What does Matthew 15:10 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 15:10 is a verse in which Jesus addresses the multitude following Him, urging them to listen and to understand.

The literal meaning here is quite straightforward: Jesus is calling for the crowd's attention.

He wants them to not only hear the words He is saying but to also comprehend the teachings He is imparting.

The deeper meaning, however, points to a pivotal teaching of Jesus where He emphasizes the importance of inner purity over external religious rituals.

The verse precedes a conversation about what defiles a person, suggesting that true defilement comes from one's heart and actions, not from failing to adhere to ceremonial traditions such as washing hands before eating, which was the subject of the preceding verses where the Pharisees criticized Jesus’ disciples for not following traditional purity laws.

Historical Context

At the time Jesus spoke these words, He was addressing a Jewish audience for whom religious tradition was deeply ingrained.

The Pharisees and scribes, who were religious leaders of the time, were particularly concerned with the observance of the laws and traditions handed down, including the ceremonial washings and other purity rituals.

Jesus' teachings often challenged these long-established traditions and the authority of these religious leaders, which put Him at odds with them.

In this particular passage, Jesus is responding to criticism that His disciples did not wash their hands before eating, a ritual purity practice.

Theological Insights

Different Christian denominations and theologians might have varying interpretations of Matthew 15:10:

• Traditional Protestant interpretations might emphasize the doctrine of "sola scriptura", where they argue that Jesus is underscoring the importance of Scripture over human tradition.
• Catholic interpretations might see this as advocating for the need to look to the heart of the law and moral intention in conjunction with tradition, rather than dismissing tradition altogether.
• Liberation theology might focus on the message of Jesus challenging the status quo and the structures that impose burdens on the people.

Practical Applications

From a practical standpoint, Matthew 15:10 can be a reminder to believers to focus on the spirit of religious practices rather than becoming legalistic.

It encourages individuals to:

• Evaluate the intentions behind their actions.
• Understand the meaning behind religious rituals, rather than participating in them out of habit or appearance.
• Focus on cultivating an inner transformation rather than merely conforming to external expectations.

Cross-References

• Matthew 12:34 - "O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh."
• Mark 7:14-15 - "And when he had called all the people unto him, he said unto them, Hearken unto me every one of you, and understand: There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him: but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man."
• James 1:22 - "But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves."

Language Study

In the original Greek, key words include:

• "ἀκούειν" (akouein): to hear, listen, be attentive to.
• "συνιέναι" (synienai): to understand, comprehend, grasp.

These terms highlight the dual aspects of receiving the message and also internalizing its meaning, which is crucial to Jesus’ teaching here.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparing this teaching to other ancient religious practices, we see a common thread of rituals and traditions being central to religious life.

In many ancient religions, a primary way of engaging with the divine was through a series of complex rituals.

Jesus’ message could be seen as a departure from this concept, emphasizing personal piety over ritual observance, a notion that was quite radical for its time.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern psychological studies affirm the importance of internal beliefs and attitudes on behavior, aligning with Jesus' teaching about the source of defilement coming from within.

Such studies would support the idea that focusing on inner values and motivations can lead to more meaningful and ethical behavior than simply following external regulations.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and commentators offer insights into Matthew 15:10:

• John Calvin viewed this as an instance of Jesus opposing human traditions that are elevated to the level of God's law.
• Matthew Henry's commentary emphasizes that the heart must be guarded and that good conduct arises from good principles.
• The Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary notes that Jesus is here publicly exposing the hypocrisy of the religious leaders by emphasizing the true source of defilement, inner corruption over external actions.