Matthew 15:19

KJV

For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} out of {G1537} the heart {G2588} proceed {G1831} evil {G4190} thoughts {G1261}, murders {G5408}, adulteries {G3430}, fornications {G4202}, thefts {G2829}, false witness {G5577}, blasphemies {G988}:

Complete Jewish Bible

For out of the heart come forth wicked thoughts, murder, adultery and other kinds of sexual immorality, theft, lies, slanders. . . .

Berean Standard Bible

For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, and slander.

American Standard Version

For out of the heart come forth evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, railings:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 15:19 presents a foundational teaching from Jesus Christ, revealing that true defilement originates not from external actions or ceremonial impurities, but from the inner core of a person's being—the heart. This verse serves as a profound explanation of Jesus' earlier statement that "what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person" ([Matthew 15:18](/matthew/15-18 "Matthew 15:18 - What Defiles a Person")), listing a comprehensive array of moral evils, including evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, and blasphemies, all of which stem from an unregenerate human heart.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is part of a crucial confrontation between Jesus and the Pharisees and scribes in [Matthew 15](/matthew/15 "Matthew 15 - Jesus Challenges Traditions"). The religious leaders challenge Jesus' disciples for not observing the tradition of ceremonial hand washing before eating, which they considered defiling ([Matthew 15:2](/matthew/15-2 "Matthew 15:2 - The Tradition of the Elders")). Jesus responds by exposing their hypocrisy, noting how they prioritize human traditions over God's commandments ([Matthew 15:3-9](/matthew/15-3-9 "Matthew 15:3-9 - Honoring God vs. Human Tradition")). He then calls the crowd and explains that "it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth; this defiles a person" ([Matthew 15:11](/matthew/15-11 "Matthew 15:11 - True Defilement Comes From Within")). When the disciples are confused, Jesus clarifies this teaching further in [Matthew 15:16-20](/matthew/15-16-20 "Matthew 15:16-20 - Jesus Explains the Source of Defilement"), with [Matthew 15:19](/matthew/15-19 "Matthew 15:19 - The Evils From the Heart") specifically detailing the catalogue of evils that originate from the heart, proving His point about the internal source of defilement.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Judaism, particularly among the Pharisees, placed immense emphasis on ritual purity laws, many of which were oral traditions passed down through generations, often exceeding the explicit commands of the Torah. These traditions included elaborate rules for washing hands, utensils, and even specific foods, all aimed at maintaining a state of external ritual purity. The concern was that contact with anything considered "unclean" could defile a person and render them unfit for worship or social interaction. Jesus' teaching directly challenges this external, performance-based understanding of righteousness, shifting the focus from outward adherence to inward moral and spiritual condition. His words would have been revolutionary and deeply offensive to those who equated piety with strict adherence to these traditions.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme underscored by [Matthew 15:19](/matthew/15-19 "Matthew 15:19 - The Source of All Evil") is the **Origin of Sin and Defilement**. Jesus unequivocally states that sin, in its various manifestations, does not come from external sources or ceremonial infractions, but from the human heart. This contrasts sharply with the prevailing religious thought of His day, which often focused on external compliance. Another crucial theme is **Internal Purity Over External Ritual**. Jesus asserts that God is concerned with the condition of one's inner being far more than with outward observances or human traditions. True righteousness and holiness begin with a transformed heart, not with ceremonial washing or dietary restrictions. This passage also highlights the **Comprehensive Nature of Human Depravity**, as Jesus provides a list of diverse and severe sins, demonstrating that all forms of moral corruption—from thoughts to actions—stem from the same fallen source within the human heart. A parallel and slightly expanded list of these evils can be found in [Mark 7:21-23](/mark/7-21-23 "Mark 7:21-23 - What Defiles a Person").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **heart (Greek, _kardía'_):** In biblical anthropology, the "heart" is far more than just the emotional center; it is the seat of intellect, will, reason, and moral character—the very core of one's being. It is where decisions are made, thoughts are formed, and intentions are conceived. Jesus' teaching here emphasizes that the fundamental problem of humanity lies not in external circumstances or actions, but in the corrupted nature of the inner person.
* **proceed (Greek, _exérchomai'_):** This verb signifies an "issuing forth" or "coming out" from a source. It implies a natural, inevitable outflow. Just as water flows from a spring, the various evils listed by Jesus are presented as the natural and unhindered emanations from a heart that is inherently sinful. This highlights the spontaneity and intrinsic nature of sin's origin within humanity.
* **evil (Greek, _ponērós'_):** This term describes something that is not merely "bad" in a general sense, but actively "hurtful," "malicious," or "vicious." It denotes an active malevolence or a destructive influence, differing from other Greek words for "bad" (like _kakos_ which refers to essential character). When applied to "thoughts," it implies intentions and desires that are inherently harmful, morally culpable, and lead to destructive actions.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts":** This foundational clause establishes the internal origin of all sin. "Evil thoughts" (_dialogismoi poneroi_) are not just fleeting ideas but often refer to malicious reasonings, wicked intentions, and depraved imaginings that are conceived and nurtured within the mind, which is inextricably linked to the heart. These are the seeds from which all outward sins grow.
* **"murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies":** This list is a representative, not exhaustive, catalogue of grave moral transgressions that demonstrably flow from a heart corrupted by "evil thoughts."
* **Murders (_phonoi_):** The taking of human life, stemming from hatred, anger, or malice in the heart.
* **Adulteries (_moicheiai_):** Sexual infidelity within marriage, arising from lust and disregard for covenant.
* **Fornications (_porneiai_):** Illicit sexual immorality outside of marriage, encompassing a wide range of sexual sins.
* **Thefts (_klopai_):** Taking what belongs to another, driven by greed or covetousness.
* **False witness (_pseudomartyriai_):** Lying under oath or bearing false testimony, stemming from deceit and a lack of integrity.
* **Blasphemies (_blasphemiai_):** Slander, reviling, or speaking impiously against God or sacred things, revealing a heart of rebellion or disrespect.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 15:19 effectively employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Enumeration**, where Jesus provides a specific list of sins ("murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies") to illustrate the comprehensive nature of the evil that originates from the heart. This list serves as concrete examples of the abstract "evil thoughts" that precede them. There is also an implicit **Contrast** at play throughout this passage, as Jesus' teaching directly opposes the Pharisaic emphasis on external ritual purity. By stating that defilement comes from within, He highlights the stark difference between outward religious observance and true inward righteousness. Furthermore, the concept of the heart as the source from which evils "proceed" functions as a powerful **Metaphor**, portraying the heart as a wellspring or fountain from which all human actions, good or evil, naturally flow. This metaphor underscores the idea that outward behavior is merely a manifestation of an internal condition.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 15:19 is a cornerstone text for understanding the biblical doctrine of human depravity and the origin of sin. It unequivocally teaches that sin is not primarily an external problem of behavior, but an internal problem of the heart's condition. This aligns with Old Testament wisdom literature, which frequently warns about the deceitfulness and wickedness of the human heart ([Jeremiah 17:9](/jeremiah/17-9 "Jeremiah 17:9 - The Deceitful Heart"); [Proverbs 4:23](/proverbs/4-23 "Proverbs 4:23 - Guard Your Heart")). Jesus' teaching here underscores the radical nature of sin, affecting not just actions but thoughts and intentions, making it impossible for humanity to achieve righteousness through external means or self-effort. This profound diagnosis of the human condition sets the stage for the New Testament's emphasis on the necessity of a new heart and a spiritual transformation wrought by God, rather than by human works.

* [Jeremiah 17:9](/jeremiah/17-9 "Jeremiah 17:9 - The Deceitful Heart"): "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?"
* [Proverbs 4:23](/proverbs/4-23 "Proverbs 4:23 - Guard Your Heart"): "Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life."
* [Romans 7:18-20](/romans/7-18-20 "Romans 7:18-20 - The Struggle with Sin"): "For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 15:19 serves as a profound call to radical self-examination and spiritual honesty. It challenges us to look beyond outward appearances and religious rituals, urging us to confront the true wellspring of our actions—the heart. This verse compels us to recognize that merely modifying external behavior is insufficient for true righteousness; genuine transformation must begin at the deepest level of our being. If evil thoughts and desires truly "proceed" from our hearts, then our greatest need is not for more rules or stricter adherence, but for a fundamental change of heart. This understanding should lead us to humility, acknowledging our inherent sinfulness and our desperate need for divine intervention. It reminds us that true purity and holiness are not achieved through human effort but through God's grace, which alone can cleanse and renew the heart, making it a source of life rather than defilement.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be prioritizing external appearances or religious routines over the true condition of my heart?**
* **What "evil thoughts" or intentions might be lurking in my heart, even if they haven't manifested in outward actions?**
* **How does Jesus' teaching about the heart challenge my understanding of sin and righteousness?**
* **What steps can I take to invite God's transformative work into the deepest parts of my heart, allowing Him to cleanse and renew it?**

### FAQ

**Does Jesus' teaching in Matthew 15:19 mean that external actions don't matter, only intentions?**

Answer: Not at all. Jesus is not diminishing the importance of actions; rather, He is revealing their true source. The list of sins in [Matthew 15:19](/matthew/15-19 "Matthew 15:19 - The Source of All Evil")—murders, adulteries, thefts, etc.—are all external actions with severe consequences. Jesus' point is that these actions are not random or externally imposed; they are the natural outflow of an internal condition. He emphasizes that if the heart is corrupt, it will inevitably produce corrupt actions. Therefore, while actions are crucial, the focus must first be on the heart, because a purified heart will naturally lead to righteous actions. This teaching elevates the standard of righteousness, showing that even evil thoughts, which may not manifest externally, are defiling because they reveal the heart's true state.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 15:19 powerfully articulates the human predicament: a heart inherently corrupted, from which all manner of evil naturally proceeds. This profound diagnosis of sin's origin points directly to the necessity of Christ. Humanity cannot cleanse its own heart; the problem is too deep. Jesus, however, comes as the ultimate solution to this internal crisis. He is the one who offers not merely external behavioral modification, but a radical, internal transformation. Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Jesus provides forgiveness for the sins that flow from our corrupted hearts, and through His resurrection, He offers the power for new life. The promise of a "new heart and a new spirit" ([Ezekiel 36:26](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26 - A New Heart and Spirit")) finds its fulfillment in Christ, who, through the indwelling Holy Spirit, enables believers to walk in newness of life, producing the fruit of righteousness instead of the works of the flesh ([Romans 8:1-4](/romans/8-1-4 "Romans 8:1-4 - Life in the Spirit"); [Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit")). Thus, [Matthew 15:19](/matthew/15-19 "Matthew 15:19 - The Evils From the Heart") is not merely a condemnation but a profound pointer to the Gospel, revealing our desperate need for a Savior who can truly change us from the inside out, making us new creations in Him ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/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

Mark 7:21

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

Mark 7:23

All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.

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.

Jeremiah 17:9

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

Titus 3:2

To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, [but] gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.

Titus 3:6

Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;