But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me;

MATTHEW 15:5KJV
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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.

Where else these words appear

“profited” Greek G5623 · used in 15 verses

  • Matthew 16:26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
  • Mark 8:36 For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?
  • 1 Corinthians 13:3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

“gift” Greek G1435 · used in 17 verses

  • Matthew 2:11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
  • Matthew 23:19 Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gift, or the altar that sanctifieth the gift?
  • Hebrews 5:1 For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins:

“mother” Greek G3384 · used in 79 verses

  • Matthew 1:18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
  • Mark 3:33 And he answered them, saying, Who is my mother, or my brethren?
  • Luke 8:21 And he answered and said unto them, My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it.

“me” Greek G1700 · used in 104 verses

  • Matthew 5:11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
  • Luke 22:28 Ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations.
  • Acts 25:9 But Festus, willing to do the Jews a pleasure, answered Paul, and said, Wilt thou go up to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these things before me?