Matthew 15:15

15 "Explain to us this figurative language," said Peter.

Matthew 15:15 Meaning and Commentary

Matthew 15:15

Then answered Peter
Mark says, "his disciples asked him concerning the parable"; which might be by the mouth of Peter; who, probably, being the eldest man, and very forward to speak, was generally their spokesman: and who, at this time, might be requested, by the rest, to ask the meaning of the parable, which had given offence to the Pharisees, and was not clearly understood by them; which he accordingly did:

and said unto him, declare unto us this parable;
that not what goes into the mouth, but what comes out of it, defiles the man; which, though expressed in very plain words, and easy to be understood, yet did not appear clear to their understandings; and seemed to be contrary, not only to the traditions of the elders, but to the laws of God, respecting the difference of clean and unclean meats; and therefore call it a "parable", and desire an explanation of it.

Matthew 15:15 In-Context

13 "Every plant," He replied, "which my Heavenly Father has not planted will be rooted up.

14 Leave them alone. They are blind guides of the blind; and if a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into some pit."

15 "Explain to us this figurative language," said Peter.

16 "Are even you," He answered, "still without intellingence?

17 Do you not understand that whatever enters the mouth passes into the stomach and is afterwards ejected from the body?