What does Matthew 15:20 mean?

Explanation

In Matthew 15:20, Jesus is addressing the Pharisees and scribes who had accused His disciples of breaking the tradition of the elders by not washing their hands before eating.

Here, Christ emphasizes that the external ritual of handwashing does not impact one’s spiritual purity.

He challenges the prevailing Jewish beliefs of ritual cleanliness, shifting the focus from ceremonial laws to moral behavior by stating that what comes out of a person’s mouth (his words and teachings) truly defiles him, not the lack of observance of handwashing traditions.

The deeper meaning points to the internal condition of the heart and its influence on actions and words, rather than mere external adherence to rituals.

Historical Context

This conversation took place in a Jewish context where ritual purity was of great importance.

The Pharisees held stringent interpretations of the Law of Moses, which included extensive traditions around ceremonial washing.

These traditions were passed down orally and were used to judge an individual’s piety.

By challenging these traditions, Jesus provoked the religious leaders of His time and emphasized a more profound spiritual reality.

Theological Insights

Various Christian denominations interpret this verse with slight nuances. Generally, it's agreed that Jesus confronts legalism and highlights the importance of inner purity over external religiosity.

From a Protestant perspective, Martin Luther might reference this verse in support of the doctrine of Sola Fide (faith alone), emphasizing faith and grace over works.

The Catholic Church also upholds the importance of internal disposition but maintains the value of external expressions of faith when they stem from a pure heart.

Practical Applications

In daily life, this verse serves as a reminder to focus on cultivating a pure heart and aligning one's values and actions with their faith.

It guides believers to not become obsessed with external religious practices at the expense of love, compassion, and integrity.

It challenges individuals to examine their words and deeds and their alignment with their beliefs.

Cross-References

• 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 1:27: "Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world."
• 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:"

Language Study

In this verse, "defileth" (κοινοῖ) in the original Greek connotes making something common or unclean, as opposed to holy or set apart.

"Man" (ἄνθρωπον) is used broadly to mean a person or individual, not necessarily specifying gender.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many ancient religions and cultures, there were practices similar to the Jewish tradition of handwashing for purity.

In ancient Egypt, priests performed ritual ablutions.

Hinduism also has practices of ceremonial cleanliness.

What Jesus brings to the conversation is the distinction between external ritual and internal morality, which can be contrasted with cultures where external rituals were seen as intrinsically tied to moral standing.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern hygiene practices endorse handwashing for physical health and the prevention of disease.

However, Jesus’ statement aligns with a psychological and sociological understanding that actions and words reflective of one's inner thoughts and feelings influence social and personal integrity and health more than mere physical cleanliness.

Commentaries

Commentators offer varied insights into this verse; traditional exegetes typically emphasize Jesus' radical reorientation from legalism toward internal morality.

For instance, Matthew Henry asserts that inward grace is more important than outward ceremony.

More contemporary scholars like N.T.

Wright may focus on the social implications of Jesus' challenge to established norms and how it might have foreshadowed the eventual breaking away from purely Jewish customs within early Christianity.