He answered, “Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be rooted up.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus uses the metaphor of a garden to explain that anything not divinely established, whether it's a doctrine or a religious movement, is ultimately unstable and destined for removal. This isn't just about condemning the Pharisees; it's a powerful reminder that lasting spiritual truth must have its roots firmly in God's own planting.
He answered, “Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be rooted up.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just publicly rebuked the Pharisees for their man-made traditions that nullify God's commands, causing them offense. His disciples point this out, and Jesus responds to them by explaining that anything not established by God will ultimately be destroyed, implying the religious systems and doctrines of men, like those of the Pharisees, are doomed. He then calls the crowd closer and directly teaches them that true uncleanness comes not from outward things, but from the corrupt thoughts and intentions originating in the human heart.
Jesus uses a powerful metaphor of a gardener to explain what truly lasts. What does this tell us about God's involvement in our lives and beliefs?
Jesus compares religious teachings and even people to plants. He states that anything not planted by His heavenly Father will be uprooted. This isn't just about external actions, but about the very source and foundation of our faith and practices.
The Pharisees were offended by Jesus' words. Jesus' response clarifies why some people reject truth and what the ultimate outcome will be.
When Jesus tells the disciples that the Pharisees' teachings will be rooted up, He’s addressing the disciples’ concern about the Pharisees being offended. Jesus isn't worried about pacifying those who are hostile to truth; He's focused on the divine standard.
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Understand the original words
phyteia · Greek Noun
A metaphor for people, teachings, or spiritual movements; in this context, it represents those who claim spiritual authority or existence but do not originate from God's divine will or truth.
This verse speaks to the divine judgment that awaits any religious system or teaching not rooted in God's truth. It's a stark reminder that human traditions, however deeply entrenched, will ultimately be uprooted if they lack divine origin.
c. 20 BC - 10 BC
Pharisaic Influence Grows
The Pharisee party, emphasizing strict adherence to the Law and oral traditions, gains significant influence among the Jewish people during this period. Their interpretations and practices become increasingly prominent.
c. AD 27-28
Jesus' Public Ministry Begins
Jesus begins his public ministry, teaching and healing. His message often directly challenges the interpretations and authority of the religious leaders, including the Pharisees.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
Jesus Confronts Pharisees Over Traditions
Jesus engages in several confrontations with the Pharisees regarding their traditions, particularly concerning ritual purity and the interpretation of the Law. This verse arises from one such confrontation.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus Explains True Purity
Following the confrontation, Jesus explains to the crowds and his disciples that true spiritual pollution comes from within the heart, not from external practices like unwashed hands.
c. AD 30-33
Pharisees Offended by Jesus' Teachings
Jesus' direct challenge to their traditions and his assertion that their teachings are not divinely sanctioned deeply offends the Pharisees and their followers.
c. AD 70
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
The Roman army destroys Jerusalem and the Second Temple, a catastrophic event for Jewish society. Many of the Pharisees' established structures and influence are irrevocably lost.
Jesus uses a similar vine and planter metaphor, distinguishing between what God cultivates and what is not, highlighting the importance of being divinely planted for fruitfulness.
Galatians 1:8This passage warns against any 'gospel' other than the one preached, mirroring Jesus' message that teachings not divinely planted will be rejected.
1 Corinthians 3:6-8Paul compares Christian workers to those who plant and water, but ultimately it is God who makes things grow, reinforcing the idea that true spiritual growth originates from God's planting.
Matthew 7:17-18Jesus teaches that good trees (or plants) bear good fruit and bad trees bear bad fruit, directly aligning with the idea that what God has planted will produce true spiritual fruit, while other 'plants' will not endure.
Isaiah 60:21This prophecy speaks of God planting His people as trees of righteousness for His glory, echoing the sentiment that true spiritual life and purpose come from God's direct involvement.
barnesMatthew 15:13: "But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up."
Every plant ... - Religious doctrine is not inaptly compared to a plant. See 1 Corinthians 3:6-8 . It is planted in the mind for the purpose of producing fruit in the life, or right conduct. Jesus here says that all those doctrines of which his Father was not the author must be rooted up or corrected. The false doctrines of the Pharisees, therefore, must be attacked, and it was…
calvinMatthew 15:10-20: "And he called the multitude, and said unto them, Hear, and understand:"
- And having called the multitudes to him, he said to them, Hear and understand. 11. What entereth into the mouth polluteth not the man, but what goes out of the mouth polluteth the man. 12. Then his disciples approaching said to him, Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended when they heard that saying? 13. But he answering, said, Every plant which my heavenly Father hath not planted shall be roote…
Jesus uses the metaphor of a garden to explain that anything not divinely established, whether it's a doctrine or a religious movement, is ultimately unstable and destined for removal. This isn't just about condemning the Pharisees; it's a powerful reminder that lasting spiritual truth must have its roots firmly in God's own planting.
Jesus has just publicly rebuked the Pharisees for their man-made traditions that nullify God's commands, causing them offense. His disciples point this out, and Jesus responds to them by explaining that anything not established by God will ultimately be destroyed, implying the religious systems and doctrines of men, like those of the Pharisees, are doomed. He then calls the crowd closer and directly teaches them that true uncleanness comes not from outward things, but from the corrupt thoughts and intentions originating in the human heart.
Jesus has just publicly rebuked the Pharisees for their man-made traditions that nullify God's commands, causing them offense. His disciples point this out, and Jesus responds to them by explaining that anything not established by God will ultimately be destroyed, implying the religious systems and doctrines of men, like those of the Pharisees, are doomed. He then calls the crowd closer and directly teaches them that true uncleanness comes not from outward things, but from the corrupt thoughts and intentions originating in the human heart.
"He answered, “Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be rooted up." — Jesus uses the metaphor of a garden to explain that anything not divinely established, whether it's a doctrine or a religious movement, is ultimately unstable and destined for removal. This isn't jus…
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Last reviewed October 2026