{Ye also} (kai h(966d)eis). Jesus admits that the disciples
had transgressed the rabbinical traditions. Jesus treats it as a
matter of no great importance in itself save as they had put the
tradition of the elders in the place of the commandment of God.
When the two clashed, as was often the case, the rabbis
transgress the commandment of God "because of your tradition"
(dia t(886e) paradosin h(966d)(936e)). The accusative with dia means
that, not "by means of." Tradition is not good or bad in itself.
It is merely what is handed on from one to another. Custom tended
to make these traditions binding like law. The Talmud is a
monument of their struggle with tradition. There could be no
compromise on this subject and Jesus accepts the issue. He stands
for real righteousness and spiritual freedom, not for bondage to
mere ceremonialism and tradition. The rabbis placed tradition
(the oral law) above the law of God.