What does Matthew 15:13 mean?

Explanation

The verse Matthew 15:13 from the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible, “But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up,” speaks symbolically about the teaching or doctrines that are not from God.

In the context of this passage, Jesus refers to the doctrines of the Pharisees, the religious leaders of the time who had criticized Jesus' disciples for not following the traditional ceremonial handwashing before eating (Matthew 15:1-2).

This verse carries the deeper meaning that any teaching, belief system, or institution that isn’t established by God is ultimately unsustainable and will be destroyed.

Historical Context

The Gospel of Matthew was written for a predominantly Jewish audience and focuses on Jesus' teachings and how he fulfills Old Testament prophecies.

In the historical context of the first century AD, the Pharisees were a Jewish sect known for strict adherence to the Law of Moses as well as their own oral traditions.

The Pharisees often clashed with Jesus over these oral traditions, which Jesus saw as human additions that sometimes overshadowed the true intent of the Law.

This verse comes during a discourse where Jesus is confronting the hypocrisy of the Pharisees in elevating their traditions above the commandments of God.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse serves as a warning against false teachings. The imagery of uprooting plants is a powerful metaphor for God's judgment on false doctrines.

The verse can be interpreted from various doctrinal views:

• Calvinism: Could interpret this verse as a reference to the belief in predestination, the idea that every plant (person or doctrine) that God did not predestine for His purpose will ultimately be condemned.
• Arminianism: May use this verse to emphasize human responsibility, suggesting that acceptance of incorrect doctrine can lead to spiritual destruction.
• Catholicism: This verse could be viewed in light of the Church's stance on apostolic succession, with teachings not rooted in the early church considered to be invalid.

Practical Applications

The practical applications of this verse might include:

• Being discerning about what teachings to accept and which to reject.
• Evaluating religious traditions and customs, ensuring they align with biblical principles.
• Understanding the importance of doctrinal purity in personal faith and church teachings.
• Strengthening personal faith by rooting it in God's word rather than human tradition.

Cross-References

• Matthew 7:19: "Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire."
• John 15:6: "If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned."
• 2 Peter 2:1: "But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction."

Language Study

The key words in this verse, in the original Greek, would include:

• "plant" (φυτεία - phyteia): This term is often used to refer to something planted, like vegetation, but metaphorically it can also mean something instituted or established, like a doctrine or system.
• "heavenly Father" (πατὴρ - pater): A familiar term for God that denotes intimacy and authority.
• "rooted up" (ἐκριζώθη - ekrizothē): This verb, in the passive form as it is used here, indicates being rooted out or eradicated.

It is a strong term often used to signify complete removal or destruction.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In comparison with other ancient myths and religious interpretations:

• Hinduism: The Bhagavad Gita also speaks about removing unrighteousness and restoring dharma, which can be seen as a parallel to uprooting false teachings.
• Buddhism: The concept of "uprooting" can be vaguely related to removing the three poisons (ignorance, attachment, and aversion) in order to achieve enlightenment.

However, Jesus' statement is unique in its monotheistic context, as it points to a singular divine authority in contrast to the often polytheistic settings of ancient myths.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientifically, the concept of "uprooting" can be related to the idea of removing non-native or invasive species that were not originally part of an ecosystem.

Analogously, ideas that do not align with the foundational truths of a belief system may be considered invasive and potentially harmful to the integrity of that system.

commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians offer insights on this verse:

• John Calvin: He might emphasize the sovereignty of God in planting His truth and doctrines within the Church.
• William Barclay: He notes the idea of the inevitable destruction of human traditions that are in conflict with God's commands.
• Matthew Henry: In his commentary, Henry likely comments on the importance of distinguishing between God's word and human tradition, pointing out the dangers of the latter.
• **C.

H.

Spurgeon**: As a preacher, Spurgeon would stress the life-sustaining power of divine doctrine versus the detrimental effects of man-made teachings.

These commentaries collectively highlight the importance of discernment and adherence to divine truth over human inventions.