Matthew 15 8

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.

Matthew 15:8 nkjv

'These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me.

Matthew 15:8 niv

"?'These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.

Matthew 15:8 esv

"'This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me;

Matthew 15:8 nlt

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

Matthew 15 verses

Matthew 15 8 Meaning

This verse, quoted by Jesus from Isaiah 29:13, critiques a superficial form of religious practice. It reveals that outward displays of honor and devotion towards God, such as prayers or rituals expressed verbally, are futile and rejected if they are not accompanied by an internal, heartfelt commitment and a close relationship with Him. True worship necessitates sincerity of the heart, where thoughts, desires, and actions align with devotion to God.

Matthew 15 8 Context

Matthew chapter 15 records a pivotal confrontation between Jesus and the Jewish religious authorities—Pharisees and scribes who had traveled from Jerusalem. The core issue revolves around "the tradition of the elders" versus God's direct commandments. The Pharisees accuse Jesus' disciples of violating a tradition regarding handwashing before eating, deeming them "unclean." Jesus' response is a powerful counter-accusation, stating that the Pharisees prioritize human traditions over divine law, specifically referencing their interpretation of the "Corban" vow which allowed them to nullify their duty to support their parents. Verse 8 directly follows this argument, serving as Jesus' scathing indictment of their hypocrisy, using an Old Testament prophecy to define their spiritual condition. It establishes the foundational principle that defilement comes not from external physical acts (like unwashed hands) but from the heart's disposition, thereby rendering their ritualistic concerns spiritually empty. This narrative reflects Jesus' consistent challenge to external legalism and His emphasis on the internal, moral state of a person.

Matthew 15 8 Word analysis

• This people (οὗτος ὁ λαὸς - houtos ho laos): "This" is often used here with a depreciatory tone, marking a distance from and condemnation of their conduct. "Laos" refers to the people, specifically the Jewish people, God's chosen nation. Jesus, by applying this specific prophecy to them, indicates that a spiritual lineage of hypocrisy persisted, reflecting ancient Israel's tendencies toward ritualistic formalism. It highlights their status as those who claim covenant relationship but fail to uphold its true spirit.
• honors (τιμᾷ - tima): This verb implies outward respect, esteem, or even reverence. It denotes actions that publicly acknowledge worth or authority. The present tense indicates a continuous, active practice of this outward honor, yet its sincerity is immediately questioned.
• me (με - me): While Jesus quotes from Isaiah where "me" referred to Yahweh, by applying it to Himself, He underscores His divine authority and oneness with God. It emphasizes that it is He who is being ostensibly honored, making their pretense directly offensive to His person.
• with their lips (τὰ χείλη - ta cheilē): Literally "the lips." This phrase specifies the instrument of their honor as purely external and verbal. It signifies a form of praise, prayer, or ritualistic pronouncement that involves only speech, without the engagement of the deeper self. It suggests empty words, flattery, or superficial conformity.
• but (δὲ - de): A strong adversative conjunction that introduces a stark contrast. It dramatically shifts from the deceptive outward appearance to the hidden, true spiritual reality.
• their heart (ἡ καρδία αὐτῶν - hē kardia autōn): "Kardia" in biblical thought is not just the physical organ but the center of one's being, encompassing intellect, emotion, will, moral choice, and spiritual life. It is the seat of true intent and devotion. The contrast with "lips" is critical, exposing a disconnect between external expression and internal reality. This highlights where true righteousness or depravity resides.
• is far (πόρρω ἀπέχει - porrō apechei): "Porrō" means far off, at a great distance. "Apechei" denotes to be away from, or to stand apart. This phrase conveys a profound spiritual estrangement. It implies a significant chasm, not merely a slight deviation, but a complete separation between the core being and God. It's an active state of being distant.
• from me (ἀπ’ ἐμοῦ - ap’ emou): Once more, this "me" refers to Jesus and, by extension, God. The distance is a spiritual alienation from God Himself, making their superficial worship utterly meaningless and an affront to the divine presence they claim to honor.

Words-group Analysis:

• "This people honors me with their lips": This phrase precisely describes hypocritical religious practice. It points to a situation where there is a public or verbal display of piety and reverence for God, but this display lacks true inner sincerity. It emphasizes performative religion—actions done for appearance or adherence to external tradition without internal conviction or relationship.
• "but their heart is far from me": This stands in direct, stark contrast to the first part, exposing the reality behind the facade. It reveals that despite their outward words, the very core of their being—their affections, intentions, and desires—is estranged from God. This internal distance invalidates any external show of devotion, making it offensive in God's sight. The spiritual chasm between human profession and genuine divine relationship is highlighted as the central issue.

Matthew 15 8 Bonus section

The profound importance of the "heart" in biblical theology is crucial for understanding Matthew 15:8. The heart, in Scripture, is the metaphorical command center of the person, influencing thoughts (Prov 23:7), actions (Lk 6:45), and the ability to know God (Jer 24:7). Jesus' reference to Isaiah reinforces a consistent prophetic message throughout the Old Testament that God desires sincere, inward obedience and relationship ("circumcision of the heart") over mere external compliance with the law or traditions. This verse not only highlights a pervasive spiritual problem in ancient Judaism but serves as an eternal principle applicable to all believers, reminding them that the vitality of their faith depends not on adherence to rites or public display but on an authentic, intimate relationship with God originating from the core of their being. The teaching in this verse is foundational for Jesus' later discussion in the chapter about what truly defiles a person (Mt 15:18-20), radically shifting the focus of "purity" from external observance to internal moral and spiritual condition.

Matthew 15 8 Commentary

Matthew 15:8 powerfully captures Jesus' condemnation of religious hypocrisy, a central theme in His conflict with the Pharisees. By quoting Isaiah 29:13, Jesus unequivocally asserts that outward adherence to religious customs, prayers, or expressions of devotion are utterly void of meaning when they originate from a heart that is distant from God. The essence of the message is that God values genuine, internal devotion over any external ritual or verbal profession. The lips may offer praise, but if the "heart"—the seat of one's true desires, intellect, and will—is spiritually disconnected, such "honor" is an affront. This principle teaches that true spiritual value lies in authenticity, the integrity between one's inner being and outward expressions of faith. It urges introspection: are our religious acts born of genuine love for God, or are they mere performance or tradition?

Examples:

• Praying publicly with eloquent words while harboring malice or bitterness within.
• Participating in religious ceremonies out of obligation rather than heartfelt devotion.
• Reciting Scripture or doctrinal statements without actively striving to obey them or letting them transform one's character.