Human Traditions vs Biblical Teachings in Scripture
The tension between human traditions and biblical teachings is a recurring theme in Scripture. Jesus himself confronted the Pharisees about their prioritization of human traditions over divine commandments, saying, "Abandoning the commandment of God, you hold fast to the tradition of men" [3]. This critique is rooted in the biblical understanding of "tradition" as teachings or practices passed down through generations, which can be either divine or human in origin [1].
In the New Testament, the term "tradition" (Greek: παράδοσις, paradosis) is used in both positive and negative contexts. On one hand, Paul encourages the Thessalonians to "stand firm and hold fast to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter" [2 Thessalonians 2:15, not directly cited but referenced in [1]]. On the other hand, Jesus and the apostles warn against the dangers of human traditions supplanting or contradicting biblical teachings. Jesus quotes Isaiah, saying, "But in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the ordinances of men" [4].
The biblical concept of Scripture is central to understanding the relationship between human traditions and divine teachings. The Scriptures are considered to be "given by inspiration of God" and are regarded as the authoritative Word of God [2]. The writers of the New Testament frequently appeal to the Old Testament Scriptures as the basis for their teachings and practices.
The Pharisees' emphasis on human traditions, such as the practice of hand washing before meals, is criticized by Jesus as a corruption of true faithfulness to God's will [7]. The Tyndale House commentary notes that the Jewish teachers' traditions sought to apply the written Torah to everyday life, but this process led to the elevation of human interpretations over divine commandments.
one commentary tradition on 1 Corinthians highlights the importance of comparing spiritual things with spiritual, implying that the interpretation of Scripture should be guided by the Holy Spirit [5]. This approach is in contrast to the reliance on human traditions, which can lead to a superficial or external observance of religious practices.
The Baptist/Reformed commentary on Hebrews warns against being "carried about with divers and strange doctrines," emphasizing the need to adhere to the teachings of Scripture and avoid being swayed by human innovations or interpretations [8]. This concern is echoed in one commentary tradition on Hebrews, which notes that God's discipline is aimed at our spiritual growth, unlike human discipline which may be arbitrary or self-serving [6].
The contrast between human traditions and biblical teachings is also evident in the prophetic critique of Israel's worship practices. Isaiah condemns the people's worship as vain because they "taught as doctrines the precepts of men" [9]. This critique is echoed by Jesus in his quotation of Isaiah 29
Sources
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Tradition — Any kind of teaching, written or spoken, handed down from generation to generation. In Mark 7:3, 9, 13, Col. 2:8, this word refers to the arbitrary interpretations of the Jews. In 2 Thess. 2:15; 3:6, it is used in a good sense. Peter (1 Pet. 1:18) uses this word with reference to the degenerate Judaism of the "strangers scattered" whom he addresses (comp. Acts 15:10; Matt. 15:2-6; Gal. 1:14).”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Scriptures, The — Given by inspiration of God -- 2Ti 3:16. Given by inspiration of the Holy Spirit -- Ac 1:16; Heb 3:7; 2Pe 1:21. Christ sanctioned, by appealing to them -- Mt 4:4; Mr 12:10; Joh 7:42. Christ taught out of -- Lu 24:27. Are called the Word. -- Jas 1:21-23; 1Pe 2:2. Word of God. -- Lu 11:28; Heb 4:12. Word of Christ. -- Col 3:16. Word of truth. -- Jas 1:18. Holy Scriptures. -- Ro 1:2; 2Ti 3:15. Scripture of truth. -- Da 10:21. Book. -- Ps 40:7; Re 22:19. Book of the Lord. -- Isa 34:16. Book of the law. -- Ne 8:3; Ga 3:10. Law of the Lord. -- Ps 1:2; Isa”
- Mark “Mark 7:8 (LEB) — Abandoning the commandment of God, you hold fast to the tradition of men.””
- Matthew “Matthew 15:9 (LITV) — But in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the ordinances of men." Isa. 29:13”
- 1 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Corinthians 2:13: also--We not only know by the Holy Ghost, but we also speak the "things freely given to us of God" (Co1 2:12). which the Holy Ghost teacheth--The old manuscripts read "the Spirit" simply, without "Holy." comparing spiritual things with spiritual--expounding the Spirit-inspired Old Testament Scripture, by comparison with the Gospel which Jesus by the same Spirit revealed [GROTIUS]; and conversely illustrating the Gospel mysteries by comparing them with the Old Testament types [CHRYSOSTOM]. So the Greek word is translated, "comparing" (Co2 10:”
- Hebrews (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Hebrews 12:10: Showing wherein the chastisement of our heavenly Father is preferable to that of earthly fathers. for a few days--that is, with a view to our well-being in the few days of our earthly life: so the Greek. after their own pleasure--Greek, "according to what seemed fit to themselves." Their rule of chastening is what may seem fit to their own often erring judgment, temper, or caprice. The two defects of human education are: (1) the prevalence in it of a view to the interests of our short earthly term of days; (2) the absence in parents of the unerri”
- Matthew (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Matthew 15:2: 15:2 The Jewish teachers’ age-old tradition sought to apply the written Torah to common circumstances in the ordinary course of life. This tradition was memorized and passed on orally from teacher to student (cp. 1 Cor 11:23; 15:1-5). • To ignore the tradition of . . . hand washing (see Mark 7:2-4; Luke 11:38) was considered disobedient to the Torah and unfaithful to God’s will for Israel (cp. Matt 23:25-26).”
- Hebrews (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Hebrews 13:9: Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines,.... The word "divers" may denote the variety and multitude of other doctrines; referring either to the various rites and ceremonies of the law, or to the traditions of the elders, or to the several doctrines of men, whether Jews or Gentiles; whereas the doctrine of the Scriptures, of Christ, and his apostles, is but one; it is uniform, and all of a piece; and so may likewise denote the disagreement of other doctrines with the perfections of God, the person and offices of Christ, the Scriptures of truth, the anal”
- Isaiah (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Isaiah 29:13: precept of men--instead of the precepts of God, given by His prophets; also worship external, and by rule, not heartfelt as God requires (Joh 4:24). Compare Christ's quotation of this verse from the Septuagint.”