Albert Barnes Commentary Matthew 15:7

"Ye hypocrites, well did Isaiah prophesy of you, saying," — Matthew 15:7 (ASV)

Ye hypocrites. See Barnes Matthew 7:5.

Hypocrisy is the concealment of some base principle under the pretense of religion. Never was there a clearer instance of it than this—an attempt to get rid of the duty of providing for needy parents under an appearance of piety toward God.

Esaias, that is, Isaiah. This prophecy is found in Isaiah 29:13.

Prophesy of you. That is, he spoke of the people of his day—of the Jews, as Jews—in terms that apply to the whole people. He properly characterized the nation in calling them hypocrites.

The words are applicable to the nation at all times, and they apply, therefore, to you. He did not mean particularly to speak of the nation in the time of Christ, but he spoke of them as having a national character of hypocrisy. See also Isaiah 1:4.

See Barnes on Matthew 15:1.