Matthew 15:20 - These are the things which defile the man; but to eat with unwashed hands doesn’t defile the man.”
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What does "Matthew 15:20" mean?
This verse, from Matthew 15:20, is part of a larger passage where Jesus is addressing the Pharisees and scribes about their traditions regarding purity. Here's a breakdown of what it means:
Context is Key:
The Pharisees' Concern: The Pharisees were concerned that Jesus' disciples were eating without ritually washing their hands. They believed this defiled them, making them spiritually unclean.
Jesus' Challenge: Jesus challenges the Pharisees' focus on external rituals while neglecting the more important matter of inner purity. He argues that true defilement doesn't come from what goes into the body (like food eaten with unwashed hands), but from what comes out of the heart (evil thoughts, words, and actions).
Meaning of Matthew 15:20:
"These are the things which defile the man..." This refers back to the list Jesus gives in verses 18-19: "evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, slanders." These are the sins that truly corrupt a person from within.
"...but to eat with unwashed hands doesn't defile the man." This is the crux of the verse. Jesus is saying that violating a ceremonial law about handwashing does not make a person morally or spiritually impure. It's an external act that doesn't affect the internal state.
What Jesus is NOT Saying:
He's not advocating for poor hygiene. The point isn't about the health implications of unwashed hands. It's about the spiritual implications of adhering to ceremonial laws versus focusing on genuine righteousness.
He's not dismissing all laws. Jesus upheld the Law of Moses, but he emphasized that the spirit of the law (love, justice, mercy) was more important than the rigid adherence to ritualistic details.
In simpler terms:
Jesus is saying that your actions, words, and thoughts are what truly make you a good or bad person, not whether or not you washed your hands before eating. He prioritizes inner purity over external rituals.
Theological Significance:
Shifting the Focus: Jesus shifts the focus from external observances to internal transformation.
New Covenant Implications: While this happened within the context of Jewish law, it foreshadows the shift in the New Covenant, where salvation is based on faith and grace rather than strict adherence to external laws. The emphasis is on a transformed heart.
In conclusion, Matthew 15:20 is a powerful statement about the importance of inner purity over external rituals. It challenges us to examine our hearts and prioritize genuine righteousness over mere outward appearances.
Matthew 15:20 - These are the things which defile the man; but to eat with unwashed hands doesn’t defile the man.”
What does "Matthew 15:20" mean?
This verse, from Matthew 15:20, is part of a larger passage where Jesus is addressing the Pharisees and scribes about their traditions regarding purity. Here's a breakdown of what it means:
Context is Key:
The Pharisees' Concern: The Pharisees were concerned that Jesus' disciples were eating without ritually washing their hands. They believed this defiled them, making them spiritually unclean.
Jesus' Challenge: Jesus challenges the Pharisees' focus on external rituals while neglecting the more important matter of inner purity. He argues that true defilement doesn't come from what goes into the body (like food eaten with unwashed hands), but from what comes out of the heart (evil thoughts, words, and actions).
Meaning of Matthew 15:20:
"These are the things which defile the man..." This refers back to the list Jesus gives in verses 18-19: "evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, slanders." These are the sins that truly corrupt a person from within.
"...but to eat with unwashed hands doesn't defile the man." This is the crux of the verse. Jesus is saying that violating a ceremonial law about handwashing does not make a person morally or spiritually impure. It's an external act that doesn't affect the internal state.
What Jesus is NOT Saying:
He's not advocating for poor hygiene. The point isn't about the health implications of unwashed hands. It's about the spiritual implications of adhering to ceremonial laws versus focusing on genuine righteousness.
He's not dismissing all laws. Jesus upheld the Law of Moses, but he emphasized that the spirit of the law (love, justice, mercy) was more important than the rigid adherence to ritualistic details.
In simpler terms:
Jesus is saying that your actions, words, and thoughts are what truly make you a good or bad person, not whether or not you washed your hands before eating. He prioritizes inner purity over external rituals.
Theological Significance:
Shifting the Focus: Jesus shifts the focus from external observances to internal transformation.
New Covenant Implications: While this happened within the context of Jewish law, it foreshadows the shift in the New Covenant, where salvation is based on faith and grace rather than strict adherence to external laws. The emphasis is on a transformed heart.
In conclusion, Matthew 15:20 is a powerful statement about the importance of inner purity over external rituals. It challenges us to examine our hearts and prioritize genuine righteousness over mere outward appearances.