The term "commandments of men" refers to human traditions and teachings that are elevated to the status of divine commandments, often leading to a distortion or neglect of God's true commandments. This concept is addressed in several passages of the Bible, where it is often criticized for its potential to lead believers away from genuine faith and obedience to God.

Biblical References

One of the most direct references to the "commandments of men" is found in the Gospel of Matthew. Jesus confronts the Pharisees and scribes, who were known for their strict adherence to human traditions. In Matthew 15:8-9 , Jesus quotes the prophet Isaiah, saying, "‘These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. They worship Me in vain; they teach as doctrine the precepts of men.’" Here, Jesus highlights the danger of prioritizing human traditions over the commandments of God, emphasizing that such practices result in vain worship.

Similarly, in the Gospel of Mark, Jesus addresses the issue of human traditions overshadowing divine commandments. Mark 7:6-8 records Jesus' words: "Isaiah prophesied correctly about you hypocrites, as it is written: ‘These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. They worship Me in vain; they teach as doctrine the precepts of men.’ You have disregarded the commandment of God to keep the tradition of men." This passage underscores the conflict between human traditions and God's commandments, warning against the elevation of the former at the expense of the latter.

The Apostle Paul also addresses the issue in his epistles. In Colossians 2:20-22 , Paul warns the believers in Colossae: "If you have died with Christ to the spiritual forces of the world, why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its regulations: 'Do not handle, do not taste, do not touch!'? These will all perish with use, because they are based on human commands and teachings." Paul cautions against adhering to human regulations that are not rooted in Christ, emphasizing the transient nature of such commandments.

Theological Implications

The concept of "commandments of men" serves as a caution against the potential pitfalls of legalism and the elevation of human traditions to the level of divine authority. It challenges believers to discern between God's eternal commandments and human traditions that may not align with biblical teachings. This discernment is crucial for maintaining the purity of worship and ensuring that one's faith is grounded in the truth of God's Word rather than the shifting sands of human opinion.

Historical Context

In the historical context of the New Testament, the Jewish religious leaders, particularly the Pharisees, were known for their meticulous observance of the Law and the oral traditions that had developed around it. These traditions, while intended to safeguard the Law, often became burdensome and overshadowed the heart of God's commandments. Jesus' critique of the "commandments of men" was a call to return to the essence of God's Law, which is love for God and neighbor.

Practical Application

For contemporary believers, the warning against the "commandments of men" remains relevant. It encourages Christians to evaluate their own practices and beliefs, ensuring that they are rooted in Scripture rather than cultural or denominational traditions that may not reflect biblical truth. This requires a commitment to studying the Bible and seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit to discern God's will.

In summary, the "commandments of men" represent a significant theme in the Bible, highlighting the tension between human traditions and divine commandments. Believers are called to prioritize God's Word above all else, ensuring that their worship and obedience are genuine and aligned with His eternal truth.Isaiah 29:13
Why the Lord said, For as much as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honor me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men:
Nave's Topical Index

Matthew 15:3-20
But he answered and said to them, Why do you also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?
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Mark 7:2-23
And when they saw some of his disciples eat bread with defiled, that is to say, with unwashed, hands, they found fault.
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Romans 14:1-6,10-23
Him that is weak in the faith receive you, but not to doubtful disputations.
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1 Timothy 4:1-3
Now the Spirit speaks expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
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Commandments to Men.
... constitutions of the holy apostles. Book I. Concerning the Laity. Sec.
II."Commandments to Men. Concerning the Adornment of Ourselves ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec ii commandments to men.htm

Tradition
... But in vain they do worship Me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men."
The words of Christ were an arraignment of the whole system of Pharisaism. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 42 tradition.htm

It Clearly Appears that There was but one Author of Both the Old ...
... Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me: howbeit in vain do they worship
Me, teaching the doctrines and the commandments of men." [3942] He does not ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xii it clearly appears that.htm

The Testament of Asher Concerning Two Faces of vice and virtue.
... in the Heavenly Tablets that in very deed ye will disobey Him, and act ungodly against
Him, not giving heed to the law of God, but to the commandments of men. ...
/.../the testaments of the twelve patriarchs/x the testament of asher concerning.htm

Controversy
... in almsgiving. But Christ declared that they made void the law of God by
teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. As a class ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 66 controversy.htm

There is but one Lord and one God, the Father and Creator of all ...
... If, however, He Himself had come from another Father, and men glorified a different ...
is Himself the voice of God, by which man received commandments, which he ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xvii there is but one.htm

Of the Mass.
... and every invention of man we may [safely] discard, as Christ declares, Matt.15,
9: In vain do they worship Me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/luther/the smalcald articles/article ii of the mass.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xix. 17, "If Thou Wouldest Enter ...
... young man, "If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments." [2792] He ... even
this present life, under whatever circumstances, is loved; and men fear and ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon xxxiv on the words.htm

The Adulterous Woman.
... They did not speak "with authority," but fortified their decisions with the opinions
of great Doctors, "teaching for doctrines the commandments of men." He, on ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/the adulterous woman.htm

In Christ all are Free. The Jews Hope for Salvation in Vain ...
... and holding no water, which your own teachers have digged, as the Scripture also
expressly asserts, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.' [2483] And ...
/.../chapter cxl in christ all are.htm

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