Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying,

MATTHEW 15:7KJV
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Matthew 15:7 (KJV)

What does Matthew 15:7 mean?

Matthew 15:7 records Jesus calling certain people "hypocrites" and saying that the prophet Isaiah (Esaias) spoke well about them. Jesus is pointing out that their outward religious behavior does not match what is truly in their hearts, as Isaiah had warned about long before.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking directly to the Pharisees and scribes who had challenged Him about His disciples not following certain traditions. By quoting Isaiah, Jesus highlights that these religious leaders are acting in a way that looks good on the outside but is empty or false inside. The verse sets up a strong contrast between genuine faith and mere appearance, showing Jesus' concern for sincerity over tradition.

The Greek behind Matthew 15:7

  • ὑποκριταί (hypokritai, "hypocrites"): This word originally referred to actors on a stage, but by Jesus' time, it was often used for people who pretend to be something they are not. Here, it underscores the charge of spiritual insincerity.
  • καλῶς (kalōs, "well"): This word means "rightly" or "accurately." Jesus is affirming that Isaiah's words fit the situation perfectly.
  • προεφήτευσεν (proephēteusen, "prophesy"): This verb means to speak forth or declare under divine inspiration. Jesus is saying Isaiah’s words were not just about the past but are relevant to the present situation.

Why Matthew 15:7 matters

  • Matthew 15:7 clarifies that Jesus is not just criticizing minor mistakes but is addressing a deep problem of pretending to honor God while actually missing the point.
  • The verse connects Jesus’ teaching to the Old Testament, showing that the issue of empty religion is not new but has been a problem for generations.
  • By using the word "hypocrites," Jesus draws attention to the danger of focusing on outward appearances rather than genuine devotion, a theme that runs throughout His ministry.

Where else these words appear

“hypocrites” Greek G5273 · used in 20 verses

  • Matthew 6:2 Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
  • Matthew 23:13 But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.
  • Matthew 23:29 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchres of the righteous,

“Esaias” Greek G2268 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 3:3 For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
  • Luke 3:4 As it is written in the book of the words of Esaias the prophet, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
  • Acts 8:30 And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?

“did” Greek G4395 · used in 27 verses

  • Matthew 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
  • Acts 2:17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:
  • 1 Corinthians 14:4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.

“well” Greek G2573 · used in 36 verses

  • Matthew 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
  • John 4:17 The woman answered and said, I have no husband. Jesus said unto her, Thou hast well said, I have no husband:
  • Galatians 5:7 Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?