What does Matthew 15:17 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 15:17 is a verse spoken by Jesus to His disciples.

In this passage, Jesus is addressing a misunderstanding about purity and impurity.

The literal meaning is straightforward: He describes the natural process of digestion, where food enters the mouth, goes into the stomach, and then the body expels waste.

However, the deeper meaning Jesus is conveying relates to spiritual purity. He emphasizes that it is not what enters the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth, words and expressions that originate from the heart, that reveals one’s true spiritual condition.

Historical Context

This verse is part of a larger narrative where Jesus is confronted by Pharisees and teachers of the law regarding his disciples’ non-adherence to the traditional Jewish hand-washing ritual before eating.

This hand-washing practice was seen as a matter of ritual purity, and the Pharisees criticized the disciples for breaking this tradition.

Jesus used this confrontation as an opportunity to teach about the true nature of purity and impurity, challenging the established religious norms of His time.

Theological Insights

Different theological perspectives may interpret this verse in various ways.

From a traditional Christian viewpoint, the verse is seen as part of Jesus’ teaching on inner purity and the importance of the heart's intentions over external rituals.

A Lutheran perspective would stress the emphasis on faith and grace, focusing on the belief that ceremonial laws do not contribute to salvation.

In contrast, a Catholic interpretation may integrate the understanding of this verse with the importance of maintaining both faith and tradition, suggesting that while traditions should not override the commands of God, they can still play a vital role in spiritual life.

Practical Applications

In everyday life, this teaching can be applied by focusing on the intentions and attitudes behind one's actions.

It encourages individuals to practice self-reflection and to ensure that their words and behaviors align with a pure heart.

Instead of fixating on outward appearances or rituals, the verse counsels believers to cultivate virtues such as love, kindness, and honesty, and to avoid speaking harmful or deceitful words.

Cross-References

• Matthew 15:11: "Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man."
• Mark 7:15: "There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him: but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man."
• James 3:6: “And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.”

Language Study

In the verse, the key terms in the original Greek are:

• "Entereth" (εἰσερχόμενον | eiserchomenon): This word typically indicates coming or going into a place.
• "Belly" (κοιλίας | koilias): Refers to the stomach or the inner part of the body.
• "Draught" (ἀφεδρώνα | aphedrōna): This word signifies a place of excrement or waste, referring to the sewage system.

The usage of these terms emphasizes the natural biological process, contrasting with the spiritual and moral themes being discussed.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In comparing with other ancient religions and myths, dietary laws and concepts of ritual purity were widespread. Ancient Judaism, as reflected in this context, had strict purity laws.

In contrast, Greco-Roman culture often centered on temple rituals and sacrifices.

However, Jesus’ teaching here suggests a departure from a focus on external purity to internal virtues, a message that might have resonated with various philosophical schools in the ancient world that valued moral character over ritual observance.

Scientific Perspectives

A modern scientific perspective would agree with the anatomical and physiological process described by Jesus, where food intake leads to digestion and waste excretion.

However, from a psychological standpoint, the verse touches on the concept of cognitive and moral integrity, highlighting the modern understanding that our communication and behavior are reflections of our internal mental and emotional states.

commentaries

Commentaries on this verse from biblical scholars and theologians often focus on the contrast Jesus makes between Pharisaic legalism and the true spirit of the law.

Renowned commentators like Matthew Henry have suggested that Jesus was condemning the hypocrisy of the Pharisees, who were strict about ritual purity but neglected the inner purity of the heart.

Theologians like John Wesley commented on the need for purity of speech arising from a pure heart. Contemporary scholars highlight the revolutionary nature of Jesus' teaching, which redefined concepts of purity and defilement in a religious society heavily invested in ceremonial law.