Matthew 15:20

20 These are the things that make a person unclean. But eating without washing one's hands doesn't make a person unclean."

Matthew 15:20 Meaning and Commentary

Matthew 15:20

These are the things which defile a man
These are filthy in themselves, and must pollute all in whom they are; they bring a defilement on the whole man, both body and soul, fasten guilt upon him, and expose him to everlasting punishment:

but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man:
should a man neglect to wash his bands before eating a common meal, this need give him no uneasiness; he contracts no filth to his soul hereby, nor any guilt to his conscience; nor does he break any law of God; nor is he liable to any penalty for such an omission. This is a trifling matter, and merits no regard; but the things before mentioned are in their nature evil: they are contrary to the law of God; they are abominable in his sight; they render men loathsome and odious to the divine being; and expose them to shame and ruin; and it is only the blood of Christ can cleanse them from the pollution and guilt of them, and secure them from that punishment they deserve.

Matthew 15:20 In-Context

18 But whatever goes out of the mouth comes from within, and that's what makes a person unclean.

19 Evil thoughts, murder, adultery, [other] sexual sins, stealing, lying, and cursing come from within.

20 These are the things that make a person unclean. But eating without washing one's hands doesn't make a person unclean."

21 Jesus left that place and went to the region of Tyre and Sidon.

22 A Canaanite woman from that territory came [to him] and began to shout, "Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David! My daughter is tormented by a demon."