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

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this biblical passage together. It's a really important and thought-provoking verse from Matthew, and it speaks about how Jesus is teaching about following rules and traditions. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: Jesus is telling his disciples (his followers) that they are breaking something important – the established ways of doing things that have been practiced for a long time. Let's unpack the details: "Matthew 15:2" : This refers to a specific instruction Jesus gives about how to offer food at a meal. He says, "Why do your disciples transgress the tradition of the elders?" (The “tradition” is a long-standing custom or way of doing things). “they wash not their hands when they eat bread” : This is the key part! Jesus uses a very vivid and symbolic image. He’s comparing it to washing his hands before eating. Washing Hands: Traditionally, washing your hands is a sign of cleanliness and respect. It's about being pure and ready to partake in something holy. Not Washing Hands: Jesus is saying that the disciples are not showing respect or purity by not washing their hands before eating. So, what does this all mean? It’s essentially saying: Don't just blindly follow rules and traditions. Jesus wants his followers to think critically about what those traditions mean and whether they are truly important. He’s emphasizing that true faith involves more than just obeying a set of rules; it requires understanding why those rules exist and acting with genuine respect and humility. Why is this significant? This verse is often seen as a challenge to the idea of simply following tradition without questioning its purpose or meaning. Jesus is urging his disciples to be discerning and to seek a deeper understanding of what God wants them to do. It’s about spiritual maturity – growing beyond just following rules to truly understand and live by God's will. In short, it’s a call for thoughtful reflection and genuine faith. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific biblical story or concept? Discuss its relevance to modern-day life?

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

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Matthew 15:20. It's a really important one about how we treat others and ourselves. Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is about respect and kindness . It tells us that eating with unwashed hands – meaning not washing your hands before you eat – is considered a serious offense, but not a big deal when it comes to how we treat others. Let's unpack the words: “These are [the things] which defile a man” : This part isn’t saying what is wrong. It’s highlighting that certain behaviors or actions are harmful and dirty – like being rude, disrespectful, or unclean. “But to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man” : This is the key! This means it's not a big deal when we treat others poorly. It’s okay to be a little rough around the edges – to be unkind or disrespectful – as long as we don’t do that to someone else. What does this mean practically? The verse is teaching us a valuable lesson about: Kindness and Respect: Treating others with kindness and respect is far more important than being perfectly polite. It's about valuing people's feelings and dignity. Forgiveness: It encourages us to forgive those who have wronged us, even if we’re hurt. We shouldn't let our anger or frustration ruin our relationships. In a nutshell: Don't be overly concerned with how perfectly you look or behave; focus on treating others with kindness and respect – that’s what truly matters. Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give you some examples of how this principle applies to real-life situations?

Definition: Then Jesus went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Matthew 15:21. It's a little tricky, but here’s what it means in simple terms: Basically, Jesus is leaving or traveling to two places – Tyre and Sidon – in the Mediterranean Sea. Here’s a more detailed explanation: “Matthew 15”: This refers to Matthew, one of the twelve apostles. “…thence”: This means “from here” or “towards that.” It indicates Jesus is moving somewhere. “…departed into”: He left. “…the coasts of Tyre and Sidon”: These are two islands in the Mediterranean Sea: Tyre (a large island) and Sidon (a smaller island). What’s the significance? This story is a bit mysterious and has been interpreted in several ways over time. It's often seen as a symbolic representation of Jesus's departure to fulfill his purpose. Here are some common interpretations: Preparing for His Ministry: Some believe that this was a preparation for Jesus’s ministry. He was leaving the expectations of his previous life and starting a new journey with a specific mission in mind. A Journey to Jerusalem: It's also thought to be a journey towards Jerusalem, where he would teach and heal. A Temporary Separation: It could represent a temporary separation from the people – perhaps for a period of time. Important Note: The exact meaning of this verse is debated among scholars. It’s a beautiful and evocative passage that adds to the richness of the story of Jesus’s life. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss a specific theme in these verses (like faith, repentance, or purpose)?

Definition: And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, [thou] Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Matthew 15:22. It’s a really interesting and slightly unusual passage in the Bible. Here's what it means, explained simply: The Basic Story: This verse comes from a story about a woman from the land of Canaan (modern-day Israel) who was experiencing a significant problem. She was distressed because she felt like she was being tormented by a powerful and evil force – a devil. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Matthew 15:22” : This is where the verse begins. It tells us about a specific event in the Gospel of Matthew. “And, behold…” : This phrase often signals a significant turning point or a moment of revelation. “Behold” means "look" or "see." “…a woman of Canaan…” : This refers to a person from the land of Israel, specifically from the region that is now part of modern-day Lebanon. She was identified as a foreigner (an outsider) – someone not born into Jewish territory. “came out of the same coasts…” : This tells us she came from the area around the Mediterranean Sea and North Africa – essentially, from the land of Israel. “…and cried unto him…” : She was desperately pleading with Jesus. She was in distress. “…saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David…” : This is the core of the message. She's begging for forgiveness and help from Jesus. “Son of David” refers to King David, a very important figure in Jewish tradition. She's asking him to show compassion and mercy to her troubled situation. “my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil.” : This is the crucial part. The word "grievous" means extremely serious or painful. She’s saying she’s being tormented by an evil force – a demon, perhaps - causing her great distress and worry. What does it mean in a nutshell? This verse highlights Jesus' power and compassion. It suggests that someone facing spiritual problems can turn to Him for help. It’s not about a simple disagreement or misunderstanding; it's about a deep, agonizing struggle with evil forces. Why is this important? Jesus’ Healing Power: The verse emphasizes Jesus’ ability to heal and comfort those who are suffering from spiritual affliction. The Importance of Faith & Trust: It suggests that belief in Jesus and trusting Him can be a powerful way to overcome these struggles. It's about turning to God, even when you feel hopeless. Important Note: This is a very ancient text, dating back to the 1st century. The language used is poetic and symbolic, and it’s not meant to be taken literally in every detail. It’s more about conveying a sense of deep distress and the possibility of divine intervention. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Discuss what this story might symbolize? Compare it to other stories in the Bible?

Definition: But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Matthew 15:23. It’s a really interesting one with a lot of layers! Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: Jesus is patiently and calmly ignoring someone who is constantly talking back to him. He’s not reacting with anger or frustration, he’s simply letting her speak without interrupting her. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: "But he answered her not a word." This is the key part. Jesus isn't saying anything to her – he’s completely ignoring her. It’s like he’s deliberately choosing not to respond. "And his disciples came and besought him..." The disciples, who were following Jesus, are pleading with him to stop her. They’re trying to get him to address the situation. "...saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us." This is the core of what's happening. They’re telling him that she’s constantly repeating his words – like she’s echoing him. The word "crieth" means to shout or repeat something loudly. So, they're saying she's endlessly repeating his teachings and opinions. So, what’s the point of this? This is a powerful example of Jesus’ teaching about listening. It’s a reminder that: He wants us to listen to Him , not to others. It’s more important for him to hear our words than to respond to those who aren't listening. We should be quiet and respectful when talking to Him. He doesn't want constant conversation, especially if it’s disruptive or pointless. In essence, the verse is a gentle but firm instruction to focus on what Jesus teaches and avoid getting drawn into endless chatter. --- Do you have any specific questions about this verse that you'd like me to answer? For example, would you like: A deeper explanation of the meaning behind "listening"? How this verse relates to other parts of the Bible? A simple analogy to help illustrate it?

Definition: But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Matthew 15:24. It’s a really important one about Jesus’s priorities and what He was focusing on. Here’s a simple explanation: The Basic Idea: Jesus is saying that He wasn’t sent to be a popular guy or someone who brings lots of people to the church. Instead, He’s specifically chosen to find and help those who are truly lost – those who are wandering away from God's path. Let’s unpack it: “But he answered…” : This sets up a conversation. Jesus is speaking. “…and said, I am not sent… ” : This is the core of the verse. He’s saying that He isn’t interested in being part of a group or having a big crowd. He's focused on a specific group – those who are struggling and need help. “I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” : This is where it gets really important. “Lost sheep” refers to people who are following the wrong path, who aren’t connected to God's love or purpose. “House of Israel” means all Jewish people – meaning everyone in the Jewish community. So, Jesus is saying He’s sending himself specifically to find and help those people who are struggling with their faith. What does this mean practically? It means that Jesus cares deeply about helping people who are struggling with their relationship with God. It shows a deep compassion for those who are lost and need guidance. In short, it's a powerful statement about Jesus’s purpose – to be a shepherd, guiding those who are truly lost. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Give you some context about the time this was written? (It's part of the Gospel of Matthew) Discuss what this verse says about Jesus’ role in the church?

Definition: Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down that verse! “Matthew 15:25 Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me.” This is a really important passage in the Bible about God’s love and how we can connect with Him. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: “Then came she” : This means a woman was approaching God. “…and worshipped him” : “Worshiping” means showing respect and adoration to someone or something. She was turning her attention and heart towards God. “saying, Lord, help me” : This is the key part! She was expressing a need – she felt like she was struggling or in trouble. She was asking for his help. Essentially, it’s about humility and seeking God's grace. It's a reminder that we all need His help sometimes, and that reaching out to Him is something to be proud of. What does this say about God? It shows that God wants us to trust in Him, even when we’re feeling lost or struggling. He’s open to our requests and willing to listen to what we need. It's a powerful message of connection! It encourages us to not be afraid to ask for help from the source of all things – God. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the context of this passage (like when it was written)?

