Matthew 15:19

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

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}:

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

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

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

Matthew 15:19 (KJV) reveals a profound teaching from Jesus Christ concerning the true source of defilement and evil. This verse is a direct explanation of what truly corrupts a person, emphasizing the internal nature of sin over external rituals.

Context

This statement by Jesus comes in response to a confrontation with the Pharisees and scribes, who questioned why His disciples did not follow the tradition of ceremonial hand washing before eating (Matthew 15:2). Jesus challenged their external focus, declaring that it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the heart (Matthew 15:11). Verse 19 then elaborates on the specific evils that originate from within the human heart, making it the central theme of His teaching on true purity.

Key Themes

  • The Origin of Sin: Jesus clearly states that sin, in all its forms, originates not from external factors or ceremonial impurity, but from the inner core of a person's being—the heart. This contrasts sharply with the religious traditions of the day that emphasized outward observance.
  • Internal Purity Over External Ritual: The passage underscores the biblical truth that God is concerned with the condition of the heart far more than with adherence to human traditions or outward appearances. True righteousness begins inwardly.
  • Comprehensive List of Evils: The verse lists a variety of sins—"evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies"—to illustrate the comprehensive nature of human depravity when left unchecked. This list is not exhaustive but represents categories of moral corruption that stem from a fallen nature. A parallel account found in Mark 7:21-23 includes similar examples.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "heart" here is kardia (καρδία), which in biblical understanding refers to the very center of one's being—the seat of intellect, emotions, will, and moral character. It's not merely the emotional organ but the core identity of a person. The verb "proceed" (ekporeuontai) signifies an outflow, indicating that these evils naturally emanate from a corrupted heart, much like water from a spring.

Practical Application

Matthew 15:19 calls believers to profound self-examination. It challenges us to look beyond outward actions and consider the underlying motivations and thoughts that reside within our hearts. Since the heart is the wellspring of both good and evil, genuine transformation must begin there. This verse emphasizes the need for a renewed heart, a concept central to the New Covenant (Jeremiah 31:33; Ezekiel 36:26). It reminds us that true purity and holiness are not achieved through external conformity but through an inward change of disposition, brought about by God's grace.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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;
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