Matthew 15:6

he need not honor his father or mother with it. Thus you nullify the word of God for the sake of your tradition.

Study Bible

he need not honor
This phrase challenges the Pharisaic tradition that allowed individuals to circumvent the commandment to honor their parents. The Greek word for "honor" is "τιμάω" (timao), which implies valuing or revering someone. In the context of the Ten Commandments, honoring one's parents is a divine mandate, reflecting the importance of family and respect within the community. Jesus criticizes the religious leaders for creating loopholes that undermine this fundamental principle, emphasizing that true obedience to God cannot be compromised by human traditions.

his father or mother
The reference to "father or mother" directly ties back to the Fifth Commandment found in Exodus 20:12, which underscores the importance of familial relationships in Jewish law. In the ancient Near Eastern context, parents were seen as representatives of God's authority on earth, and honoring them was synonymous with honoring God Himself. Jesus highlights the gravity of neglecting this commandment, pointing out that the Pharisees' traditions have led people away from God's original intent for family relationships.

So you nullify
The Greek word "ἀκυρόω" (akyroo) means to invalidate or make void. Jesus accuses the Pharisees of nullifying God's word, which is a serious charge. By prioritizing their traditions over God's commandments, they effectively render God's word powerless in their lives. This serves as a warning against allowing human traditions to take precedence over divine instructions, reminding believers to always align their practices with the teachings of Scripture.

the word of God
This phrase refers to the divine commandments and teachings found in the Scriptures. In the Jewish tradition, the "word of God" was revered as sacred and authoritative. Jesus emphasizes that God's word should be the ultimate guide for life and practice, not the traditions developed by human authorities. This underscores the importance of Scripture as the foundation of faith and practice, a principle that remains central in conservative Christian theology.

for the sake of your tradition
The term "tradition" here is translated from the Greek "παράδοσις" (paradosis), which refers to teachings or practices handed down from generation to generation. While traditions can be valuable, Jesus criticizes the Pharisees for allowing their traditions to overshadow and contradict God's commandments. This serves as a cautionary message to ensure that traditions do not become rigid structures that hinder genuine faith and obedience to God. In a conservative Christian perspective, this highlights the need to evaluate traditions in light of Scripture, ensuring they support rather than subvert God's word.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jesus Christ
The central figure in this passage, Jesus is addressing the Pharisees and scribes, challenging their adherence to human traditions over God's commandments.

2. Pharisees and Scribes
Religious leaders of the time who are known for their strict adherence to Jewish law and traditions. They are often depicted as opposing Jesus' teachings.

3. Tradition of the Elders
Refers to the oral traditions and interpretations of the law that the Pharisees and scribes held in high regard, sometimes even above the written Law of Moses.

4. Commandment to Honor Parents
A direct reference to the Fifth Commandment found in the Ten Commandments, which emphasizes the importance of honoring one's father and mother.

5. Corban
A practice where something is dedicated to God, which the Pharisees used as a loophole to avoid supporting their parents financially.

Teaching Points

The Supremacy of God's Word
God's commandments should always take precedence over human traditions. Believers must evaluate their practices to ensure they align with Scripture.

The Danger of Legalism
Legalism can lead to a focus on external rituals rather than the heart's condition. True obedience to God involves a heart aligned with His will.

Honoring Parents
The command to honor one's parents is timeless and should not be circumvented by cultural or religious practices. This principle extends to caring for family members in practical ways.

Heart Over Ritual
God desires genuine devotion rather than mere ritualistic observance. Believers should examine their motivations and ensure their worship is heartfelt.

Tradition vs. Commandment
While traditions can be valuable, they should never contradict or override God's commandments. Believers must discern and prioritize accordingly.

Bible Study Questions

1. How can we ensure that our traditions and practices do not nullify the Word of God in our lives today?

2. In what ways might we be guilty of prioritizing human traditions over God's commandments, and how can we correct this?

3. How does the command to honor our parents apply in contemporary society, and what practical steps can we take to fulfill this commandment?

4. What are some modern examples of legalism, and how can we guard against it in our personal faith journey?

5. How can we cultivate a heart of genuine worship that prioritizes God's commandments over external rituals?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 20:12
The original commandment to honor one's father and mother, which Jesus references to highlight the Pharisees' neglect of God's law.

Mark 7:9-13
A parallel passage where Jesus similarly criticizes the Pharisees for setting aside God's commandments in favor of their traditions.

Isaiah 29:13
Jesus quotes this verse earlier in Matthew 15 to illustrate how the Pharisees honor God with their lips, but their hearts are far from Him.