Matthew 12 37

Matthew 12:37 kjv

For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.

Matthew 12:37 nkjv

For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned."

Matthew 12:37 niv

For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned."

Matthew 12:37 esv

for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned."

Matthew 12:37 nlt

The words you say will either acquit you or condemn you."

Matthew 12 verses

Matthew 12 37 Meaning

Matthew 12:37 profoundly declares that the words one speaks will be the basis for their acquittal or condemnation. This verse encapsulates a critical truth: what proceeds from a person's mouth is a direct reflection of their heart's true condition and will ultimately be used as evidence in the divine judgment. It underscores the spiritual gravity and accountability associated with human speech.

Matthew 12 37 Context

Matthew 12:37 serves as a culminating statement within a section where Jesus confronts the Pharisees regarding their hardened hearts and blasphemous accusations. The immediate context begins with Jesus healing a demon-possessed blind and mute man (Matt 12:22), leading the crowds to wonder if He is the Son of David. The Pharisees, consumed by jealousy and unbelief, attribute Jesus' power to Beelzebul, the prince of demons (Matt 12:24). Jesus refutes their illogical accusation (Matt 12:25-29), then warns them about blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, which has no forgiveness (Matt 12:31-32). He then transitions to the imagery of a tree known by its fruit (Matt 12:33), explicitly stating that the mouth speaks from the overflow of the heart (Matt 12:34-35), and warns that people will give account for every careless word on the day of judgment (Matt 12:36). Verse 37, therefore, summarizes the dire implications: their words of blasphemy reveal their wicked hearts and will be their condemnation, just as true confession reveals a good heart and will lead to justification. This passage is a polemic against the Pharisees' hypocrisy, spiritual blindness, and opposition to divine truth.

Matthew 12 37 Word analysis

• For (γάρ, gar): A conjunction indicating causation or explanation. It links this verse directly to the preceding warning about giving an account for every careless word, emphasizing why this judgment by words occurs.
• by (ἐκ, ek): A preposition meaning "out of" or "from." It signifies the origin or source. Here, it denotes that words are the means or basis by which judgment (justification or condemnation) will be rendered, as well as the source (from the mouth, which speaks from the heart).
• your words (τῶν λόγων σου, tōn logōn sou): Logos (λόγος) here refers to spoken utterances. The plural "words" emphasizes the collective sum and character of one's speech, encompassing both intentional statements and 'careless' ones. These words are not isolated events but expressions of an inner disposition. The repetition of "by your words" (the full phrase appears twice) heightens emphasis on speech as the ultimate determinant.
• you will be justified (δικαιωθήσῃ, dikaiōthēsē): From dikaioō (δικαιόω), meaning to declare or pronounce righteous, to acquit. This is a forensic, legal term in the passive voice, indicating a divine judgment. In this context, it speaks of being declared innocent or cleared in the divine courtroom. It reflects alignment between the outward confession (words) and the inward state of a heart aligned with God's will.
• and (καὶ, kai): A simple conjunction connecting the two potential outcomes: justification and condemnation.
• you will be condemned (καταδικασθήσῃ, katadikasthēsē): From katadikazō (καταδικάζω), meaning to pronounce judgment against, to condemn, to pass sentence upon. Also in the passive voice, it denotes being found guilty and sentenced in the divine judgment. This outcome occurs when words, especially those of blasphemy or deceit, betray an unregenerate, evil heart.

Words-Group Analysis

• For by your words...by your words: The strong parallelism underscores the decisive role of speech in judgment. The "words" serve as tangible evidence, a record, and an indicator of one's heart, which is truly being judged.
• you will be justified and...you will be condemned: This presents the absolute dichotomy of judgment outcomes based solely on one's spoken words. It reflects the ultimate binary choice and consequence of either embracing or rejecting Christ, which manifests through one's words.

Matthew 12 37 Bonus section

The seemingly simple declaration in Matthew 12:37 links directly to the concept of divine courtroom theology. Jesus is presenting a scenario where humanity stands before God as judge, and their own words become irrefutable evidence. This is not about words being meritorious for salvation in themselves, but rather words serving as the faithful outward expression (or "fruit") of an inner spiritual state—be it belief or unbelief, a heart filled with God's goodness or one corrupted by sin and rebellion. This profound connection means that a person's constant flow of speech accurately portrays the "treasure" stored in their heart (Matt 12:35), signifying that genuine conversion will inevitably transform one's communication. It's a call to examine one's own speech as a spiritual diagnostic.

Matthew 12 37 Commentary

Matthew 12:37 serves as a potent conclusion to Jesus' rebuke of the Pharisees, extending its warning to all. It unveils a fundamental principle of divine judgment: God judges not merely on external acts, but on the true condition of the heart, which is most consistently revealed through one's speech. Words are not empty sounds; they are potent indicators of whether one aligns with God or against Him. Careless, blasphemous, or deceitful words reveal a heart hostile to God's Spirit and truth, leading to condemnation. Conversely, words of genuine confession, praise, and truth reveal a heart made righteous by God, leading to justification. This verse reminds believers to guard their mouths, knowing that every utterance bears eternal weight, aligning with Paul's teaching that one confesses with their mouth unto salvation, implying an authentic belief in the heart.

• Examples:
  • Justification: A believer confessing Christ as Lord, sharing the Gospel with love, speaking words of forgiveness and reconciliation.
  • Condemnation: Someone uttering blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, perpetually slandering truth, or speaking words filled with malice and hatred reflecting an unrepentant heart.