Matthew 15:20 web — These are the things which defile the man; but to eat with unwashed hands doesn't defile the man."

World English Bible

"These are the things which defile the man; but to eat with unwashed hands doesn't defile the man.""

— Matthew 15:20, World English Bible

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Matthew 15:20 in Other Translations

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Matthew 15 — Context

17

Don't you understand that whatever goes into the mouth passes into the belly, and then out of the body?

18

But the things which proceed out of the mouth come out of the heart, and they defile the man.

19

For out of the heart come forth evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, sexual sins, thefts, false testimony, and blasphemies.

20

These are the things which defile the man; but to eat with unwashed hands doesn't defile the man."

21

Jesus went out from there, and withdrew into the region of Tyre and Sidon.

22

Behold, a Canaanite woman came out from those borders, and cried, saying, "Have mercy on me, Lord, you son of David! My daughter is severely demonized!"

23

But he answered her not a word. His disciples came and begged him, saying, "Send her away; for she cries after us."

Matthew 15:20 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Matthew 15:20 say?
Matthew 15:20 in the World English Bible reads: “These are the things which defile the man; but to eat with unwashed hands doesn't defile the man."”
Where is Matthew 15:20 in the Bible?
Matthew 15:20 is found in the New Testament, in the book of Matthew, chapter 15, verse 20.
Who wrote Matthew?
Matthew is traditionally attributed to Matthew (Levi), tax-collector turned apostle. It was written c. AD 50–70.
What is the book of Matthew about?
Matthew presents Jesus as the long-awaited Jewish Messiah — son of David, son of Abraham, fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets. Structured around five great teaching blocks including the Sermon on the Mount, it ends with the risen King commissioning his disciples to make disciples of all nations.
What are the major themes of Matthew?
Matthew explores themes including Kingdom of Heaven, Messiah, Fulfillment, Discipleship, Great Commission. These themes shape the meaning and context of Matthew 15:20.
What translation should I read Matthew 15:20 in?
Matthew 15:20 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Matthew 15:20?
Matthew 15:20 reads (WEB): “These are the things which defile the man; but to eat with unwashed hands doesn't defile the man."” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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