribes came to Jesus from Jerusalem and said, NASB 1977 Then some Pharisees and scribes came to Jesus from Jerusalem, saying, Legacy Standard Bible Then some Pharisees and scribes came to Jesus from Jerusalem and said, Amplified Bible Then some Pharisees and scribes from Jerusalem came to Jesus and said, Berean Annotated Bible Then some Pharisees and scribes came to Jesus (YHWH saves) from Jerusalem (city of peace) and asked, Christian Standard Bible Then Jesus was approached by Pharisees and scribes from Jerusalem, who asked, Holman Christian Standard Bible Then Pharisees and scribes came from Jerusalem to Jesus and asked,” American Standard Version Then there come to Jesus from Jerusalem Pharisees and scribes, saying, Contemporary English Version About this time some Pharisees and teachers of the Law of Moses came from Jerusalem. They asked Jesus, English Revised Version Then there come to Jesus from Jerusalem Pharisees and scribes, saying, GOD'S WORD® Translation Then some Pharisees and scribes came from Jerusalem to Jesus. They asked, Good News Translation Then some Pharisees and teachers of the Law came from Jerusalem to Jesus and asked him, International Standard Version Then some Pharisees and scribes came from Jerusalem to Jesus and asked, NET Bible Then Pharisees and experts in the law came from Jerusalem to Jesus and said, New Heart English Bible Then the Pharisees and scribes came to Jesus from Jerusalem, saying, Webster's Bible Translation Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, who were of Jerusalem, saying, Weymouth New Testament Then there came to Jesus a party of Pharisees and Scribes from Jerusalem, who inquired, Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThen some scribes and Pharisees came to Jesus from Jerusalem and asked, World English Bible Then Pharisees and scribes came to Jesus from Jerusalem, saying, Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionThen they come to Jesus from Jerusalem—scribes and Pharisees—saying, Berean Literal Bible Then Pharisees and scribes come to Jesus from Jerusalem, saying, Young's Literal Translation Then come unto Jesus do they from Jerusalem -- scribes and Pharisees -- saying, Smith's Literal Translation Then came to Jesus from Jerusalem the scribes and Pharisees, saying, Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleTHEN came to him from Jerusalem scribes and Pharisees, saying: Catholic Public Domain Version Then the scribes and the Pharisees came to him from Jerusalem, saying: New American Bible Then Pharisees and scribes came to Jesus from Jerusalem and said, New Revised Standard Version Then Pharisees and scribes came to Jesus from Jerusalem and said, Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleTHEN Pharisees and scribes from Jerusalem came up to Jesus, saying, Aramaic Bible in Plain English And the Pharisees and the Scribes who were from Jerusalem came unto Yeshua and they were saying: NT Translations Anderson New TestamentThen came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees that were of Jerusalem, saying: Godbey New Testament Then the scribes and Pharisees, who are from Jerusalem, come to Jesus, saying, Haweis New Testament THEN came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees from Jerusalem, saying, Mace New Testament Then the Scribes and Pharisees, who were of Jerusalem, came to him and said, Weymouth New Testament Then there came to Jesus a party of Pharisees and Scribes from Jerusalem, who inquired, Worrell New Testament Then there come to Jesus, from Jerusalem, Pharisees and scribes, saying, Worsley New Testament Then came to Jesus the scribes and pharisees from Jerusalem saying, Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context Tradition and Worship1Then some Pharisees and scribes came to Jesus from Jerusalem and asked, 2“Why do Your disciples break the tradition of the elders? They do not wash their hands before they eat.”… Cross References Then some Pharisees and scribes Mark 7:1 Then the Pharisees and some of the scribes who had come from Jerusalem gathered around Jesus, Luke 15:2 So the Pharisees and scribes began to grumble: “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” Luke 5:30 But the Pharisees and their scribes complained to Jesus’ disciples, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” came to Jesus Mark 10:2 Some Pharisees came to test Him. “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?” they inquired. Matthew 19:3 Then some Pharisees came and tested Him by asking, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason?” John 3:2 He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs You are doing if God were not with him.” from Jerusalem John 1:19 And this was John’s testimony when the Jews of Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him, “Who are you?” Mark 3:22 And the scribes who had come down from Jerusalem were saying, “He is possessed by Beelzebul,” and, “By the prince of the demons He drives out demons.” and asked, Matthew 22:34-35 And when the Pharisees heard that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, they themselves gathered together. / One of them, an expert in the law, tested Him with a question: Matthew 12:38 Then some of the scribes and Pharisees said to Him, “Teacher, we want to see a sign from You.” Mark 8:11 Then the Pharisees came and began to argue with Jesus, testing Him by demanding from Him a sign from heaven. Isaiah 29:13 Therefore the Lord said: “These people draw near to Me with their mouths and honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. Their worship of Me is but rules taught by men. Matthew 23:1-4 Then Jesus spoke to the crowds and to His disciples: / “The scribes and Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. / So practice and observe everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach. … Colossians 2:8 See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, which are based on human tradition and the spiritual forces of the world rather than on Christ. Galatians 1:14 I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers. Acts 15:1-2 Then some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” / And after engaging these men in sharp debate, Paul and Barnabas were appointed, along with some other believers, to go up to Jerusalem to see the apostles and elders about this question. Treasury of Scripture Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying, came. Mark 7:1 Then came together unto him the Pharisees, and certain of the scribes, which came from Jerusalem. scribes. Matthew 5:20 For 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 23:2,15 Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat: … Luke 5:30 But their scribes and Pharisees murmured against his disciples, saying, Why do ye eat and drink with publicans and sinners? which. Luke 5:17,21 And 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… Jump to Previous Inquired Jerusalem Jesus Law Party Pharisees Scribes TeachersJump to Next Inquired Jerusalem Jesus Law Party Pharisees Scribes TeachersMatthew 15 1. Jesus reproves the Scribes and Pharisees 7. for transgressing God's commandments through their own traditions; 10. teaches how that which goes into the mouth does not defile a man. 21. He heals the daughter of the woman of Canaan, 29. and other great multitudes; 32. and with seven loaves and a few small fish feeds four thousand men Then some Pharisees and scribes Pharisees were influential lay leaders devoted to careful observance of the Mosaic Law and the traditions handed down by the elders. Scribes were trained interpreters and teachers of the Law, often associated with the Pharisaic viewpoint. Their joint appearance presents a united challenge from men who held recognized religious authority among the people. Mrk 7:1 Then the Pharisees and some of the scribes who had come… came to Jesus Jesus’ teaching, miracles, and growing public following had made Him impossible for the religious establishment to ignore. Rather than coming as humble learners, these leaders approached Him to examine and oppose His ministry. Their resistance revealed the conflict between outward religious tradition and the authority of the Son of God. Mrk 10:2 Some Pharisees came to test Him. “Is it lawful for a man… from Jerusalem Jerusalem was the center of Israel’s worship, the location of the temple, and the seat of the nation’s leading religious authorities. The arrival of leaders from Jerusalem indicates an official concern over Jesus’ influence in Galilee. Mark’s parallel account identifies their coming dispute as centered on ceremonial traditions concerning handwashing before meals. Jhn 1:19 And this was John’s testimony when the Jews of Jerusalem… and asked, Their question was designed as an accusation rather than a sincere search for truth. Jesus would answer by exposing the danger of allowing human traditions to displace the clear commands of God. The confrontation shows that religious knowledge and public authority cannot substitute for a heart that honors the Lord. Mat 22:34-35 And when the Pharisees heard that Jesus had silenced… Persons / Places / Events 1. PhariseesA religious group in Judaism known for strict adherence to the Law and traditions. They often clashed with Jesus over interpretations of the Law. 2. Scribes Experts in the Jewish Law, often associated with the Pharisees. They were responsible for teaching and interpreting the Scriptures. 3. Jesus The central figure of the New Testament, whose teachings and actions often challenged the established religious norms of the time. 4. Jerusalem The religious and cultural center of Judaism. The fact that the Pharisees and scribes came from Jerusalem indicates the seriousness of their inquiry. 5. Event The Pharisees and scribes approach Jesus to question Him, setting the stage for a discussion on tradition versus the commandments of God. Teaching Points Tradition vs. CommandmentUnderstand the difference between human traditions and God's commandments. Traditions can be valuable but should never supersede the Word of God. Heart of Worship True worship is not about external rituals but about the condition of the heart. Evaluate whether your practices align with God's desires. Authority of Scripture Scripture should be the ultimate authority in our lives. Regularly study the Bible to discern God's will over human opinions. Challenge to Legalism Be wary of legalism, which focuses on rules rather than relationship. Seek a balance that honors God’s law while embracing His grace. Engagement with Scripture Engage deeply with Scripture to understand its context and application. This helps in discerning truth from tradition. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Matthew 15:1?2. How does Matthew 15:1 challenge us to prioritize God's commands over traditions? 3. What traditions today might conflict with God's Word as in Matthew 15:1? 4. How can we discern between human traditions and God's commandments in our lives? 5. How does Matthew 15:1 relate to Colossians 2:8 on human traditions? 6. How can we ensure our worship aligns with God's Word, not human traditions? 7. Why do the Pharisees challenge Jesus about tradition in Matthew 15:1? 8. How does Matthew 15:1 reflect the conflict between tradition and scripture? 9. What historical context explains the Pharisees' question in Matthew 15:1? