What does Matthew 15:4 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 15:4 is a direct quote from Jesus Christ in which He references the divine commandment to honor one's parents and specifies a harsh consequence for those who do the opposite.

When Jesus refers to honoring one’s father and mother, He speaks to the Fifth Commandment from the Old Testament (Exodus 20:12 and Deuteronomy 5:16), which insists on a respectful and dutiful attitude towards one's parents.

The additional statement about cursing one's parents and the stipulated penalty, "let him die the death," draws from the severe Old Testament laws found in Exodus 21:17 and Leviticus 20:9 regarding filial respect and the punishment for cursing parents, which was death.

The literal meaning of the verse is direct, stating the command to honor one's parents as decreed by God, and the serious moral and legal consequences of failing to do so under Mosaic Law.

The deeper meaning illustrates Jesus’s point that the Pharisees and scribes had developed traditions and interpretations of the law that, in his view, undermined the original commandments given by God.

Historical Context

Matthew 15:4 occurs as part of a larger narrative where Jesus is confronting the Pharisees and scribes who had accused His disciples of breaking the tradition of the elders by not washing their hands before eating.

The historical context is the Jewish religious environment of the first century, dominated by various interpretations and applications of the Torah.

The Pharisees and scribes held significant influence and had developed a complex system of oral traditions and laws beyond the written Torah.

Jesus often challenged their prioritization of human traditions over God's commandments, and here He cites a concrete example regarding the reverence toward parents.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse highlights the importance of honoring one’s parents, which is consistent across both the Old and New Testaments.

From a Christian perspective, it showcases Jesus’ reverence for the commandments given by God while simultaneously criticizing the legalistic and, at times, hypocritical application of religious rules by the religious elite.

It also illuminates the principle of taking God's law seriously and seeking the heart and spirit of the law rather than adhering to the letter alone.

Practical Applications

The practical application of this verse suggests that individuals ought to respect and honor their parents in accordance with God’s commandments.

It emphasizes the value of filial piety and respect as fundamental to social and spiritual well-being.

It also serves as a reminder to evaluate religious traditions critically, ensuring they do not nullify the core teachings and principles that God has established.

Cross-References

• Exodus 20:12 - "Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee."
• Exodus 21:17 - "And he that curseth his father, or his mother, shall surely be put to death."
• Leviticus 20:9 - "For every one that curseth his father or his mother shall be surely put to death: he hath cursed his father or his mother; his blood shall be upon him."
• Deuteronomy 5:16 - "Honour thy father and thy mother, as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee; that thy days may be prolonged, and that it may go well with thee, in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee."

Language Study

In the original Greek text of the New Testament, the word for ‘honour’ is "τίμα" (tima), which carries meanings of valuing, respecting, and esteeming highly.

The phrase "He that curseth" translates from "ὁ κακολογῶν" (ho kakologōn), with "kakologōn" meaning to speak evil of or revile against someone, illustrating the severity of such an action against one’s parents.

The phrase "let him die the death" uses the Greek term "θανάτῳ τελευτάτω" (thanatō teleutatō), indicating the person should be put to an end by death, reflecting the capital punishment mandated in the law of Moses.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many ancient cultures, filial piety and respect for parents were regarded with utmost seriousness.

For example, in Confucian thought, the respect and veneration of one's ancestors and living parents is central to social harmony.

In other ancient Near Eastern cultures, disrespecting parents could also be met with severe consequences, indicating a broad cultural consensus on the importance of this value.

Scientific Perspectives

The concept of honoring one’s parents does not directly intersect with scientific inquiry as it is primarily a social and moral teaching.

However, the study of societal dynamics and psychology supports the importance of family relationships and the impact of parental bonds on individual development and mental health.

Commentaries

Commentary on this verse often notes the tension Jesus identifies between divine commandments and human traditions.

Matthew Henry's commentary, for example, suggests that true piety consists more of doing the will of God than that of our fellow men and condemns the scribes and Pharisees for their evasion of God’s command.

William Barclay notes that the Pharisees' tradition allowed people to declare their wealth as a gift to God, and thus unavailable to assist their parents, circumventing the intent of the Fifth Commandment.

Contemporary commentaries continue to explore the balance between honoring timeless commandments and adapting to modern traditions and societal changes.