Mark 7:21

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

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},

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

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

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

Commentary

Context of Mark 7:21

This verse is a pivotal part of Jesus' teaching on true spiritual defilement, delivered after a confrontation with the Pharisees and scribes (Mark 7:1-13). They criticized His disciples for not observing the traditional ceremonial washings before eating. Jesus, however, challenges their external focus, asserting that true defilement comes not from what enters a person from the outside, but from what originates within. He explains this concept in Mark 7:15, stating 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." Verse 21, along with the subsequent verses, serves as an elaboration, detailing the specific evils that spring from the human heart.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Heart as the Source of Evil: The primary message of Mark 7:21 is that sin originates from within the human heart, not from external factors or ceremonial impurities. Jesus directly refutes the idea that outward observances can purify a person if their inner being remains corrupt. This highlights a fundamental truth about human nature and its inherent propensity towards sin, a concept also explored in Jeremiah 17:9.
  • Internal Purity Over External Rituals: Jesus shifts the focus from superficial adherence to religious traditions to the crucial importance of a transformed inner life. The list of sins that follow (adulteries, fornications, murders, etc.) are all manifestations of a heart that is not aligned with God's will.
  • Comprehensive Nature of Sin: "Evil thoughts" are listed first, indicating that sinful actions are often preceded by sinful intentions or desires within the heart. This shows that sin is not merely about outward acts but begins in the mind and will.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "from within, out of the heart of men" is a direct translation of the Greek ek tes kardias ton anthropon. The word kardia (heart) in biblical Greek does not refer solely to the seat of emotions, but 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.

The term "evil thoughts" translates dialogismoi poneroi, which refers to wicked reasonings, deliberations, or intentions. This emphasizes that the root of sin is not just spontaneous impulses but often deliberate, internal processes that lead to outward evil actions.

Practical Application

Mark 7:21 challenges believers to look beyond outward appearances and religious rituals to examine the true state of their hearts. It calls for a deep self-reflection, understanding that our actions are merely symptoms of what lies beneath the surface. For those seeking spiritual growth, this verse underscores:

  • The Need for Heart Transformation: Since sin originates from within, true change cannot come from merely modifying behavior. It requires a fundamental transformation of the heart, which the Bible teaches is possible through faith in Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit (Romans 12:2).
  • Vigilance Over Thoughts: Recognizing that evil actions stem from "evil thoughts" encourages believers to guard their minds and cultivate a renewed mind, focusing on what is pure and true.
  • Authentic Faith: This passage promotes an authentic faith that prioritizes inner purity and a genuine relationship with God over mere external compliance or religious performance.

Ultimately, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that God is concerned with the heart, and true righteousness begins there.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Jeremiah 17:9 (20 votes)

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

  • James 4:1 (16 votes)

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

  • James 4:3 (16 votes)

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

  • Romans 8:7 (14 votes)

    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 (14 votes)

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

  • Galatians 5:19 (14 votes)

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

  • Galatians 5:21 (14 votes)

    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.