Matthew 15:20

20 These things it be that defoul a man; but to eat with hands not washed [soothly for to eat with hands unwashen], defouleth not a man.

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 those things that come forth from the mouth, go out from the heart [go out of the heart], and those things defoul the man.

19 For of the heart go out evil thoughts [For out of the heart cometh evil thoughts], manslayings, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witnessings, blasphemies.

20 These things it be that defoul a man; but to eat with hands not washed [soothly for to eat with hands unwashen], defouleth not a man.

21 And Jesus went out from thence, and went into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon.

22 And lo! a woman of Canaan went out of those coasts, and cried, and said to him [saying to him], Lord, the son of David, have mercy on me; my daughter is evil travailed of a fiend [my daughter is evil travailed of a devil].