Definition: But in vain they do worship me, teaching [for] doctrines the commandments of men.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Matthew 15:9. It’s a really important one about how people should approach God and His teachings. Here's an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that when people worship God too much or wrongly , they’re not truly worshipping him – they’re just following rules made by humans, instead of focusing on what God wants them to do. Let's unpack it word-by-word: "But in vain..." : This is a key part. “In vain” means not effectively , not as intended . People aren’t actually worshipping God with their efforts. "...they do worship me..." : They're giving praise and devotion to God. "...teaching [for] doctrines the commandments of men." : This is where it gets a little more complex, but the core message remains: They’re teaching rules or ideas – the laws and guidelines that humans have created, rather than following God's will as He has shown us. “Commandments” refers to God’s rules and laws—the things he has commanded us to do. What it means practically: It's a warning against superficial religion. It suggests that true worship isn't about memorizing rules, but about understanding and obeying God’s love and purpose for our lives. When people focus on doing the right things according to God's will – like loving others, being kind, and following his teachings – they're truly worshipping him. In short: It’s saying that genuine worship comes from a heart filled with devotion to God’s love and purpose, not just from following rules we create ourselves. Does this have any significance for you? Would you like me to: Explain another verse in the same passage? Discuss how this verse relates to other parts of the Bible about worship?