Matthew 15:1-9 ▼

1 Then come unto Jesus do they from Jerusalem -- scribes and Pharisees -- saying,

2 'Wherefore do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they do not wash their hands when they may eat bread.'

3 And he answering said to them, 'Wherefore also do ye transgress the command of God because of your tradition?

4 for God did command, saying, Honour thy father and mother; and, He who is speaking evil of father or mother -- let him die the death;

5 but ye say, Whoever may say to father or mother, An offering is whatever thou mayest be profited by me; --

6 and he may not honour his father or his mother, and ye did set aside the command of God because of your tradition.

7 'Hypocrites, well did Isaiah prophesy of you, saying,

8 This people doth draw nigh to Me with their mouth, and with the lips it doth honour Me, but their heart is far off from Me;

9 and in vain do they worship Me, teaching teachings -- commands of men.'