Charles Ellicott Commentary Matthew 15:9

"But in vain do they worship me, Teaching [as their] doctrines the precepts of men." — Matthew 15:9 (ASV)

Teaching for doctrines the commandments of men — Neither word is quite adequately translated. The “doctrines” are not articles of faith or propositions to be believed, but precepts that were taught as binding. The “commandments” are single, special rules, contrasted with the divine “commandment,” which was exceedingly broad.