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Matthew 15? What Does Matthew 15:1 Mean Then• This word links the scene to the events immediately before it—Jesus’ healings in Gennesaret (Matthew 14:34-36) and the miraculous feeding and walking on the sea (Matthew 14:13-33). • It signals divine timing rather than coincidence; every moment in Jesus’ ministry unfolds under the Father’s sovereign plan (John 8:20). • The sequence shows how public displays of power often provoke religious inspection (John 11:47-48; Luke 5:17). Some Pharisees and scribes • Pharisees were lay leaders devoted to precise law-keeping; scribes were professional teachers of the Law (Matthew 23:2-3). • Together they formed an influential alliance intent on guarding tradition (Mark 7:3-4). • Their continual clashes with Jesus reveal a heart issue: outward piety without inward surrender (Matthew 23:25-28; Luke 11:52). • Their presence fulfills Isaiah’s warning about people who honor God with lips while hearts are far away (Isaiah 29:13, cited later in Matthew 15:7-9). Came to Jesus • They approach the very One the Scriptures point to (John 5:39-40), yet they come not as seekers but as critics. • Every encounter with Jesus forces a verdict—faith or opposition (John 3:19-21). • Even hostile approaches are used by God to reveal His Son’s authority (Luke 20:1-8). • Christ remains accessible; His willingness to engage demonstrates patience toward those who oppose Him (2 Timothy 2:24-26). From Jerusalem • Jerusalem is the religious capital; sending emissaries underscores the seriousness of their inquiry (John 1:19). • This “official delegation” hints at mounting national resistance to Jesus (Matthew 12:14; Mark 3:22). • It foreshadows the eventual trial and crucifixion that will also originate in Jerusalem (Luke 13:33). • The contrast is stark: earthly authority journeys outward to challenge heavenly authority standing in their midst (Acts 4:5-12). And asked • Their question (verse 2) targets the disciples’ failure to perform ceremonial handwashing, elevating human tradition above God’s Word (Mark 7:5-8). • Questions can expose motives; here the aim is accusation, not illumination (Luke 20:20; Matthew 22:15). • Jesus will redirect the conversation from external ritual to internal defilement (Matthew 15:10-11). • The episode reminds believers to test every tradition by Scripture alone (Colossians 2:8; 1 Thessalonians 5:21). Summary Matthew 15:1 sets the stage for a confrontation between religious tradition and the living Word. Representatives from the heart of Jewish authority come at a divinely appointed moment to challenge Jesus. Their focus on external rites contrasts with His call to heart obedience. The verse thus prepares us to see how Christ, standing in perfect authority, exposes hollow religion and directs His followers back to God’s unchanging truth. XV.(1) Scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem.—The presence of these actors on the scene is every way significant. They had been prominent in like accusations. It was by them that our Lord had been accused of blasphemy in forgiving sins (Matthew 9:3), of eating and drinking with publicans and sinners (Matthew 9:11), of disregarding fasts (Matthew 9:14), of casting out devils by Beelzebub (Matthew 12:24), of Sabbath-breaking (Matthew 12:2; ... Verses 1-20. - Discourse concerning ceremonial pollution. (Mark 7:1-23.) Verse 1. - Then. This is after the third Passover, which whether our Lord attended or not, has been a matter of some dispute. Moral considerations would make us infer that he was present, fulfilling all righteousness, though there is no direct statement in our narratives on the subject. Came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying. The Sinaitic, B, and some other manuscripts read, Came to Jesus from Jerusalem scribes and Pharisees. This, which is virtually the reading of the Revised Version, whether original or not, seems to represent the fact correctly. The bigoted rabbis of the capital, aroused to fresh action by the news of Christ's success in Galilee, send emissaries from Jerusalem to see if they cannot find some cause of offence in the words or actions of this rash Innovator which may give the desired opportunity of crushing him. An occasion offered itself, and was immediately seized.Parallel Commentaries ... Greek ThenΤότε (Tote) Adverb Strong's 5119: Then, at that time. From ho and hote; the when, i.e. At the time that. [some] Pharisees Φαρισαῖοι (Pharisaioi) Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural Strong's 5330: Of Hebrew origin; a separatist, i.e. Exclusively religious; a Pharisean, i.e. Jewish sectary. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. scribes γραμματεῖς (grammateis) Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural Strong's 1122: From gramma. A writer, i.e. scribe or secretary. came προσέρχονται (proserchontai) Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Plural Strong's 4334: From pros and erchomai; to approach, i.e. come near, visit, or worship, assent to. to Jesus Ἰησοῦ (Iēsou) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular Strong's 2424: Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites. from ἀπὸ (apo) Preposition Strong's 575: From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses. Jerusalem Ἱεροσολύμων (Hierosolymōn) Noun - Genitive Neuter Plural Strong's 2414: The Greek form of the Hebrew name: Jerusalem. Of Hebrew origin; Hierosolyma [and] asked, λέγοντες (legontes) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural Strong's 3004: (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. Additonal Resources Matthew 15:1 Blue Letter BibleMatthew 15:1 Bible Gateway Matthew 15:1 Bible.com Matthew 15:1 NIV |
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