Matthew 15:17

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Matthew 15:17 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Perceive ye not, that whatsoever goeth into the mouth passeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught?” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Perceive ye not, that whatsoever goeth into the mouth passeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught?
Matthew 15:17 — American Standard Version

Context — Matthew 15

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
17Perceive ye not, that whatsoever goeth into the mouth passeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught?

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Do not ye understand, etc.] You must understand, you cannot be so ignorant, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth, goeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught? that is, that whatsoever food a man takes in at his mouth, he swallows down, and it is received into his stomach; which, having performed its office, the grosser parts go down into the belly, and passing through the bowels, are evacuated into the vault, or privy, “purging all meats”, as Mark says; for that only receives the filth and excrementitious matter; so that what is left in the body is pure, wholesome, and nourishing: nor can any part of what goes into a man defile him, because it only enters into the body, and…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Do not ye yet understand that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth, &c.--Familiar though these sayings have now become, what freedom from bondage to outward things do they proclaim, on the one hand; and on the other, how searching is the truth which they express--that nothing which enters from without can really defile us; and that only the evil that is in the heart, that is allowed to stir there, to rise up in thought and affection, and to flow forth in voluntary action, really defiles a man!”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“See also Mark 7:17-23. Then answered Peter, and said unto him, Declare unto us this parable - See the notes at Matthew 13:3. The word “parable” sometimes means a dark or obscure saying, Psalms 78:2. Peter meant, “Explain to us more fully this obscure and novel doctrine.” To us, now, it is plain; to the disciples, just coming out of Judaism, the doctrine of Jesus was obscure. Mark says that the disciples asked him. There is no contradiction. The question was put by Peter in the name of the disciples; or several of them put the question, though Matthew has mentioned only one. An omission is not a contradiction. Matthew 15:16 Are ye also yet without understanding? - Jesus appeals, in explaining…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Are ye also yet without understanding - How fair and candid are the sacred historians? Never concealing or excusing their own blemishes. Matthew 15:19”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“that: Mat 7:19, Mat 7:20; Luk 6:45; Co1 6:13; Col 2:21, Col 2:22; Jam 3:6 and is: Kg2 10:27 Matthew 15:18”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification