Matthew 15:5 (KJV)

What does Matthew 15:5 mean?

Matthew 15:5 describes how some people excused themselves from helping their parents by declaring that what could have been used to support them was instead "a gift" dedicated to God. This was a way of avoiding their responsibility to care for their father or mother by claiming their resources were set aside for religious purposes.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to the Pharisees and teachers of the law, challenging their traditions that allowed people to sidestep the commandment to honor their parents. The situation is that some religious leaders taught that if someone said their support was "a gift" (meaning an offering to God), they no longer had to use it to help their parents, even if their parents needed it. Jesus points out how this tradition undermined the real intent of God's law.

The Greek behind Matthew 15:5

• "Δῶρον" (dōron) means "gift" or "offering." In this context, it refers to something declared as dedicated to God, which was then used as an excuse not to help one's parents.
• "Ὠφεληθῇς" (ōphelēthēs) means "you might be profited" or "benefited." This word highlights that the resources in question could have been of real help to the parents, making the excuse even more striking.
• "Λέγετε" (legete) means "you say." This word shows that Jesus is quoting the teaching or tradition of the Pharisees, not God's original command.

Why Matthew 15:5 matters

• Matthew 15:5 clears up the misunderstanding that religious traditions can override clear moral responsibilities, such as caring for one's parents.
• The verse highlights how human rules can sometimes be used to avoid genuine obedience to God's commands, a key theme in Jesus' teaching here.
• This verse connects to the wider passage, where Jesus exposes the danger of elevating tradition above the heart of God's law, especially regarding honoring family.