King James Version
Matthew 15:2 in the King James Version says “Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread.” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.
“Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread.”
Matthew 15:2 · KJV
Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying,
Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread.
But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?
For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death.
KJV Study — Public Domain
“the tradition”
G3862transmission, i.e., (concretely) a precept; specially, the jewish traditionary law
“of the elders”
G4245older; as noun, a senior; specially, an israelite sanhedrist (also figuratively, member of the celestial council) or christian "presbyter"
“for”
G1063properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
“they wash”
G3538to cleanse (especially the hands or the feet or the face); ceremonially, to perform ablution
“hands”
G5495the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
“when”
G3752whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as
“they eat”
G2068used only in certain tenses, the rest being supplied by g5315; to eat (usually literal)
This verse is found in the book of Matthew. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Matthew 15:2 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
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