Matthew 15:7 in the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible reads, "Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me." This verse is part of a larger passage in which Jesus criticizes the Pharisees and scribes for their hypocritical behavior.

Context:

In this passage, the Pharisees and scribes question Jesus about why his disciples do not follow the tradition of the elders by washing their hands before they eat. Jesus responds by pointing out their hypocrisy, saying that they nullify the commandment of God for the sake of their tradition. He goes on to give examples of how they use their tradition to avoid taking care of their parents, and he accuses them of hypocritically honoring God with their lips while their hearts are far from Him.

In this passage, Jesus is challenging the religious leaders of his day on the true meaning of righteousness and obedience to God. He emphasizes the importance of genuine devotion and love for God, rather than simply performing outward rituals and traditions.

Meaning:

The verse in question, Matthew 15:7, is a powerful condemnation of hypocrisy. Jesus quotes the prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 29:13) to drive home his point that true worship is not merely a matter of external actions, but must come from the heart. The people Jesus is addressing may have been outwardly religious, following all the customs and traditions, but their hearts were not in it. They were merely going through the motions, without a genuine love for God or a true desire to follow His will.

The term "hypocrites" used by Jesus in this verse refers to those who pretend to be something they are not. In this case, the Pharisees and scribes were pretending to be devout followers of God, while in reality, they were far from Him. This is a powerful indictment against religious hypocrisy, and a reminder that outward appearances are not enough to truly honor God.

Symbolism:

The symbolism of this verse lies in the contrast between outward religious observance and genuine heartfelt devotion. The Pharisees and scribes might have been outwardly observant of religious practices, but their hearts were not aligned with God. This serves as a warning to all believers that true worship is not merely a matter of performing rituals or saying the right words, but must come from a place of sincerity and love for God.

Themes:

The themes present in this passage include the importance of genuine faith and devotion, as well as the danger of religious hypocrisy. Jesus challenges his audience to look beyond external appearances and focus on the condition of their hearts. This theme is echoed throughout the Bible, emphasizing the importance of sincerity and authenticity in our worship of God.

In conclusion, Matthew 15:7 in the King James Version of the Bible is a powerful rebuke of religious hypocrisy. It serves as a reminder to believers to examine their own hearts and motivations, ensuring that their worship of God is genuine and sincere. This verse encourages us to go beyond outward appearances and rituals, and to cultivate a deep and authentic love for God.