The Greek ekrizoo means to uproot β to pull something up by its roots completely, leaving no remnant. Jesus uses it in Matthew 13:29 (the servants must not uproot the wheat along with the weeds at harvest) and 15:13 ('Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be pulled up (ekrizoo) by the roots'). Luke 17:6 uses it of a mulberry tree being uprooted and planted in the sea by faith.
The ekrizoo imagery in Matthew 15:13 is one of Jesus' most penetrating critiques of human religious traditions. The Pharisees were offended by His teaching; Jesus responded that every plant not planted by the Father would be uprooted. Human-constructed religion β however impressive its tradition β has no root in God and will be pulled up. In contrast, the word of God is seed planted by God Himself (Matthew 13:3-8) β it has roots that endure. Luke 17:6's faith that can ekrizoo trees shows the power available to even mustard-seed faith directed toward God's purposes.