- Home
- Bible
- Matthew
- Chapter 15
- Verse 15
Matthew 15:11
Verse
Context
Sermons




Summary
Commentary
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man--This is expressed even more emphatically in Mark (Mar 7:15-16), and it is there added, "If any man have ears to hear, let him hear." As in Mat 13:9, this so oft-repeated saying seems designed to call attention to the fundamental and universal character of the truth it refers to.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth the man,.... No sorts of meats, or drinks, or whatever is proper food for men, or manner of eating and drinking them, when moderately used, defile a man, or render him loathsome and odious in the sight God. This is directly opposite to the notions of the Jews, who say (d), that "forbidden meats are unclean themselves, "and defile both body and soul".'' The first food of man was herbs; after the flood he had an allowance of the flesh of beasts, without distinction; under the Levitical dispensation, a difference of meats was enjoined to be observed; the laws respecting that distinction are now abolished, and not binding on us under the Gospel dispensation. Some scruples, about some of these things, did arise among the first Christians; but in process of time these difficulties were got over: nor is there any religion in abstinence from any sort of food; men, indeed, on a "physical" account, ought to be careful what they eat and drink, but not on a religious one; moderation in all ought to be used; and whatever is ate or drank, should be received with thankfulness, and done to the glory of God, and then no defilement can arise from hence: but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man. It is sin, and that only, which takes its rise from the heart, lies in thought, and is either expressed by the mouth, or performed by some outward action, which defiles the man, and renders him loathsome, abominable, and odious in the sight of God. The heart is the source of all evil; the pollution of it is very early, and very general, reaching to all the powers and faculties of the soul; which shows the ignorance of some, and folly of others, that talk of, and trust to the goodness of their hearts; and also the necessity of new hearts and right spirits being formed and created; and that the sinful thoughts of the heart, and the lusts thereof, are defiling to men; and that they are sinful in God's account, and abominable in his sight; that they are loathsome to sensible sinners, and are to be repented of, and forsaken by them; and need the pardoning grace of God or otherwise will be brought into judgment. Sinful words, which, through the abundance of wickedness in the heart, come out of the mouth, have the same influence and effect: words are of a defiling nature; with these men pollute both themselves and others: the tongue, though a little member, defiles the whole body; and evil and corrupt communication proceeding out of the mouth, corrupts the best of manners, and renders men loathsome to God, and liable to his awful judgment. And this is the nature of all sinful actions; they are what God can take no pleasure in; they are disagreeable, to a sensible mind; they leave a stain, which can never be removed by any thing the creature can do; nothing short of the blood of Christ can cleanse from it; and inasmuch as they are frequently committed, there is need of continual application to it. These are now the things men should be concerned about, as of a defiling nature; and not about meats and drinks, and the manner of using them, whether with hands washed, or unwashed. (d) Tzeror Hammor, fol. 142. 1.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
15:11 what goes into your mouth: Jesus was speaking here either of foods that were not permitted (e.g., pork or shellfish) or of food contaminated by unclean hands (15:20). • That which defiles makes a person unfit for communion with God. Jesus pressed the matter beyond ceremonial purity to true inner purity (see 15:18-19; 23:25-26; Acts 10:1-48; Rom 14:14). • One’s words are a measure of one’s character (see Matt 15:18-20; Jas 3:1-12).
Matthew 15:11
What Defiles a Man
10Jesus called the crowd to Him and said, “Listen and understand.11A man is not defiled by what enters his mouth, but by what comes out of it.”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
A Big Neighbourhood
By Jim Cymbala3.6K35:53Christian LifeMAT 4:4MAT 15:11MRK 7:19LUK 9:3ACT 16:31ROM 3:23EPH 2:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being a good neighbor and following the example of Jesus. He shares a personal story about encountering someone in need and highlights the need for discernment when helping others. The preacher then delves into the story of the Good Samaritan from Luke chapter 10, emphasizing the depth and significance of the parable. He concludes by emphasizing the importance of loving God and growing in our love for Him, while also recognizing the importance of reaching out to others and being a neighbor to those in need.
