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.