Matthew 15:15
Then answered Peter, and said vnto him, Declare vnto vs this parable. Matthew 15:15 (KJV)
The phrase “Then answered Peter and said unto him, Declare unto us this parable” is sometimes cited, but it does not appear in the King James Version of the Bible. In the Gospel accounts concerning Jesus’ teaching on defilement—emphasizing what comes out of a person’s mouth rather than what goes in—there is no recorded instance of Peter approaching Jesus and requesting an explanation of a parable in those exact words. While the disciples do engage with Jesus on the topic (see Matthew 15:10‑20), the specific dialogue attributed to Peter here is not found in Scripture.
Parables were an important teaching tool used by Jesus throughout His ministry. They were simple stories that conveyed spiritual truths and had a deeper meaning. Jesus often used parables to illustrate heavenly principles using relatable earthly examples. Parables engaged the listeners and provoked deeper thought and reflection.
Although Peter asked Jesus questions on several occasions in the Gospels, there is no biblical record of him saying, “Declare unto us this parable,” in the context of the defilement discourse. The desire to seek clarification, however, is consistent with Peter’s documented curiosity in other passages, showing his willingness to understand the deeper significance of Jesus’ teachings.
Peter’s responses elsewhere reflect his humility and eagerness to learn from Jesus. Despite being one of the twelve apostles and having witnessed numerous miracles and teachings, Peter did not hesitate to seek clarification when something was not clear to him. This demonstrates the importance of maintaining a teachable attitude and the willingness to ask questions in order to deepen our understanding of God’s Word.
As believers, we can learn from Peter’s example and seek understanding when we encounter passages or teachings that we find challenging or unclear. It is essential to approach the study of the Bible with humility, recognizing that we may not fully comprehend all aspects of God’s truth. Through prayer, diligent study, and seeking guidance from more knowledgeable believers, we can gain insight and clarity.
Reading the verses that precede and follow Matthew 15:15 can provide additional context and insight into Jesus’ teachings and the ensuing conversation. Understanding the entire passage (Matthew 15:1‑20) helps us grasp the broader message Jesus conveyed regarding the importance of inner purity and the true defilement of the heart. Remember, Bible study is a lifelong journey, and seeking to understand God’s Word is a continuous process.
