Translation commentary on Matthew 15:12

Then the disciples came and said to him implies the beginning of a private session between Jesus and his disciples, as do the similar statements in 13.10 and 14.15 (see also 5.1), which suggest a movement of Jesus and his disciples away from the crowds. This conversation breaks off in verse 20, following which Jesus departs to the territory near the towns of Tyre and Sidon.

In this context came may better be “approached Jesus” or “went near him.”

Pharisees was discussed in 3.7.

Were offended translates the passive form of the verb first used in 5.29. Good News Translation has “had their feelings hurt”; New Jerusalem Bible and Barclay “were shocked”; New English Bible “have taken great offence.” “Were upset” is also good.

This saying is literally “this word”; the phrase may refer either to verse 11 (which may be taken as a proverbial saying), as Revised Standard Version might imply, or more generally to all that Jesus has just said: “what you said” (Good News Translation, Barclay, New Jerusalem Bible) and “what you have been saying” (New English Bible).

There are various ways this question can be restructured, including “Do you know that the Pharisees were shocked by what you said?” “Do you know that what you said upset the Pharisees (when they heard it)?” and “Do you know that the Pharisees were really upset when you said that?”

Quoted with permission from Newman, Barclay M. and Stine, Philip C. A Handbook on the Gospel of Matthew. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1988. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .

SIL Translator’s Notes on Matthew 15:12



Paragraph 15:12–20

15:12a

Then the disciples came to Him and said: This clause indicates that the disciples had a private conversation with Jesus apart from the crowd. According to Mark 7:17, this conversation took place after Jesus and his disciples left the crowd and entered a house.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

Later his disciples came to him and said (Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English)
-or-
Then the disciples approached and said to him (New Revised Standard Version)

15:12b

Are You aware that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this?: This is a rhetorical question. The disciples were gently warning Jesus to be careful. The Pharisees had a lot of influence over the people, and people highly respected them. It was not wise to offend them.

Here are some other ways to translate this warning:

• As a rhetorical question. For example:

Do you realize that when the Pharisees heard your statement they were offended? (God’s Word)

• As a statement. For example:

You know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard you say those words. ⌊Please be careful.⌋

Are You aware: The Greek verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as aware in this context means “know about,” “realize,” or “be aware of.” The disciples wanted to make sure that Jesus realized how much his words had offended the Pharisees. The disciples were concerned because Jesus spoke against the teachings of such an important religious group.

Here are some other ways to translate this verb:

Do you realize (God’s Word)
-or-
Do you know (English Standard Version)

the Pharisees were offended: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as were offended also means “were upset,” “were shocked,” or “were angered” by something.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

the Pharisees were upset
-or-
the Pharisees are angry (New Century Version)
-or-
The Pharisees are not at all happy
-or-
you insulted the Pharisees (Contemporary English Version)

Some languages have idioms to translate this clause.

when they heard this: This clause means “when the Pharisees heard this thing that you said.”

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

when they heard what you said (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
at the words that you said ⌊about them⌋
-or-
because of what you said (New Century Version)

-or-

by what you said (Good News Translation)

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