What does Matthew 15:2 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 15:2 presents a question posed by the Pharisees and scribes to Jesus about his disciples' disregard for the Jewish tradition of ritual handwashing before eating bread.

This verse captures a moment of confrontation between Jesus and Jewish religious leaders, where they accused the disciples of transgressing or violating established traditions.

On a literal level, the verse highlights a specific practice of ceremonial cleansing which was a tradition of the elders, not necessarily a commandment from the Torah.

On a deeper level, this verse sets the stage for a broader discourse on the nature of tradition, the authority of scriptural law versus human ordinances, and the prioritization of the heart's purity over ritual purity.

Historical Context

During the time of Jesus, Jewish life was heavily influenced by various traditions that were passed down by elders and religious leaders.

These traditions were seen as extensions of the Law of Moses and were treated with great reverence.

The handwashing ritual before eating bread was such a tradition, rooted in concerns about ritual purity and the desire to avoid any uncleanness that might come from daily activities.

It symbolized an external act meant to reflect inner sanctity.

The Pharisees, who were particularly observant of these traditions, saw the disciples' disregard for this practice as a sign of disrespect for the authority of the elders and, by extension, the Law.

Theological Insights

The Pharisees' challenge to Jesus in Matthew 15:2 has sparked various theological insights across different Christian denominations and scholarly thought:

• Protestant Viewpoint: Martin Luther and other reformers often cited this verse to argue against the elevation of human traditions to the level of divine commandments.

They emphasized salvation through faith and grace, not adherence to rituals.

• Catholic Perspective: The Catholic Church recognizes tradition as an important component of faith, but distinguishes between Divine Traditions (found in Scripture and teachings of the Apostles) and human traditions and sees the latter as subordinate to the former.
• Orthodox Understanding: The Eastern Orthodox Church also holds tradition in high esteem, yet it agrees that the essence of tradition must be rooted in true faith and spiritual practice, not merely external observance.

Practical Applications

Matthew 15:2 can provide several practical applications for daily life:

• Prioritizing Inner Purity: This verse can inform the importance of focusing on the heart's intentions rather than external appearances or actions.
• Evaluating Traditions: It can encourage individuals to examine the traditions they follow and discern whether they align with scriptural teaching and values.
• Respecting Authority: While critiquing certain practices, the verse can also promote respect for authorities and traditions that do not contradict the core teachings of one's faith.

Cross-References

• Mark 7:3-5: "For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands oft, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders." This is a parallel passage in Mark's gospel that provides more context on the Jewish handwashing tradition.
• Isaiah 29:13: "Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men" - a prophetic remark on the disconnection between external rituals and the heart.

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the phrase "transgress the tradition" uses the word "παραβαίνουσιν" (parabainousin), meaning "to step aside from" or "violate." The term "tradition" is "παράδοσιν" (paradosin), implying something handed down from predecessors.

"Elders" comes from "πρεσβυτέρων" (presbyteron), indicating the senior members or leaders of the community. Studying these keywords elucidates that the accusation against the disciples was of a deliberate stepping away from the authority and practices established by religious leaders.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many ancient cultures, traditions played a crucial role in guiding societal norms and religious practices. Egyptian, Babylonian, and Greco-Roman traditions also included purity rituals similar to the Jewish handwashing practice.

However, what sets this Biblical narrative apart is the challenge Jesus presents to the authority of such traditions when they overshadow the commandments of God or genuine ethical conduct.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern scientific understandings of handwashing correlate to health and hygiene rather than ritual purity.

While in biblical times the concept was tied to spiritual cleanliness, today's perspectives emphasize handwashing as an effective practice to prevent the spread of disease-causing germs, highlighting a practical application beyond religious observance.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and commentators offer different interpretations of Matthew 15:2:

• John Calvin comments that this verse illustrates how human traditions often set aside the commandments of God and become forms of idolatry when treated as equivalent to divine law.
• William Barclay notes the dangerous tendency for religious traditions to become rigid and oppressive, undermining the liberty that faith in Christ is intended to bring.
• The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges elaborates on the difference between defilement according to Jewish tradition and the true moral defilement that Jesus later points out as originating from the heart.