Matthew 15 18

Matthew 15:18 kjv

But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.

Matthew 15:18 nkjv

But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man.

Matthew 15:18 niv

But the things that come out of a person's mouth come from the heart, and these defile them.

Matthew 15:18 esv

But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person.

Matthew 15:18 nlt

But the words you speak come from the heart ? that's what defiles you.

Matthew 15 verses

Matthew 15 18 Meaning

Matthew 15:18 states that true defilement does not come from external things like food, but from what originates within the human heart and then proceeds out through the mouth, specifically as words or actions implied by thoughts and intentions. Jesus here radically redefines impurity from being a matter of ritual observance or physical contact with certain substances, to being a moral and spiritual condition of the inner person. The verse emphasizes that one's words are a direct outflow and indicator of the condition of their heart, and it is these internally generated evils that truly corrupt and make a person unclean before God.

Matthew 15 18 Context

Matthew chapter 15 records a direct confrontation between Jesus and the Pharisees and scribes. The dispute begins when these religious leaders question why Jesus' disciples do not adhere to the "tradition of the elders," specifically regarding ritual handwashing before eating (Matt 15:1-2). They saw this tradition as a matter of purity. Jesus then challenges their hypocrisy, showing how their human traditions (like "Corban") nullified God's clear commands, such as honoring parents (Matt 15:3-9).

Following this, Jesus gathers the crowd and declares that defilement comes not from what goes into a person, but from what comes out of them (Matt 15:10-11). The disciples are confused, leading Peter to ask for an explanation (Matt 15:15). Jesus then expounds on this, first explaining in Matt 15:17 that physical intake is naturally digested and eliminated, thus it cannot morally defile. Then, in verse 18, Jesus explains the true source of defilement: the heart, from which evil thoughts and expressions arise and bring moral impurity to a person. This passage constitutes a radical redefinition of purity laws, shifting the focus from external ritual to the internal moral and spiritual condition. It serves as a strong polemic against the prevailing Jewish legalism of the time that often prioritized outward observance over genuine righteousness of heart.

Matthew 15 18 Word analysis

• But (Δε - De): A conjunction indicating a contrast. It immediately shifts the focus from the preceding statement (what goes into the mouth) to its opposite, emphasizing the source of true defilement.
• those things which proceed out of the mouth (τὰ δὲ ἐκπορευόμενα ἐκ τοῦ στόματος - ta de ekporeuomena ek tou stomatos): This phrase refers to words spoken or attitudes expressed through speech, not food or external items. "Proceed" (ἐκπορευόμενα) is a continuous action, highlighting an outflow.
• come forth from the heart (ἐκ τῆς καρδίας ἐξέρχεται - ek tēs kardias exerchetai):
  • "Heart" (καρδίας - kardias): In the biblical sense, the "heart" is not merely the emotional center, but the seat of intellect, will, reason, and moral character—the entire inner person. It's the core of one's being where thoughts, motives, and intentions originate.
  • "come forth" (ἐξέρχεται - exerchetai): Reinforces the idea of an inherent, internal origin, emphasizing that words are not isolated actions but manifest expressions of what truly resides within.
• and they defile the man (κἀκεῖνα κοινοῖ τὸν ἄνθρωπον - kakeina koinoi ton anthrōpon):
  • "defile" (κοινοῖ - koinoi): This Greek word means to make "common" or "unclean," implying spiritual or moral impurity, not just ritual uncleanness according to Levitical law. Jesus fundamentally redefines defilement as moral corruption stemming from a person's inner evil, as opposed to ceremonial impurity due to external contact or dietary laws.
  • "the man" (τὸν ἄνθρωπον - ton anthrōpon): Refers to any human being, making the principle universally applicable to all people regardless of their adherence to specific traditions.

Words-group analysis:

• "But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart": This crucial link establishes a direct and inescapable connection between one's verbal expressions (and by extension, one's actions, as verbalized intentions often lead to action) and the inner state of their heart. It underscores that words are diagnostic of spiritual health, revealing what truly governs one's inner being.
• "and they defile the man": This phrase directly asserts the consequence of this internal evil manifesting outwardly. It declares that real spiritual corruption, in God's eyes, stems from a morally depraved heart expressing itself, rather than from adherence to external regulations or traditions. This reframing dismantles the religious paradigm of the Pharisees.

Matthew 15 18 Bonus section

This verse carries immense theological weight by revealing that humanity's fundamental problem is not a matter of ritual error but of a corrupt heart. It points to the universal human condition described in other scriptures where "the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick" (Jer 17:9). Jesus' statement implies the necessity of a spiritual rebirth or renewal, as advocated elsewhere (Ezek 36:26, Jn 3:3-7), because a naturally impure heart cannot spontaneously generate good. The challenge of this verse is personal: true piety begins internally. It serves as a litmus test for genuine faith, which affects the heart first, then flows outward to influence words and deeds, ultimately transforming the person from within rather than relying on outward appearances.

Matthew 15 18 Commentary

Matthew 15:18 profoundly redirects the understanding of purity and impurity. Jesus declares that what truly corrupts a person, making them defiled in the sight of God, is not external observance or food, but the inherent condition of their heart. The "things which proceed out of the mouth" are manifestations—whether thoughts, intentions, or outright evil words—that reveal the true spiritual and moral state of the inner person. A defiled heart naturally produces defiling words and actions. This teaching necessitates an inward focus on repentance and transformation rather than a preoccupation with external religious practices, emphasizing that only a regenerated heart can truly produce that which is pure and pleasing to God. The practical application is self-examination concerning one's speech and inner thoughts, recognizing them as indicators of the heart's true condition.