Matthew 15:18

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Matthew 15:18 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these things defile a man.

King James Version KJV

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

American Standard Version ASV

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

Bible in Basic English BBE

But the things which come out of the mouth come from the heart; and they make a man unclean.

Free Bible Version FBV

But what comes out through the mouth comes from the mind, and that's what defiles you.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

But those thinges which proceede out of the mouth, come from the heart, and they defile the man.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

but the things coming forth from the mouth from the heart do come forth, and these defile the man;

World English Bible WEB

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

Noah Webster Bible WBS

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

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

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

Translation for Translators T4T

You should know that what comes out of people’s mouths, meaning everything that they say [SYN], comes from their inner beings/hearts. Many of the things that they say cause God to consider them to be unacceptable to him.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Matthew 15:18

BAB

Word Study

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Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Matthew 15:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK τα δε εκπορευομενα εκ του στοματος εκ της καρδιας εξερχεται κακεινα κοινοι τον ανθρωπον

τα ho G3588 the/this/who Art-NPN

δε de G1161 then Conj

εκπορευομενα ekporeuō G1607 to depart Verb-PNP-NPN

εκ ek G1537 out from Prep

του ho G3588 the/this/who Art-GSN

στοματος stoma G4750 mouth Noun-GSN

εκ ek G1537 out from Prep

της ho G3588 the/this/who Art-GSF

καρδιας kardia G2588 heart Noun-GSF

εξερχεται exerchomai G1831 to go out Verb-PNI-3S

κακεινα kakeinos G2548 and that one Dem-NPN-K

κοινοι koinoō G2840 to profane Verb-PAI-3S

τον ho G3588 the/this/who Art-ASM

ανθρωπον anthrōpos G444 a human Noun-ASM

Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — Matthew 15:18

τα ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-NPN

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

δε de G1161 "then" Conj

This is a conjunction that means and, but, or then, used to connect ideas like in Matthew 1:2 and 2 Corinthians 6:15.

Definition: δέ (before vowels δ᾽; on the general neglect of the elision in NT, see WH, App., 146; Tdf., Pr., 96), post-positive conjunctive particle; __1. copulative, but, in the next place, and, now (Abbott, JG, 104): Mat.1:2ff., 2Co.6:15, 16, 2Pe.1:5-7; in repetition for emphasis, Rom.3:21, 22, 9:30, 1Co.2:6, Gal.2:2, Php.2:8; in transition to something new, Mat.1:18, 2:19, Luk.13:1, Jhn.7:14, Act.6:1, Rom.8:28, 1Co.7:1 8:1, al.; in explanatory parenthesis or addition, Jhn.3:19, Rom.5:8, 1Co.1:12, Eph.2:4, 5:32, al.; ὡς δέ, Jhn.2:9; καὶ . . . δέ, but also, Mat.10:18, Luk.1:76, Jhn.6:51, Rom.11:23, al.; καὶ ἐὰν δέ, yea even if, Jhn.8:16. __2. Adversative, but, on the other hand, prop., answering to a foregoing μέν (which see), and distinguishing a word or clause from one preceding (in NT most frequently without μέν; Bl., §77, 12): ἐὰν δέ, Mat.6:14, 23, al.; ἐγὼ (σὺ, etc.) δέ, Mat.5:22, 6:6, Mrk.8:29, al.; ὁ δέ, αὐτὸς δέ, Mrk.1:45, Luk.4:40, al.; after a negation, Mat.6:19, 20, Rom.3:4, 1Th.5:21, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2552 NT verses. KJV: also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:10; 1 Corinthians 12:9; 1 Peter 1:7.

εκπορευομενα ekporeuō G1607 "to depart" Verb-PNP-NPN

To depart means to go out or leave a place, like the demons leaving a possessed person in Matthew 17:21. It can also mean to proceed or project something. Jesus departed from the temple in Mark 13:1.

Definition: ἐκ-πορεύω [in LXX chiefly for יָצָא ;] to make to go out; pass. and mid., to go forth: Luk.3:7, Act.25:4; of demons leaving one possessed, Mat.17:21 (WH om.), Act.19:12; of excrement, Mk 719; before ἀπό, Mat.20:29, Mrk.10:46; ἐκ, Mrk.13:1 (of the dead rising, Jhn.5:29); ἐκεῖθεν, Mrk.6:11; ἔξω, Mrk.11:19; είς, Mrk.10:17, Jhn.5:29; ἐπί, with accusative of person(s), Rev.16:14; πρός, with accusative of person(s), Mat.3:5, Mrk.1:5; εἰσπορ- (which see) καὶ ἐ., Act.9:28; metaphorically, to come forth, proceed: of feelings, etc., Mrk.7:23; before ἐκ, Mat.15:11, 18 Mrk.7:15, 20-21, Luk.4:22, Eph.4:29; ῥῆμα, before διά, Mat.4:4 (LXX); of lightning and flame, Rev.4:5 9:17-18 11:5; a river, Rev.22:1; a sword, Rev.1:16 19:15; a rumour, before εἰς, Luk.4:37; of the Holy Spirit, before παρά, Jhn.15:26.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 32 NT verses. KJV: come (forth, out of), depart, go (forth, out), issue, proceed (out of) See also: Acts 25:4; Mark 11:19; Revelation 1:16.

εκ ek G1537 "out from" Prep

The preposition 'out from' shows movement or origin, like in John 6:31 and Acts 9:3. It helps us understand where people or things come from or are going.

