Mark 7:21

KJV

For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} from within {G2081}, out of {G1537} the heart {G2588} of men {G444}, proceed {G1607} evil {G2556} thoughts {G1261}, adulteries {G3430}, fornications {G4202}, murders {G5408},

Complete Jewish Bible

For from within, out of a person's heart, come forth wicked thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery,

Berean Standard Bible

For from within the hearts of men come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery,

American Standard Version

For from within, out of the heart of men, evil thoughts proceed, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 7:21 presents Jesus' profound teaching that true spiritual defilement originates not from external rituals or dietary observances, but from the corrupt desires and intentions residing within the human heart. This declaration radically redefines purity, shifting the focus from outward compliance to the inner moral and spiritual state, revealing the inherent sinfulness of humanity and the deep need for internal transformation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a crucial part of Jesus' discourse on true defilement, immediately following a confrontation with the Pharisees and scribes in [Mark 7:1-13](/mark/7-1-13 "Mark 7:1-13 - Confrontation with the Pharisees"). They accused His disciples of violating traditional ceremonial handwashing rules. Jesus, however, challenges their external focus, declaring in [Mark 7:15](/mark/7-15 "Mark 7:15 - What Truly Defiles a Person") that "There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him: but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man." Mark 7:21-23 then serves as a detailed elaboration of this principle, listing the specific evils that "come out of" the heart, thereby clarifying what truly defiles a person in God's eyes. This passage marks a significant departure from the prevailing legalistic interpretations of the Mosaic Law, emphasizing the spiritual over the ceremonial.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Jewish society, particularly among the Pharisees, placed immense importance on ritual purity laws, many of which were oral traditions (Halakha) that had evolved over centuries beyond the written Mosaic Law. These traditions governed everything from food preparation to social interactions, aiming to maintain a state of ritual cleanliness before God. The Pharisees believed that adherence to these external observances was paramount for righteousness and avoiding defilement. Jesus' teaching in [Mark 7](/mark/7 "Mark 7 - True Purity") directly challenges this deeply ingrained cultural and religious paradigm, asserting that God's primary concern is not with external cleanliness but with the moral condition of the inner person. This was a revolutionary statement that undermined the very foundation of much of the religious establishment's authority and practice.
* **Key Themes:** Mark 7:21 contributes significantly to several key themes within the Gospel of Mark and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Internal Purity vs. External Rituals**, asserting that genuine righteousness stems from a transformed heart, not from outward religious performance. This contrasts sharply with the legalism of the Pharisees, who prioritized human traditions over God's true intent for the law. Secondly, it profoundly addresses the **Nature of Sin**, revealing that sin is not merely a behavioral problem but a deep-seated issue originating from the core of human being—the heart. This aligns with Old Testament insights into human depravity, such as the declaration that "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked" in [Jeremiah 17:9](/jeremiah/17-9 "Jeremiah 17:9 - The Deceitful Heart"). Thirdly, it underscores **Jesus' Authority**, demonstrating His power to reinterpret and fulfill the Law, moving beyond its ceremonial aspects to its spiritual essence. His teaching here is echoed in the parallel account in [Matthew 15:18-20](/matthew/15-18-20 "Matthew 15:18-20 - What Comes Out of the Mouth Defiles"), further solidifying this radical redefinition of defilement.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **heart (Greek, _kardía'_):** G2588. Prolonged from a primary (Latin cor, "heart"); the heart, i.e. (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle:--(+ broken-)heart(-ed). In biblical usage, "heart" is far more than just the seat of emotions; it refers to the totality of the inner person—the intellect, will, emotions, and moral character. It is the core of one's being, the wellspring of thoughts, intentions, decisions, and moral choices. Thus, when Jesus says evil proceeds from the heart, He means from the very center of one's personality and being.
* **proceed (Greek, _ekporeúomai'_):** G1607. From ἐκ (ek) and πορεύομαι (poreuomai); to depart, be discharged, proceed, project:--come (forth, out of), depart, go (forth, out), issue, proceed (out of). This verb signifies an active outflow or emission. It emphasizes that the evils listed are not external influences or accidental occurrences, but rather originate from within and are actively brought forth by the individual. The heart is not merely a passive receptacle but an active source from which these evils emerge.
* **evil thoughts (Greek, _dialogismós kakós'_):** G1261 (dialogismós) and G2556 (kakós). `Dialogismos` refers to discussion, i.e., (internal) consideration (by implication, purpose), or (external) debate:--dispute, doubtful(-ing), imagination, reasoning, thought. `Kakós` means worthless (intrinsically, such; whereas πονηρός properly refers to effects), i.e., (subjectively) depraved, or (objectively) injurious:--bad, evil, harm, ill, noisome, wicked. Together, "evil thoughts" denote wicked reasonings, deliberations, intentions, or imaginations. This highlights that sin is not merely about outward actions but begins in the mind and will, as deliberate, internal processes that precede and give rise to outward evil deeds. It points to the foundational corruption of the human mind.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For from within, out of the heart of men,"**: This opening clause establishes the radical shift in Jesus' teaching. It directly counters the Pharisaic emphasis on external purity by pinpointing the true source of defilement: the inner being of humanity. The repetition of "from within" and "out of the heart" underscores the internal origin, emphasizing that the problem lies not in what enters the body, but in the very core of human nature and will. "Heart" here encompasses intellect, will, and moral character, signifying the totality of a person's inner life.
* **"proceed evil thoughts,"**: This phrase immediately identifies the initial manifestation of the heart's corruption. "Evil thoughts" are not mere fleeting impulses but wicked reasonings, intentions, and deliberations that are conceived and nurtured internally. This reveals that sin is not just about outward acts but begins in the mind and will, highlighting the deep-seated depravity that precedes sinful behavior. It implies that the heart is a factory of sin, constantly producing corrupt ideas and desires.
* **"adulteries, fornications, murders,"**: These specific sins are presented as concrete examples of the "evil thoughts" that proceed from the heart. They are not an exhaustive list but representative categories of grave moral transgressions. "Adulteries" (sexual infidelity within marriage) and "fornications" (broader illicit sexual acts) demonstrate the heart's capacity for sexual impurity. "Murders" illustrates the heart's potential for extreme violence and hatred, culminating in the taking of human life. The progression from internal thoughts to these severe external actions underscores the profound and destructive nature of the heart's corruption.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 7:21 employs several impactful **literary devices**. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, where the "heart of men" is depicted as the **source** or wellspring from which all evil proceeds. This vivid image contrasts sharply with the external sources of defilement emphasized by the Pharisees, powerfully conveying Jesus' redefinition of purity. Following this, Jesus uses **Enumeration** (or a list) to detail the specific manifestations of the heart's corruption. The list of sins—"evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders" (and continuing in subsequent verses)—serves to illustrate the comprehensive and pervasive nature of human sinfulness, showing that it extends beyond mere ritual impurity to fundamental moral transgressions. There is also an implied **Contrast** between the external focus of the religious leaders and the internal reality Jesus reveals, highlighting the spiritual blindness of those who prioritize outward show over inward transformation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 7:21 is a foundational text for understanding the biblical doctrine of human depravity. It asserts that sin is not merely a behavioral problem or a result of external influences, but a deep-seated condition originating from the very core of human being. This aligns with the Old Testament's consistent portrayal of the human heart as inherently corrupt and bent towards evil from birth. The verse underscores humanity's inability to achieve true righteousness through external observances or self-effort, pointing instead to the radical need for divine intervention to transform the inner person. It sets the stage for the New Testament's emphasis on regeneration and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit as the only means by which a new heart, capable of genuine obedience and purity, can be granted.

* [Jeremiah 17:9](/jeremiah/17-9 "Jeremiah 17:9 - The Deceitfulness of the Heart")
* [Matthew 15:19](/matthew/15-19 "Matthew 15:19 - For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts...")
* [Romans 3:10-18](/romans/3-10-18 "Romans 3:10-18 - No One Is Righteous")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 7:21 serves as a profound call to introspection, challenging us to look beyond outward appearances and religious rituals to examine the true state of our hearts. It forces us to confront the uncomfortable truth that our actions, both good and bad, are merely symptoms of what lies beneath the surface. For those seeking genuine spiritual growth, this verse underscores the critical need for a fundamental transformation of the heart, which cannot be achieved through mere behavioral modification or external compliance. It compels us to recognize our inherent sinfulness and our desperate need for God's grace to cleanse and renew our inner being. Vigilance over our thoughts becomes paramount, as Jesus teaches that sinful actions often begin with sinful intentions or desires conceived in the mind. This passage promotes an authentic faith that prioritizes inner purity and a genuine relationship with God over superficial religious performance, reminding us that God is primarily concerned with the heart, and true righteousness begins there.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I tend to focus more on external appearances or rituals rather than the true condition of my heart?**
* **What "evil thoughts" or internal deliberations might be subtly influencing my actions or attitudes, even if not yet manifesting as outward sin?**
* **How does understanding the heart as the source of sin change my approach to personal holiness and spiritual growth?**
* **What steps can I take to invite God's transformative work into the deepest parts of my heart, where sinful desires originate?**

### FAQ

**What does Jesus mean by "the heart of men" in this context?**

Answer: In biblical understanding, the "heart" (Greek: `kardia`) is far more than just the seat of emotions. It encompasses the entire inner person—the intellect, will, emotions, and moral character. It is the core of one's being, the wellspring of thoughts, intentions, and decisions. So, when Jesus says evil proceeds from the heart, He means from the very center of a person's personality and being, indicating that sin is a deep-seated issue of human nature, not merely an external behavior or a result of environmental factors. This concept is consistent throughout Scripture, as seen in passages like [Proverbs 4:23](/proverbs/4-23 "Proverbs 4:23 - Guard Your Heart") which advises, "Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life."

**Why does Jesus list "adulteries, fornications, murders" immediately after "evil thoughts"?**

Answer: Jesus lists these specific sins as concrete, severe examples of the "evil thoughts" that proceed from the heart. The list is not exhaustive (He continues it in [Mark 7:22-23](/mark/7-22-23 "Mark 7:22-23 - More Sins from the Heart")), but it serves to illustrate the comprehensive and destructive nature of the heart's corruption. By starting with "evil thoughts," Jesus emphasizes that sin begins internally, in the mind and intentions, before manifesting in outward actions. The subsequent list of grave moral transgressions—sexual immorality (adulteries, fornications) and violence (murders)—demonstrates the profound and devastating consequences that flow from a corrupt inner being, making it clear that true defilement is a moral and spiritual issue, not a ceremonial one.

**How does Jesus' teaching in Mark 7:21 relate to Old Testament law and purity codes?**

Answer: Jesus' teaching in [Mark 7:21](/mark/7-21 "Mark 7:21 - The Heart as the Source of Evil") represents a radical reinterpretation and fulfillment of the Old Testament law and purity codes. While the Mosaic Law contained numerous regulations concerning ritual purity (e.g., dietary laws, ceremonial washings), Jesus shifts the focus from external, physical defilement to internal, moral defilement. He asserts that true impurity comes from the heart, not from unwashed hands or forbidden foods. This does not abolish the moral principles of the Old Testament but rather intensifies them, showing that God's concern has always been with the condition of the heart, which is the source of all true righteousness or wickedness. This re-orientation foreshadows the New Covenant emphasis on inner transformation through the Spirit, rather than external adherence to a legal code, as described in [Hebrews 8:10](/hebrews/8-10 "Hebrews 8:10 - The New Covenant").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 7:21, in its stark diagnosis of the human heart as the wellspring of all evil, powerfully underscores humanity's desperate need for a Savior. If sin truly originates from within, then no amount of external religious observance, self-effort, or moral reformation can fundamentally cleanse the human condition. This verse sets the stage for the glorious truth of Christ's redemptive work. Jesus, the sinless [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), came not merely to teach a new ethic, but to provide the ultimate solution to the heart's depravity. Through His atoning death on the cross, He bore the penalty for the very "evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders" and all other sins that proceed from the fallen human heart, offering forgiveness and reconciliation with God. Furthermore, His resurrection and ascension paved the way for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, who alone can accomplish the radical transformation of the heart that Jesus' words in [Mark 7:21](/mark/7-21 "Mark 7:21 - The Heart as the Source of Evil") reveal as essential. As promised in the New Covenant, God gives us a "new heart and a new spirit" ([Ezekiel 36:26](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26 - A New Heart and Spirit")), enabling us to live according to His will, no longer enslaved to the sinful desires that once dominated our inner being. Thus, Mark 7:21, while exposing the depth of human sin, ultimately magnifies the indispensable grace and power of Jesus Christ to redeem and renew the very core of who we are, making us [new creations in Him](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ").

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

Jeremiah 17:9

The heart [is] deceitful above all [things], and desperately wicked: who can know it?

James 4:1

¶ From whence [come] wars and fightings among you? [come they] not hence, [even] of your lusts that war in your members?

James 4:3

Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume [it] upon your lusts.

Romans 8:7

Because the carnal mind [is] enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.

Romans 8:8

So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

Galatians 5:19

Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are [these]; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,

Galatians 5:21

Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told [you] in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.