And honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.

MATTHEW 15:6KJV
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Matthew 15:6 (KJV)

What does Matthew 15:6 mean?

Matthew 15:6 says that if someone does not honor their father or mother, they are considered free from responsibility, but by doing this, people have made God’s commandment meaningless because of their own traditions. Jesus is criticizing how human customs can override what God actually commands.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to the Pharisees and teachers of the law. The situation is that they allowed a tradition where someone could claim their resources were dedicated to God and therefore not support their parents, even though honoring parents is a commandment. Jesus points out that this tradition cancels out God’s clear instruction, showing how religious rules can sometimes undermine true obedience.

The Greek behind Matthew 15:6

  • παραδοσιν (paradosin, “tradition”): This word refers to teachings or customs handed down. Here, it highlights that the Pharisees’ traditions were being treated as more important than God’s command.
  • ἐντολήν (entolēn, “commandment”): This word means a direct order or command, emphasizing that what God says should have more weight than human customs.
  • ἀκυρώσατε (akyrōsate, “made...of none effect”): This Greek word means to invalidate or cancel out. Jesus is saying that the tradition has effectively nullified God’s command.

Why Matthew 15:6 matters

  • Matthew 15:6 clarifies that religious traditions, even if well-intentioned, can sometimes lead people away from what God actually asks.
  • This verse shows Jesus challenging the authority of human customs when they conflict with God’s direct instructions.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage by showing a practical example of how the Pharisees’ rules could undermine the spirit of the law, not just its letter.

Where else these words appear

“made” Greek G208 · used in 3 verses

  • Mark 7:13 Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.
  • Galatians 3:17 And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect.

“tradition” Greek G3862 · used in 13 verses

  • Matthew 15:2 Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread.
  • Mark 7:8 For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do.
  • Galatians 1:14 And profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers.

“honour” Greek G5091 · used in 16 verses

  • Matthew 15:4 For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death.
  • Mark 7:10 For Moses said, Honour thy father and thy mother; and, Whoso curseth father or mother, let him die the death:
  • John 12:26 If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.

“commandment” Greek G1785 · used in 65 verses

  • Matthew 5:19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
  • John 12:50 And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak.
  • Hebrews 7:5 And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham: