Matthew 15:8

KJV

This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with [their] lips; but their heart is far from me.

KJV (with Strong's)

This {G3778} people {G2992} draweth nigh {G1448} unto me {G3427} with their {G846} mouth {G4750}, and {G2532} honoureth {G5091} me {G3165} with their lips {G5491}; but {G1161} their {G846} heart {G2588} is {G568} far {G4206} from {G575} me {G1700}.

Complete Jewish Bible

`These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far away from me.

Berean Standard Bible

‘These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me.

American Standard Version

This people honoreth me with their lips; But their heart is far from me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Matthew 15:8, Jesus confronts the religious leaders of His day, quoting from Isaiah to expose the profound hypocrisy of their outward religious observances. He declares that while they honor Him with their lips and draw near with their mouths, their hearts are tragically distant from Him. This verse serves as a powerful indictment of superficial piety, emphasizing that true worship and devotion must originate from a sincere and transformed heart, rather than from mere ritualistic adherence or verbal professions.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Matthew 15:8 is situated within a crucial dialogue between Jesus and the Pharisees and scribes who had traveled from Jerusalem. The immediate preceding verses (Matthew 15:1-7) detail their challenge to Jesus regarding His disciples' failure to observe the "tradition of the elders" concerning ceremonial handwashing before eating. Jesus, in turn, masterfully pivots the critique back onto them, accusing them of nullifying God’s commandment for the sake of their own traditions, specifically citing their practice of "Corban" (Matthew 15:3-6). Verse 8, along with verse 9, serves as the climactic summation of Jesus' indictment, directly quoting Isaiah 29:13 to underscore the spiritual bankruptcy of their external religiosity devoid of inner devotion. This passage forms a bridge to Jesus' subsequent teaching on what truly defiles a person (Matthew 15:10-20), shifting the focus from external purity rituals to the internal state of the heart.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Judaism, particularly among the Pharisees and scribes, placed immense emphasis on the oral tradition (the "tradition of the elders") alongside the written Torah. These traditions, intended to build a "fence around the Law" and prevent transgression, had, in many cases, become ends in themselves, overshadowing the spirit and intent of God's commandments. The religious leaders were highly esteemed for their meticulous adherence to these traditions and their public displays of piety. The concept of ritual purity was paramount, dictating daily life, meals, and interactions. Jesus' challenge in Matthew 15 directly confronted this prevailing religious culture, exposing the danger of prioritizing human traditions and outward performance over genuine heart-level obedience and love for God. This tension between external observance and internal reality was a recurring theme in Jesus' ministry, often putting Him at odds with the religious establishment.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Matthew's Gospel and Jesus' broader teaching. Primarily, it highlights the stark contrast between **outward religiosity and inward devotion**, a theme Jesus frequently addresses, especially in His condemnations of hypocrisy (e.g., [Matthew 6:1-18 - Jesus' Teaching on Hypocrisy](/matthew/6-1-18 "Matthew 6:1-18 - Jesus' Teaching on Hypocrisy")). It underscores the **primacy of the heart** as the true locus of worship and morality, a concept foundational to understanding authentic faith, as opposed to mere ritualistic adherence (cf. [Mark 7:14-23 - What Truly Defiles](/mark/7-14-23 "Mark 7:14-23 - What Truly Defiles")). The verse also speaks to the theme of **authenticity in faith**, challenging believers to ensure their public declarations and religious practices are consistent with their internal affections and intentions toward God. Furthermore, by quoting Isaiah, Jesus demonstrates the **continuity of God's prophetic critique** against superficial worship across generations, linking the spiritual state of His contemporaries to that of ancient Israel (cf. [Isaiah 29:13 - The Prophecy of Lip Service](/isaiah/29-13 "Isaiah 29:13 - The Prophecy of Lip Service")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **people (Greek, _laós'_):** This word refers to a people in general, often used to denote God's chosen people, Israel. In this context, Jesus is speaking of the Jewish people, specifically their religious leaders, whose outward actions suggest devotion but whose hearts are far from God. It distinguishes them from a general populace (δῆμος), emphasizing their identity as a distinct group, in this case, those who claim to serve God.
* **draweth nigh (Greek, _engízō'_):** Meaning "to make near" or "approach," this word describes the physical or verbal act of coming close. Here, it signifies a superficial proximity to God through words and rituals, implying an outward show of reverence without true intimacy or spiritual closeness.
* **heart (Greek, _kardía'_):** In biblical anthropology, the "heart" is far more than a physical organ; it is the seat of intellect, will, emotions, and moral character—the very core of one's being. When Jesus states their heart is "far from me," He is indicating that their deepest affections, intentions, and moral compass are not aligned with God, revealing a profound spiritual disconnect.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth":** This clause describes the outward, verbal expression of religious devotion. The "mouth" signifies spoken words, prayers, praises, and perhaps even public declarations of faith. It points to a superficial form of worship that is expressed audibly but lacks genuine internal engagement.
* **"and honoureth me with their lips":** This phrase reiterates and intensifies the previous one, emphasizing the purely external nature of their "honor." "Lips" are the instruments of speech, and "honoureth" (timáō) implies a valuing or revering. The religious leaders were outwardly showing respect and reverence for God through their words and rituals, but this honor was confined to the surface.
* **"but their heart is far from me":** This is the crucial contrasting clause, introduced by the adversative "but" (dé). It reveals the stark and tragic reality behind the outward show. The "heart," as the center of one's being, is described as "far" (pórrhō) from God, indicating a profound spiritual distance, a lack of true affection, obedience, or alignment with divine will. This distance signifies a failure to genuinely love and obey God from the core of their being.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 15:8 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Juxtaposition** is central, creating a sharp contrast between the "mouth" and "lips" (representing outward expression) and the "heart" (representing inward reality). This highlights the hypocrisy Jesus condemns. **Quotation** is also a key device, as Jesus directly cites Isaiah 29:13, lending prophetic authority and historical precedent to His critique. This shows that the problem of superficial worship is not new but a recurring spiritual malady. Furthermore, the verse uses **Metonymy**, where "mouth" and "lips" stand in for verbal expressions and outward religious acts, and "heart" stands for the inner person's true intentions and affections. This allows Jesus to succinctly illustrate the disconnect between external performance and internal devotion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 15:8 profoundly underscores the biblical truth that God desires genuine heart-worship over mere outward observance. This principle is deeply rooted in the Old Testament prophets who consistently called Israel back to sincere devotion, condemning ritualism that lacked righteousness and justice. Jesus, in quoting Isaiah, establishes continuity with this prophetic tradition, affirming that true piety is an internal disposition that manifests in external actions, not the other way around. This verse challenges the notion that religious performance or adherence to human traditions can substitute for a transformed heart, emphasizing that God looks beyond the visible to the invisible motives and affections of the soul. It sets the stage for Jesus' later teaching that defilement comes from within, from the heart, rather than from external sources (Matthew 15:18-20).

* [Isaiah 29:13](/isaiah/29-13 "Isaiah 29:13 - The Prophecy of Lip Service")
* [Mark 7:6-7](/mark/7-6-7 "Mark 7:6-7 - Parallel Account of Jesus' Rebuke")
* [Proverbs 4:23](/proverbs/4-23 "Proverbs 4:23 - Guard Your Heart")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 15:8 serves as a timeless mirror for every believer, prompting a profound self-examination of the authenticity of our faith. It challenges us to look beyond the routines and rituals of our spiritual lives and honestly assess the true condition of our hearts. Are our prayers, worship, and service mere lip service, or do they flow from a deep, abiding love and genuine desire for God? This verse calls us to prioritize internal transformation over external performance, recognizing that God values sincerity and devotion above all else. It reminds us that true spirituality is not about what we say or do in public, but about the alignment of our innermost being with the will and heart of God. To truly honor God, our hearts must be drawn near to Him, not just our mouths. This requires a constant posture of humility, repentance, and a fervent pursuit of intimacy with our Creator.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my spiritual life might I be offering "lip service" without true heart engagement?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a heart that is genuinely "near" to God, rather than merely performing religious duties?**
* **How does my understanding of true worship, as taught in this verse, influence my daily interactions and priorities?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of Jesus quoting Isaiah 29:13 in this context?**

Answer: Jesus' quotation of [Isaiah 29:13](/isaiah/29-13 "Isaiah 29:13 - The Prophecy of Lip Service") is highly significant because it directly links the spiritual condition of the Pharisees and scribes in His day to that of ancient Israel. Isaiah's prophecy condemned Israel for their superficial worship, where their rituals and words were devoid of genuine heart devotion and obedience. By quoting this passage, Jesus demonstrates that the problem of religious hypocrisy is not new; it is a recurring spiritual malady that God has consistently addressed through His prophets. It underscores the timeless truth that God desires true internal transformation and sincere worship, not just outward religious performance. This quotation serves as a powerful indictment, showing that the religious leaders, despite their claims of upholding the Law, were repeating the very errors condemned by the prophets.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 15:8, while a severe indictment of superficial religiosity, ultimately points to the profound need for a new heart, a transformation that only Christ can provide. The Old Covenant, with its emphasis on external laws and rituals, often left people with the very problem Jesus highlighted: outward adherence without inward change. The Law could expose sin and hypocrisy, but it could not provide the power for a new heart. This is where Christ's fulfillment comes into sharp focus. Jesus, through His atoning work on the cross, offers a radical solution to the problem of a "heart far from God." He promises a new covenant where God's law is written not on stone tablets, but on the hearts of His people (cf. [Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant")). The Holy Spirit, poured out by Christ, empowers believers to worship God "in spirit and truth" (cf. [John 4:23-24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth](/john/4-23-24 "John 4:23-24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")), making genuine heart-devotion possible. Through faith in Him, we receive a new heart and a new spirit (cf. [Ezekiel 36:26-27 - A New Heart and Spirit](/ezekiel/36-26-27 "Ezekiel 36:26-27 - A New Heart and Spirit")), enabling us to draw near to God not just with our mouths, but with every fiber of our being, truly honoring Him from a place of transformed love and obedience. This is the ultimate fulfillment of the longing for authentic worship that Matthew 15:8 so starkly reveals.

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

Isaiah 29:13

Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near [me] with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men:

Ezekiel 33:31

And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee [as] my people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them: for with their mouth they shew much love, [but] their heart goeth after their covetousness.

Acts 8:21

Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.

1 Peter 3:10

For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:

Proverbs 23:26

My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways.

Hebrews 3:12

Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.

Jeremiah 12:2

Thou hast planted them, yea, they have taken root: they grow, yea, they bring forth fruit: thou [art] near in their mouth, and far from their reins.