Then came his disciples, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying?

MATTHEW 15:12KJV
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Matthew 15:12 (KJV)

What does Matthew 15:12 mean?

Matthew 15:12 describes how Jesus’ disciples came to him and pointed out that the Pharisees were offended after hearing what Jesus had just said. The verse shows that the disciples were aware of the Pharisees’ reaction and wanted to make sure Jesus knew about it.

In this scene, the disciples are speaking privately to Jesus after he challenged the Pharisees’ traditions. The Pharisees, who were respected religious leaders, took offense at Jesus’ words. The disciples’ comment highlights the tension between Jesus and the religious authorities, and it shows their concern about the impact of his teaching.

The Greek behind Matthew 15:12

  • The word for "offended" is σκανδαλίζω (skandalizō), which often means to cause someone to stumble or be shocked. Here, it suggests that the Pharisees were not just annoyed but felt deeply challenged or unsettled by Jesus’ teaching.
  • The word for "saying" is λόγος (logos), which can mean a spoken statement, teaching, or message. The disciples are specifically referring to the content of what Jesus had just taught, not just a casual remark.

Why Matthew 15:12 matters

  • This verse highlights the growing conflict between Jesus and the Pharisees, making it clear that his teachings were controversial and not always well received by the religious leaders.
  • The disciples’ reaction shows their awareness of social and religious dynamics, and it hints at their uncertainty or concern about the consequences of challenging authority.
  • Understanding this moment helps set the stage for the following verses, where Jesus responds to the offense and further explains his position, deepening the divide between his message and the Pharisees’ traditions.

Where else these words appear

“offended” Greek G4624 · used in 28 verses

  • Matthew 5:29 And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
  • Matthew 24:10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.
  • Mark 14:27 And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered.

“came” Greek G4334 · used in 85 verses

  • Matthew 4:3 And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.
  • Matthew 21:23 And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came unto him as he was teaching, and said, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority?
  • Luke 9:12 And when the day began to wear away, then came the twelve, and said unto him, Send the multitude away, that they may go into the towns and country round about, and lodge, and get victuals: for we are here in a desert place.

“Pharisees” Greek G5330 · used in 95 verses

  • Matthew 3:7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
  • Mark 2:24 And the Pharisees said unto him, Behold, why do they on the sabbath day that which is not lawful?
  • Luke 16:14 And the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided him.