Matthew 15:2 (KJV)

What does Matthew 15:2 mean?

Matthew 15:2 records a question from some religious leaders who ask Jesus why His disciples break the tradition of the elders by not washing their hands before eating bread. The verse highlights a concern about following long-standing religious customs rather than a direct command from Scripture.

In this scene, the Pharisees and scribes are speaking to Jesus, challenging Him about His disciples’ behavior. The "tradition of the elders" refers to extra rules developed over generations, which were seen as important for religious purity. The leaders are not accusing the disciples of being unhygienic, but of not observing a ritual washing that had become a sign of religious faithfulness in their community.

The Greek behind Matthew 15:2

• παράδοσιν (paradosin, "tradition"): This word means something handed down, and here it points to human customs rather than laws directly from God. The verse draws a line between tradition and divine command.
• πρεσβυτέρων (presbyterōn, "elders"): This refers to respected leaders from earlier generations whose teachings shaped these traditions. The authority being questioned is not Scripture, but inherited customs.
• παραβαίνουσιν (parabainousin, "transgress"): The Greek word carries the sense of stepping over a boundary or going beyond what is allowed. The accusation is that Jesus’ disciples are crossing a line set by tradition, not by God’s law.

Why Matthew 15:2 matters

• Matthew 15:2 helps clarify the difference between God’s commands and human traditions, showing that not all religious rules have equal weight or authority.
• The verse sets the stage for Jesus’ later teaching that inner purity matters more than outward rituals, which becomes a major theme in the following discussion.
• Understanding this verse helps readers see why Jesus often challenged religious leaders: He was not dismissing all tradition, but questioning traditions that overshadowed or contradicted God’s intent.