Christ Is All - in Scripture
By Bill McLeod1.6K46:28Fulness Of ChristPSA 2:10PSA 40:7PSA 41:9MAT 1:21MAT 28:19MRK 14:62COL 3:11TIT 3:7PHM 1:1In this sermon, the speaker begins by referencing Mark 16 and Luke 1 from the Bible. He highlights how Jesus reproached his disciples for their lack of belief in his resurrection and then commanded them to preach the gospel to the world. The speaker also mentions that some versions of the Bible omit miracles and end with Jesus' death on the cross, portraying him as a good man and advocate of peace. However, the speaker emphasizes that the Bible is truly all about Jesus and explores the significance of his ministry and his role as the Son of God.
All That Jesus Taught Bible Study - Part 54
By Zac Poonen61625:58MAT 15:11MAT 15:18This sermon delves into the teachings of Jesus from Matthew chapter 15, emphasizing the importance of what comes out of our hearts rather than what goes into our bodies. It highlights the need to be more concerned about spiritual defilement than physical sickness, urging believers to be vigilant about what they allow into their hearts through media and entertainment. The sermon also explores the powerful lessons from the encounter of Jesus with a Canaanite woman, showcasing persistence, humility, and faith in prayer. Additionally, it reflects on Jesus' compassion for the multitude, demonstrating his care for their physical needs and the significance of giving thanks.
Mark - Soiled Hearts Are Not Cleansed by Washing Hands
By J. Glyn Owen36349:11SinMAT 6:33MAT 15:11MAT 15:18MRK 7:1In this sermon, the speaker focuses on Mark 7:1-23 and the confrontation between Jesus and the Pharisees and scribes. The chapter begins with the Pharisees questioning Jesus about why his disciples do not follow the tradition of the elders regarding handwashing before eating. Jesus responds by criticizing the Pharisees for prioritizing human traditions over God's commandments. He emphasizes that true defilement comes from within a person's heart, not from external actions. The sermon highlights the importance of prioritizing a genuine relationship with God over religious rituals and traditions.
Compared View of the First Three Gospels, Etc.
By John Nelson Darby0The GospelsChrist's MinistryMAT 1:1MAT 4:17MAT 5:1MAT 9:35MAT 11:28MAT 28:19MRK 1:14LUK 3:23LUK 4:18John Nelson Darby discusses the distinct characteristics and purposes of the first three Gospels, emphasizing that Mark presents a chronological account of Christ's service, while Matthew focuses on the presentation of Jesus as the Messiah and the implications of His rejection. He notes that Luke, while generally following Mark's order, includes moral teachings that are unique to his Gospel. Darby highlights the importance of understanding the genealogies and the context of Christ's ministry, particularly in relation to Israel's expectations and the establishment of the church. He concludes that the Gospels collectively reveal the nature of Christ's mission and the unfolding of God's plan for humanity.
If Any Man Offend Not in Word, the Same Is a Perfect Man
By A.B. Simpson0Spiritual MaturityThe Power of WordsPSA 19:14PRO 18:21PRO 21:23ECC 3:7MAT 12:37MAT 15:11EPH 4:29COL 4:6JAS 1:261PE 3:10A.B. Simpson emphasizes the profound impact of speech as a defining characteristic of humanity, asserting that the way we communicate reveals our true character. He warns that failing to control one's tongue indicates an unsanctified spirit, while mastering our words signifies spiritual maturity and alignment with the Holy Spirit. Simpson illustrates the consequences of careless speech through the example of Moses, whose unguarded words cost him the opportunity to enter the Promised Land. He concludes that our words have eternal significance, as they can justify or condemn us before God.
The Mark of the Cross.
By Gareth Evans0MAT 15:11MAT 18:4MRK 9:34LUK 22:26PHP 2:6Gareth Evans delves into the significance of the mark of the cross, exploring the concept of bearing the mark of the cross in our lives today. He challenges traditional interpretations of taking up the cross, emphasizing that it symbolizes death to self and one's natural desires, as exemplified by Jesus. Evans highlights Jesus' teachings on greatness in the Kingdom as a key aspect of taking up one's cross and dying to self.
