See in Reader
986 B
Why do your disciples violate the traditions of the elders?
The Pharisees and scribes use this question to criticize Jesus and his disciples. Alternate translation: "Your disciples do not respect the rules that our ancestors have given us." (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion)
traditions of the elders
This is not the same as the law of Moses. This refers to later teachings and interpretations of the law given by religious leaders after Moses.
they do not wash their hands
This washing is not only to clean hands. This refers to a ceremonial washing according to the tradition of the elders. Alternate translation: "they do not wash their hands properly" (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit)
when they eat bread
The word "bread" here is a synecdoche for any kind of food, and the word "when" refers to what people generally do before eating meals. Alternate translation: "before they eat" (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche)