Matthew 15 20

Matthew 15:20 kjv

These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man.

Matthew 15:20 nkjv

These are the things which defile a man, but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile a man."

Matthew 15:20 niv

These are what defile a person; but eating with unwashed hands does not defile them."

Matthew 15:20 esv

These are what defile a person. But to eat with unwashed hands does not defile anyone."

Matthew 15:20 nlt

These are what defile you. Eating with unwashed hands will never defile you."

Matthew 15 verses

Matthew 15 20 Meaning

Matthew 15:20 declares that what truly defiles a person comes from within the heart, manifesting through actions, words, and thoughts, rather than external, ritualistic practices like eating with unwashed hands. This verse is the summary conclusion of Jesus' teaching that internal spiritual purity, or lack thereof, defines true defilement, contrasting sharply with the traditions of men concerning ceremonial cleanness.

Matthew 15 20 Context

Matthew 15:20 concludes a significant teaching moment for Jesus that began in verse 1. Pharisees and scribes from Jerusalem confronted Jesus about why His disciples did not follow the tradition of ritual hand-washing before eating (Matt 15:2). This practice was a man-made tradition, not a direct commandment from the Mosaic Law. Jesus counters their accusation by exposing their own hypocrisy, showing how they violated God's explicit commands (e.g., honor father and mother) for the sake of their traditions (Matt 15:3-9). He then called the crowd and taught them (Matt 15:10), later explaining privately to His disciples (Matt 15:15-17) that true defilement does not come from what goes into the mouth (food, or ritual uncleanness), but from what comes out of the heart—evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, and slander (Matt 15:18-19). Verse 20 serves as the conclusive summary statement to this profound redefinition of purity and defilement. The historical context highlights the clash between external religious performance favored by the religious leaders and the internal transformation demanded by God, as taught by Jesus.

Matthew 15 20 Word analysis

• These (ταῦτα - tauta): Demonstrative pronoun referring specifically back to the list of vices articulated in Matthew 15:19: "evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander." It emphatically identifies the true source of spiritual impurity.
• are what defile (ἐστιν τὰ κοινοῦντα - estin ta koinounta):
  • Defile (κοινοῦντα - koinounta): The participle of koinoō, meaning "to make common," "to pollute," or "to make unholy." In a Jewish context, something made koinos (common) was ritually impure, thus unfit for holy use or presence. Jesus uses this term to shift the understanding from external ritual impurity (e.g., handling dead things) to internal moral and spiritual corruption. This implies a deeper, systemic impurity that separates one from God's holiness.
• a person (τὸν ἄνθρωπον - ton anthrōpon): Generic term for human being. This teaching applies universally, to all people, highlighting that inner moral defilement is a human condition, not merely a Jewish ceremonial one.
• but eating (τὸ δὲ φαγεῖν - to de phagein): Introduces a clear contrast. It refers to the specific practice being questioned by the Pharisees, underscoring that the external act of consumption itself is not the issue.
• with unwashed hands (ἀνίπτοις χερσὶν - aniptois chersin):
  • Unwashed (ἀνίπτοις - aniptois): From a- (negative prefix) + niptō (to wash). This specifically refers to the ritual hand-washing traditions (netilat yadayim), not ordinary hygienic washing. These traditions were an important part of the oral law of the Pharisees, believed to convey purity.
• does not defile them (οὐ κοινοῖ τὸν ἄνθρωπον - ou koinoi ton anthrōpon): A direct negation using the same core verb koinoō (defile). Jesus unequivocally dismisses the idea that the external act of unwashed hands causes spiritual defilement. This statement redefines the boundary of holiness.
• Words-Group Analysis:
  • "These are what defile a person": This phrase dramatically pivots the discussion from outward practices to inward realities. It asserts that true defilement originates from one's inherent moral and spiritual state, manifested in wicked actions and intentions. This stands in direct opposition to a religion focused on ceremonial obedience.
  • "but eating with unwashed hands does not defile them": This directly refutes the Pharisaic legalism and their elevation of human tradition over God's intention for true righteousness. It signifies Jesus' liberation of His followers from burdens of man-made rules and redirection to genuine internal transformation. It de-sacralizes ceremonial eating.

Matthew 15 20 Bonus section

The profound implications of Matthew 15:20 extend beyond the immediate context of ritual hand-washing. Jesus' teaching here laid foundational groundwork for the early Christian movement to transcend the rigid ceremonial aspects of the Mosaic Law, preparing the way for the inclusion of Gentiles without requiring full adherence to Jewish customs like circumcision and dietary laws, as seen in the book of Acts (e.g., Acts 10, Acts 15). The distinction between that which enters the body and that which proceeds from the heart challenges a superficial understanding of sin and righteousness, aligning with prophetic messages in the Old Testament that also prioritize justice, mercy, and humility over ritual (e.g., Micah 6:8). This verse fundamentally shifts the battleground from external behaviors and appearances to the internal spiritual condition, underscoring the necessity of a transformed heart, a core tenet of the New Covenant.

Matthew 15 20 Commentary

Matthew 15:20 serves as the powerful summary of Jesus' revolutionary teaching on purity. It cuts to the heart of what true defilement entails, dismantling the external, ritualistic purity laws upheld by the Pharisees and re-establishing an emphasis on internal moral integrity. Jesus asserts that evil originates from within the human heart, and it is the outflow of wicked thoughts, intentions, and behaviors that truly separates a person from God's holiness. Conversely, He declares that adhering to or neglecting human-made traditions, such as ritual hand-washing, has no bearing on one's spiritual standing or defilement before God. This verse clarifies that God seeks sincere inner devotion and transformation rather than mere outward compliance or adherence to religious formalities. It calls believers to focus on purifying their hearts, minds, and consciences, knowing that their true walk with God stems from their innermost being. For example, rather than being concerned with strict dietary rules, one's focus should be on not speaking slander, which truly defiles the speaker and harms the listener.