King James Version

What Does Matthew 15:5 Mean?

Matthew 15:5 in the King James Version says “But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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 15:5 · KJV


Context

3

But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?

4

For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death.

5

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

6

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.

7

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


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus exposes the Corban abuse: saying to parents 'It is a gift devoted to God' (Corban) allowed avoiding parental support. This exemplifies how religious activity can become excuse for moral failure. Reformed theology emphasizes that genuine piety never contradicts moral duty. The Pharisees prioritized ritual giving over family responsibility, inverting God's priorities. Their tradition made God's commandment ineffective.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Corban (קָרְבָּן) means 'offering' or 'that which is brought near.' Once declared Corban, property was theoretically dedicated to God and unavailable for other uses, including parental support. The Mishnah (Nedarim 9:1) later acknowledged this created problems. Jesus exposes how this vow was manipulated to avoid the fifth commandment while maintaining appearance of piety.

Reflection Questions

  1. How might you use spiritual commitments to avoid difficult responsibilities?
  2. What does it mean to honor God in family relationships?
  3. How can religious activity become an idol that hinders genuine obedience?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
ὑμεῖς1 of 17

ye

G5210

you (as subjective of verb)

δὲ2 of 17

But

G1161

but, and, etc

λέγετε3 of 17

say

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

4 of 17

Whosoever

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἂν5 of 17
G302

whatsoever

εἴπῃ6 of 17

shall say

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

τῷ7 of 17
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πατρὶ8 of 17

to his father

G3962

a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)

9 of 17

or

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

τῇ10 of 17
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μητρί11 of 17

his mother

G3384

a "mother" (literally or figuratively, immediate or remote)

Δῶρον12 of 17

It is a gift

G1435

a present; specially, a sacrifice

13 of 17

Whosoever

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἐὰν14 of 17
G1437

a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty

ἐξ15 of 17

by

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

ἐμοῦ16 of 17

by me

G1700

of me

ὠφεληθῇς17 of 17

thou mightest be profited

G5623

to be useful, i.e., to benefit


Study Guide

Historical Context

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.

Theological Significance

Matthew 15:5 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Matthew 15:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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