Matthew 15:2

Modern

“Why do Your disciples break the tradition of the elders? They do not wash their hands before they eat.”

Traditional

Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread.

Literal

“Why do Your disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they shall eat bread.”

Latin

Quare discipuli tui transgrediuntur traditionem seniorum? non enim lavant manus suas cum panem manducant.

Greek

English

“Why do Your disciples break the tradition of the elders? They do not wash their hands before they eat.”

Jewish teachers developed long-standing traditions to explain how the written Torah should guide daily life. These traditions were memorized and passed from teacher to student by word of mouth(see 1 Corinthians 11:23; 15:1–5).
break the tradition of … wash their hands (see Mark 7:2–4; Luke 11:38): The tradition of hand washing was seen as important. Ignoring this practice was considered disobedience to the Torah and unfaithfulness to God’s will for Israel (see Matthew 23:25–26).

Jesus accused the Pharisees of disobeying God's law because of their focus on preserving traditions.

Theme notes and profiles

Mark 7:2
…and they saw some of His disciples eating with hands that were defiled—that is, unwashed.
Luke 11:38
But the Pharisee was surprised to see that Jesus did not first wash before the meal.
Colossians 2:8
See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, which are based on human tradition and the spiritual forces of the world rather than on Christ.
Colossians 2:20–23
If you have died with Christ to the spiritual forces of the world, why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its regulations:
Mark 7:5
So the Pharisees and scribes questioned Jesus: “Why do Your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders? Instead, they eat with defiled hands.”
1 Peter 1:18
For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life you inherited from your forefathers,