Luke 6:45

KJV

A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.

KJV (with Strong's)

A good {G18} man {G444} out of {G1537} the good {G18} treasure {G2344} of his {G846} heart {G2588} bringeth forth {G4393} that which is good {G18}; and {G2532} an evil {G4190} man {G444} out of {G1537} the evil {G4190} treasure {G2344} of his {G846} heart {G2588} bringeth forth {G4393} that which is evil {G4190}: for {G1063} of {G1537} the abundance {G4051} of the heart {G2588} his {G846} mouth {G4750} speaketh {G2980}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The good person produces good things from the store of good in his heart, while the evil person produces evil things from the store of evil in his heart. For his mouth speaks what overflows from his heart.

Berean Standard Bible

The good man brings good things out of the good treasure of his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil treasure of his heart. For out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks.

American Standard Version

The good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and the evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth that which is evil: for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 6:45, a pivotal statement within Jesus's Sermon on the Plain, profoundly reveals the intrinsic connection between an individual's inner character and their outward expressions, particularly their speech. This verse acts as a spiritual diagnostic, asserting that one's true identity and moral disposition are not merely defined by external declarations but are inevitably manifested by what flows from the deepest core of their being—their heart. It underscores that words are not incidental but are direct indicators of the spiritual treasure, whether good or evil, stored within.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically positioned within Jesus's broader discourse on authentic discipleship and the nature of true righteousness, often referred to as the Sermon on the Plain in Luke's Gospel. It immediately follows the parable of the tree and its fruit in [Luke 6:43-44](/luke/6-43-44 "Luke 6:43-44 - The Tree and Its Fruit"), which establishes the principle that a tree is known by its fruit, and similarly, a person is known by their actions. Luke 6:45 then extends this metaphor, specifically identifying the "heart" as the root source of this fruit and "speech" as a primary manifestation. This teaching also builds upon Jesus's earlier instructions on judging others and removing the log from one's own eye ([Luke 6:37-42](/luke/6-37-42 "Luke 6:37-42 - Judging Others")), emphasizing internal transformation over external critique. The passage culminates with the parable of the two builders ([Luke 6:46-49](/luke/6-46-49 "Luke 6:46-49 - The Wise and Foolish Builders")), which further illustrates the critical importance of hearing and obeying Jesus's words, grounding one's life on a solid foundation of inner commitment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern thought, particularly within Jewish tradition, the "heart" (Hebrew: *lev* or *levav*, Greek: *kardia*) was understood not merely as the seat of emotions but as the very core of a person's being—the center of intellect, will, reason, and moral character. It was considered the control center of one's entire life. Therefore, when Jesus speaks of the "heart," He is referring to the totality of one's inner person, the wellspring from which all thoughts, intentions, and actions originate. The concept of "treasure" (Greek: *thēsaurós*) would have resonated with listeners, as storing valuable possessions was a common practice. The emphasis on speech as a revelation of the heart was also significant, as words carried immense weight in Jewish culture, often seen as embodying the speaker's true nature and having the power to bless or curse.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 6:45 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel and Jesus's teaching. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the theme of **Authenticity and Inner Transformation**. Jesus consistently challenges superficial religiosity, advocating for a genuine, heart-level righteousness that transcends mere external observance. This verse highlights that true discipleship flows from an inner change, not just outward conformity. Secondly, it emphasizes the **Centrality of the Heart** as the source of all human behavior. What resides within the heart ultimately determines what is produced externally, whether "good" or "evil." This theme is echoed throughout Scripture, from the Old Testament warnings against a hardened heart to the New Testament call for a new heart in Christ. Finally, the verse specifically points to **Words as a Revealer of Character**. Our speech is presented not as an isolated act but as an overflow of our inner spiritual condition. As Jesus states in a parallel passage, "out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks" ([Matthew 12:34](/matthew/12-34 "Matthew 12:34 - The Abundance of the Heart")). This theme stresses the profound importance and diagnostic power of our verbal expressions.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Heart (Greek, _kardía'_):** This term, derived from a primary word, signifies the innermost part of a human being. Biblically, it encompasses the totality of one's inner life—not just emotions, but intellect, will, conscience, and moral character. It is the core from which thoughts, intentions, and actions spring, making it the central wellspring of a person's identity and behavior.
* **Treasure (Greek, _thēsaurós'_):** From a word meaning "to place" or "to put," this term denotes a deposit or stored accumulation, whether literal wealth or, as here, figurative wealth—the collection of moral and spiritual qualities, beliefs, and dispositions accumulated within the heart. The nature of this stored "treasure" (good or evil) determines the quality of what is produced.
* **Abundance (Greek, _perísseuma'_):** Derived from a verb meaning "to be over and above," this word signifies a surplus, an overflowing quantity, or that which fills to the point of spilling over. It vividly illustrates that speech is not merely an intentional act but often an unconscious, spontaneous outpouring of what genuinely fills and dominates the heart.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good;":** This clause establishes the foundational principle: a person who is genuinely good at their core, whose inner being is filled with moral uprightness and divine virtue (the "good treasure"), will naturally produce good words and actions. Their outward expressions are a direct and authentic reflection of their internal state, demonstrating consistency between being and doing.
* **"and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil:":** This parallel clause provides the stark contrast. Conversely, an individual whose heart is filled with malevolence, corruption, or sinful desires (the "evil treasure") will inevitably manifest evil in their words and deeds. This highlights the inescapable truth that outward wickedness is a symptom of an inner spiritual disease, not merely an isolated behavioral problem.
* **"for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.":** This concluding explanatory clause serves as the logical justification for the preceding statements. The word "for" (Greek: *gár*) introduces the reason: speech (what the "mouth speaketh") is the direct overflow ("abundance") of what fills the "heart." It emphasizes that our words are not random or accidental but are the most immediate and telling indicators of our true inner character and the spiritual condition of our being.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 6:45 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound truth. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically **Antithetical Parallelism**, where the first two clauses present contrasting ideas ("good man" vs. "evil man," "good treasure" vs. "evil treasure," "bringeth forth good" vs. "bringeth forth evil"). This juxtaposition highlights the stark dichotomy between two types of individuals and the distinct outcomes of their inner states, making the principle clear and memorable. The verse also uses **Metaphor**, portraying the "heart" as a "treasure" chest or a reservoir, from which "good" or "evil" is "brought forth" or "overflows." This vivid imagery concretizes the abstract concept of inner character and its external manifestation. Furthermore, there is a clear **Cause and Effect** relationship established: the state of the heart (cause) directly determines the nature of one's speech and actions (effect). This logical connection reinforces the diagnostic power of the verse, showing that outward behavior is a reliable indicator of inward reality.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 6:45 stands as a cornerstone of biblical anthropology, asserting that humanity's actions and words are not superficial but are deeply rooted in the heart, the spiritual and moral core of one's being. This teaching aligns with the broader biblical emphasis on the heart as the wellspring of life, where true righteousness or sin originates. It challenges the notion that external conformity or mere behavioral modification is sufficient for genuine godliness, insisting instead on an internal transformation. The verse underscores the pervasive impact of sin on the human heart, leading to the production of evil, and conversely, the necessity of a renewed heart for the outflow of good. It points to the profound truth that our words, often dismissed as trivial, are in fact powerful indicators and extensions of our innermost being, revealing the "treasure" we hold.

* [Proverbs 4:23](/proverbs/4-23 "Proverbs 4:23 - Guard Your Heart")
* [Matthew 15:18-19](/matthew/15-18-19 "Matthew 15:18-19 - What Defiles a Person")
* [James 3:8-10](/james/3-8-10 "James 3:8-10 - Taming the Tongue")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 6:45 serves as a profound call to deep introspection and spiritual self-awareness for every believer. If our words frequently betray negativity, criticism, impurity, or a lack of love, this verse is a diagnostic mirror, indicating a pressing need to examine the true condition of our hearts. It compels us to move beyond superficial self-assessment and to confront the root causes of our outward expressions. The challenge is not merely to control our tongue, but to transform the heart from which our words flow. This requires intentional cultivation of a heart filled with God's truth, love, and grace. We must diligently guard what we allow to enter our minds and spirits—through the media we consume, the relationships we foster, and the thoughts we entertain—for these inputs contribute to the "treasure" within. Cultivating a "good treasure" means immersing ourselves in God's Word, engaging in fervent prayer, seeking fellowship with those who build us up in Christ, and actively pursuing obedience to His commands. Ultimately, this verse reminds us that true spiritual health is an inside-out reality, where a heart transformed by God naturally overflows with goodness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What do my daily words reveal about the "treasure" stored in my heart?**
* **What specific "inputs" (media, relationships, thoughts) might be contributing to an "evil treasure" in my heart, and how can I guard against them?**
* **What spiritual disciplines can I intentionally cultivate to fill my heart with "good treasure" and ensure my words bring life and blessing?**
* **How does understanding the heart as the source of words impact my approach to personal growth and my interactions with others?**

### FAQ

**What does Jesus mean by "heart" in this verse, and why is it so important?**

Answer: In biblical understanding, particularly in the New Testament, the "heart" (Greek: *kardia*) is far more than just the seat of emotions. It represents the very core of a person's being—the center of their intellect, will, thoughts, desires, conscience, and moral character. It is the control center of one's entire life. Jesus emphasizes the heart's importance because it is the wellspring from which all actions, attitudes, and words originate. As [Proverbs 4:23](/proverbs/4-23 "Proverbs 4:23 - Guard Your Heart") states, "out of it are the issues of life." Therefore, understanding the heart as the source means that true change and genuine righteousness must begin internally, not just externally.

**How can someone change their heart from producing "evil" to producing "good"?**

Answer: The Bible teaches that human hearts are naturally inclined towards sin ([Jeremiah 17:9](/jeremiah/17-9 "Jeremiah 17:9 - The Deceitful Heart")). Therefore, a fundamental change, often called a "new birth" or "spiritual regeneration," is required. This transformation is not something we can achieve on our own but is a work of God's grace. It begins with repentance—turning away from sin—and faith in Jesus Christ. When a person trusts in Christ, God gives them a new heart and puts His Spirit within them ([Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-26-27 "Ezekiel 36:26-27 - A New Heart and Spirit")). This new heart, empowered by the Holy Spirit, then enables the believer to cultivate "good treasure" through spiritual disciplines like studying God's Word ([Psalm 119:11](/psalms/119-11 "Psalm 119:11 - Hiding God's Word")), prayer, and obedience, leading to the production of good fruit in their lives.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 6:45 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. He is the perfect "good man" whose heart was always and perfectly filled with "good treasure." Unlike humanity whose hearts are naturally inclined to evil ([Romans 3:10-12](/romans/3-10-12 "Romans 3:10-12 - None is Righteous")), Jesus's words consistently flowed from a heart of divine love, truth, and righteousness. His teachings, His healing pronouncements, His comforting words, and His stern rebukes all perfectly reflected the Father's will and His own pure, sinless nature. He truly "spoke as one having authority" ([Matthew 7:29](/matthew/7-29 "Matthew 7:29 - Jesus's Authority")), because His words were an overflow of His divine essence. For humanity, the promise of a transformed heart, capable of producing good, is realized through Christ's atoning work. Through His death and resurrection, He makes it possible for us to receive a new heart and a new spirit ([Ezekiel 36:26](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26 - A New Heart")), indwelt by the Holy Spirit, who then enables us to cultivate the "fruit of the Spirit" ([Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit"))—a treasure of goodness that overflows in our words and deeds, progressively conforming us to the image of the One whose heart was perfectly good.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 4:23

Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it [are] the issues of life.

Ephesians 4:29

Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

Matthew 12:34

O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.

Matthew 12:37

For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.

John 7:38

He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.

Psalms 37:30

The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment.

Psalms 37:31

The law of his God [is] in his heart; none of his steps shall slide.