Proposals for Reform Ii
By Martin Luther0MAT 6:7MAT 15:11MAT 18:19MAT 23:131CO 7:231CO 10:25EPH 4:42TH 2:112TH 3:10Martin Luther delivers a sermon proposing reforms within the Church, addressing issues such as the abuse of power by prelates, the commercialization of religious practices like masses and indulgences, the tyranny of the papacy, and the need for unity with the Bohemians. Luther advocates for confession of secret sins to any brother or sister, the abolition of unnecessary festivals and pilgrimages, and the rejection of papal authority in favor of a more humble and loving approach to faith. He emphasizes the importance of truth, unity, and simplicity in Christian practice, urging for a return to the core teachings of the Gospel.
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man--This is expressed even more emphatically in Mark (Mar 7:15-16), and it is there added, "If any man have ears to hear, let him hear." As in Mat 13:9, this so oft-repeated saying seems designed to call attention to the fundamental and universal character of the truth it refers to.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth the man,.... No sorts of meats, or drinks, or whatever is proper food for men, or manner of eating and drinking them, when moderately used, defile a man, or render him loathsome and odious in the sight God. This is directly opposite to the notions of the Jews, who say (d), that "forbidden meats are unclean themselves, "and defile both body and soul".'' The first food of man was herbs; after the flood he had an allowance of the flesh of beasts, without distinction; under the Levitical dispensation, a difference of meats was enjoined to be observed; the laws respecting that distinction are now abolished, and not binding on us under the Gospel dispensation. Some scruples, about some of these things, did arise among the first Christians; but in process of time these difficulties were got over: nor is there any religion in abstinence from any sort of food; men, indeed, on a "physical" account, ought to be careful what they eat and drink, but not on a religious one; moderation in all ought to be used; and whatever is ate or drank, should be received with thankfulness, and done to the glory of God, and then no defilement can arise from hence: but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man. It is sin, and that only, which takes its rise from the heart, lies in thought, and is either expressed by the mouth, or performed by some outward action, which defiles the man, and renders him loathsome, abominable, and odious in the sight of God. The heart is the source of all evil; the pollution of it is very early, and very general, reaching to all the powers and faculties of the soul; which shows the ignorance of some, and folly of others, that talk of, and trust to the goodness of their hearts; and also the necessity of new hearts and right spirits being formed and created; and that the sinful thoughts of the heart, and the lusts thereof, are defiling to men; and that they are sinful in God's account, and abominable in his sight; that they are loathsome to sensible sinners, and are to be repented of, and forsaken by them; and need the pardoning grace of God or otherwise will be brought into judgment. Sinful words, which, through the abundance of wickedness in the heart, come out of the mouth, have the same influence and effect: words are of a defiling nature; with these men pollute both themselves and others: the tongue, though a little member, defiles the whole body; and evil and corrupt communication proceeding out of the mouth, corrupts the best of manners, and renders men loathsome to God, and liable to his awful judgment. And this is the nature of all sinful actions; they are what God can take no pleasure in; they are disagreeable, to a sensible mind; they leave a stain, which can never be removed by any thing the creature can do; nothing short of the blood of Christ can cleanse from it; and inasmuch as they are frequently committed, there is need of continual application to it. These are now the things men should be concerned about, as of a defiling nature; and not about meats and drinks, and the manner of using them, whether with hands washed, or unwashed. (d) Tzeror Hammor, fol. 142. 1.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
15:11 what goes into your mouth: Jesus was speaking here either of foods that were not permitted (e.g., pork or shellfish) or of food contaminated by unclean hands (15:20). • That which defiles makes a person unfit for communion with God. Jesus pressed the matter beyond ceremonial purity to true inner purity (see 15:18-19; 23:25-26; Acts 10:1-48; Rom 14:14). • One’s words are a measure of one’s character (see Matt 15:18-20; Jas 3:1-12).