Definition: But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children’s bread, and to cast [it] to dogs.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Matthew 15:26. It’s a really important one about treating others with kindness and respect. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: Jesus is telling someone who has offered bread to children that it's not okay to give it away to people they shouldn’t be giving it to – like dogs! Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “But he answered…” : This sets up a conversation. Jesus isn’t just talking; he’s responding to someone who has offered bread. “…and said, It is not meet to take the children’s bread, and to cast [it] to dogs.” This is the core of the verse. Let's break down those words: “It is not meet…” : This means it's not right or appropriate to do something. It’s a judgment about what’s morally correct. “…to take the children’s bread…” : Jesus is pointing out that someone is giving bread to children – likely because they are hungry. “…and cast [it] to dogs.” : This is the shocking part! "Dogs" represent people who are deserving of less kindness or consideration. It's a metaphor for those who should be treated with respect and compassion, but aren’t receiving it. So, what does this mean practically? Jesus is saying that we shouldn’t be generous to people who are not worthy of generosity. We shouldn’t give our time, resources, or even our kindness to someone who isn't deserving of it. It’s about treating everyone with respect and recognizing their inherent worth. It highlights the importance of empathy – understanding and sharing in another person's feelings. Why is this important? This verse speaks to a fundamental principle of love and compassion. It reminds us that God values others as much as we value ourselves. It’s about humility—recognizing our own fallibility and not presuming to know what's best for everyone. In short, Jesus is teaching us to be generous with kindness and respect to all people. --- Would you like me to: Explain this verse in a different way? Give you an example of how this principle applies to everyday life?

Definition: And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this scripture together! It’s a really interesting and symbolic passage from Matthew. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is about compassion and recognizing the needs of others. It speaks to how we should treat those who are less fortunate or suffering, even if they seem unpleasant or difficult. Let's unpack it word by word: "Matthew 15:27" : This tells us where this verse is found – in the Gospel of Matthew, which is part of the New Testament Bible. “And she said, Truth, Lord” : This is a woman who’s clearly distressed and perhaps feeling hurt or betrayed. She's expressing her feelings – she’s asking for truth and understanding. "Truth" here implies honesty and rightness. “Yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.” This is where it gets really interesting! Let's break this down further: “Dogs” : This isn’t necessarily talking about actual dogs. It symbolizes people who are unkind, selfish, or malicious. They are those who exploit others for their own gain. “Eat of the crumbs” : This is a metaphor. Crumbs – small pieces of food – represent the lost opportunities, kindness, and compassion that fall to the ground. It’s suggesting that these good things are being taken away from people who don't deserve them. “From their masters’ table” : This refers to those in positions of power or authority. They claim to be in charge, but they’re actually taking advantage of others. So, the whole verse means: Even though someone is difficult, unkind, or causing harm, we should treat them with compassion and understanding like we would crumbs falling from a table – offering kindness and recognizing their vulnerability. Overall Meaning & Significance: The verse encourages us to: Be empathetic: Try to understand people’s perspectives, even if they're hard to deal with. Show compassion: Offer help and kindness to those who are suffering or in need. Don’t judge harshly: Resist the urge to criticize or condemn others. In a nutshell, it’s a call for us to be generous and forgiving – even when it's difficult. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further? Give you some real-life examples of how to apply this principle?

Definition: Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great [is] thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this passage together! This verse is a beautiful story about healing and faith. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, Jesus is saying to a woman who has been injured (likely a childbirth injury) that her faith – her belief and hope – is strong enough to heal her. Let's unpack the parts: “Matthew 15:28 Then Jesus answered and said unto her…” - Jesus is talking directly to this woman. “…O woman, great [is] thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt.” – This is a gentle way of saying “You have a lot of faith.” The word "great" emphasizes how important her faith is. It’s encouraging her to keep believing and hoping. It's like saying, "You have a really strong belief!" “And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.” – This is the key part! The woman’s faith healed her daughter. It means that her hope and belief in her daughter’s recovery brought about a physical healing. The bigger picture: This story illustrates that faith can be powerful. It doesn't just mean believing in something, but believing with hope and determination to see it happen. It shows that faith can work wonders! In short, the verse is a reminder that our belief in something – whether it’s healing someone or achieving a goal – can have a tangible impact. --- Do you want me to: Explain this story further with more details? Offer a different perspective on the meaning of the verse? Give you a quick summary of what the verse is about?