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R.V. "Their fear of Me," i.e., their piety, religion. "Is taught by the precept of men." Better as R.V. "is (or, "has become") a commandment of men which hath been taught"; — a human ordinance learned by rote (Matthew 15:1-9). This pregnant criticism expresses with epigrammatic force the fundamental difference between the pagan and the biblical conceptions of religion. Religion, being personal fellowship with God, cannot be "learned" from men, but only by revelation (Matthew 16:17).

(Prof. J. Skinner, D. D.)

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KJV: Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men:

WEB: The Lord said, "Because this people draws near with their mouth and with their lips to honor me, but they have removed their heart far from me, and their fear of me is a commandment of men which has been taught;