PhariseesΦαρισαῖοι
Pharisaioi · Greek Noun
A religious/political party in ancient Judaism known for their strict adherence to the Law of Moses and the oral traditions of the elders. They were often in conflict with Jesus over their legalistic interpretation of piety.
scribesγραμματεῖς
grammateis · Greek Noun
Expert scholars of the Mosaic Law who were responsible for interpreting and teaching the Scriptures. In the New Testament, they frequently appear as opponents of Jesus due to their reliance on legalism.
defiledκοινός
koinos · Greek Adjective
The state of being ceremonially or morally unclean, rendering one unfit to approach God or participate in holy matters. In this context, it refers to ritual impurity rather than moral sin.
traditionπαράδοσις
paradosis · Greek Noun
Refers to the oral laws, interpretations, and practices handed down through generations of Jewish teachers, which were given authority equal to or greater than the written Law of Moses.
walkπεριπατέω
peripateo · Greek Verb
To live, behave, or conduct one’s life. In a biblical context, it refers to the lifestyle or moral pattern one follows in their daily actions.
hypocritesὑποκριτής
hypokritēs · Greek Noun
Someone who plays a part or wears a mask, referring to one whose outward religious profession does not match their inward spiritual reality. In the Bible, it describes religious pretense.
honorsτιμάω
timaō · Greek Verb
To show deep respect, reverence, or high esteem. When applied to God, it refers to the outward expression of esteem through worship and acknowledgment of His status.
heartκαρδία
kardia · Greek Noun
The core of the human personality, including the intellect, emotions, will, and conscience. It is the seat of moral choices and the center of a person's spiritual relationship with God.
in vainμάτην
matēn · Greek Adverb
Empty, useless, or without purpose. In a religious context, it refers to acts of worship that lack genuine spiritual substance or acceptance by God because they are disconnected from a sincere life.
worshipσέβομαι
sebomai · Greek Verb
The act of showing reverence, adoration, or service toward God. True biblical worship is not merely ritualistic but involves the total yielding of oneself to God in accordance with His revealed truth.
doctrinesδιδασκαλία
didaskalia · Greek Noun
A body of teachings or instructions. Biblically, these should be rooted in the revelation of God; when they stem from human authority, they often contradict divine intent.
commandmentἐντολή
entolē · Greek Noun
A divine directive or mandate given by God. It is an authoritative requirement that carries the weight of God's character and authority over His people.
traditionπαράδοσις
paradosis · Greek Noun
An authoritative instruction or body of custom handed down, often through oral history. When placed above God's word, it becomes a tool for human legalism rather than spiritual devotion.
rejectingἀθετέω
atheteō · Greek Verb
To treat as having no value, to set aside, or to nullify. It implies an active turning away from or disregard for an obligation or authority.
revilesκακολογέω
kakologeō · Greek Verb
To insult, curse, or speak evil of someone. In the context of parents, it implies a serious defiance that strikes at the honor due to those God has placed in authority.
Corbanקָרְבָּן
qorban · Hebrew (transliterated into Greek) Noun
A Hebrew term referring to a gift or offering dedicated to God. In this context, it was used by religious leaders as a vow to exempt property from being used to support one's parents, effectively creating a loophole against the commandment to honor one's parents.
making voidἀκυρόω
akyroo · Greek Verb
To make of no effect, to invalidate, or to render powerless. It implies treating a divine command as though it has no authority or binding force.
traditionπαράδοσις
paradosis · Greek Noun
The body of oral laws, interpretations, and customs passed down by elders and teachers, often placed on an equal or higher level of authority than the written Scriptures.