ESV Global Study Bible :: Footnotes for Matthew 15

Matt. 15:2 tradition of the elders. Interpretations of Scripture given by rabbis and handed down from previous generations. they do not wash their hands. Priests were required to wash their hands and feet prior to performing their duties. The Pharisees made this a matter of ceremonial purity and applied it to all Israelites.

Matt. 15:3 Jesus makes a clear distinction between the OT (the commandment of God) and the Pharisaic tradition (human regulations).

Matt. 15:5 Given to God reflects a technical term for a formal vow (compare “Corban,” Mark 7:11). This allowed a person to be released from responsibilities such as caring for aging parents.

Matt. 15:6 The Pharisees have made void the word of God with their traditions and rulings: anyone who broke a vow (human law) in order to help needy parents (God’s law) would have committed a serious transgression, according to the Pharisees’ rulings.

Matt. 15:11 not what goes into . . . but what comes out. See note on Mark 7:19.

Matt. 15:14 blind guides. The Pharisees are blind to their own hypocrisy. They lead the people astray because they cannot see the true meaning of the OT law.

Matt. 15:17–20 whatever goes into the mouth. See note on Mark 7:19.

Matt. 15:22 For this Canaanite woman, the title Lord is probably just an expression of great respect. Her use of Son of David shows some knowledge of Jewish thoughts about him (see note on v. 27). “Canaanite” here means a non-Jewish person living in that region. The term occurs only here in the NT.

Matt. 15:24 only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Later, through the apostles, the message of the gospel is to go to the Gentiles (Acts 1:8; 22:21; 26:17–18; see Luke 24:47; John 10:16). At this point, the focus is on the Jews and their spiritual need. See Matt. 10:6 and note on 22:9.

Matt. 15:26–27 dogs. See note on 7:6, but the Greek word Jesus uses here suggests a more affectionate term for domestic pets. Jesus is not insulting the woman but testing her faith.

Matt. 15:27 The woman presses Jesus by referring to the extended blessings promised to the Gentiles through Abraham (see Gen. 12:3).

Matt. 15:32 Jesus goes to the Decapolis (see note on 4:25).

Matt. 15:34 The number seven is usually symbolic of perfection or completion. Here the number may symbolize the fullness of God’s provision for all peoples, including Gentiles.

Matt. 15:35–38 For a similar occurrence, see note on 14:15–21.

Matt. 15:39 There are no historical or archaeological records of Magadan, which is mentioned only here in the NT. Most likely it is a variant spelling for Magdala, the home of Mary Magdalene, in Jewish territory.