Definition: ἐκ (ἐξ), prep. with genitive, from out of, from (see Addendum, p. 492).This entry is included here, but in the print version the entry is found on p. 492. ἐκ, before a vowel ἐξ, prep. with genitive, of motion outwards, separation from (opposite to εἰς; = Lat. e, ex), from out of, from among, from. __I. Of Place, __1. of motion, out of, forth from, off from: Jhn.6:31, Act.9:3, Gal.1:8, al.; esp. after verbs of motion, Mat.8:28 17:9, Mrk.1:25 7:28, Jhn.1:33 20:1, Act.12:7, 17 27:30, al.; constr. praeg., σώζειν (διας) ἐκ, Ju 5, Act.28:4. Metaphorical, Mat.7:4, 5, 1Pe.2:9; ἐκ τ. χειρός (-ῶν), before genitive of person(s), Luk.1:74, Jhn.10:28, 29, 39, Act.12:4 24:7, Rev.19:2; πίνειν (which see) ἐκ; of the place from which an action proceeds, Luk.5:3 (cf. 12:36, Jhn.13:4, 2Co.2:4). __2. Of change from one place or condition to another: Jhn.8:42, Rom.6:13 13:11, Rev.7:14, al.; with ellips. of verb of motion, 2Ti.2:26, 2Pe.2:21, Rev.2:21, al. __3. Of separation or distinction from a number, before collective or pl. nouns: Mat.13:47, 49, Jhn.12:1, Act.3:15, 1Pe.1:3, al.; after εἷς, Mat.10:29 Luk.17:15, al.; οὐδείς, Jhn.7:19, al.; πολλοί, Jhn.11:19, al.; τις, Luk.11:15, al.; τίς, Mat.6:27, al.; in partitive phrase as subject of sentence, Jhn.16:17; Hebraistically, ἐκ μέσου before genitive, = ἐκ (Heb. מִתּוֹךְ), Mat.13:49, al. __4. Of position or direction (so in cl. = ἔξω): ἐκ δεξιῶν (see: δεξιός); ἐξ ἐναντίας, Mrk.15:39 (metaphorically, Tit.2:8); ἐκ ῥιζῶν (i.e., utterly), Mat.11:20. __II. Of Time, __1. of the point of time from which, from, since: ἐκ γενετῆς, Jhn.9:1, cf. Mrk.10:20, Luk.23:8, Act.24:10, al. __2. Of succession in time: ἐκ δευτέρου, a second time, Mrk.14:72, al., cf. Mat.26:44; ἡμέραν ἐξ ἡμέρας, from day to day, 2Pe.2:8. __III. Of Origin, __1. of nativity, lineage, race: κοίτην (ἐν γαστρί) ἔχειν, Rom.9:10, Mat.1:18; γεννᾶν ἐκ, Mat.1:3ff.; γεννᾶσθαι (γίνεσθαι) ἐκ, Jhn.3:6 8:41, Gal.4:4; ἐκ πνεύματος (θεοῦ), Jhn.1:13 3:5ff., al. ἔρχεσθαι, εἶναι, etc., ἐκ τ. πολέως, Jhn.1:44; φυλῆς, Luk.2:36, al.; τ. ἐξουσίας Ἡρῴδου, Luk.23:7; ὁ ὢν ἐκ τ. γῆς, Jhn.3:31. __2. Of the author, occasion or source: Mat.5:37, Jhn.2:16, Rom.2:29, 1Co.8:6, Gal.5:8, al.; ἐκ (τ. θεοῦ, 1Co.7:7, 2Co.5:1, 1Jn.4:7; ἐκ τ. πατρός, Jhn.6:65, al.; ἐκ τ. γῆς ἐστιν, λαλεῖ, Jhn.3:31; εκ καρδίας, Rom.6:17, cf. Mrk.12:30, 1Ti.1:5; ἐκ ψυχῆς, Eph.6:6, Col.3:23; ἐκ πίστεως, Rom.14:23; κρίνειν ἐκ, Luk.19:22, Rev.20:12. __3. Of the agent, after passive verbs: Mat.15:5, Mrk.7:11, 2Co.2:2, al.; frequently in Re after αδικεῖσθαι (2:11), etc. __4. Of cause, dependence, source of supply: τ. πόνου (των), Rev.16:10, 11; τ. φωνῶν, Rev.8:13; ἐκ τούτου, Jhn.6:66 19:12 (but see Meyer, in ll.); ἐκ θεοῦ λαλεῖν, 2Co.2:17; ἐκ τ. ἀληθείας, Jhn.18:37, 1Jn.3:19; ὁ ἐκ πίστεως, Rom.3:26 4:16; οἱ (ὄντες) ἐκ περιτομῆς, Act.11:2, Rom.4:12, Gal.2:12, Col.4:11; πίνειν ἐκ, Mat.26:29, Mrk.14:25, Jhn.4:13, al.; θερίζειν, Gal.6:8; μετέχειν ἐκ (= partit. genitive), 1Co.10:13; with inf., ἐκ τοῦ ἔχειν, 2Co.8:11. __5. Of material: Mat.27:29, Jhn.2:15 19:2, Rom.9:21, 1Co.11:12, Rev.18:12, al.; allied to which is its use of price (= cl. genitive): Mat.27:7, cf. ib. 20:2, Act.1:18. __IV. By attraction = ἐν (cl.): τὰ ἐκ τ. οἰκιας, Mat.24:17; τ. ἐξ αὐτοῦ δύναμιν, Mrk.5:30 (see Field, in l.); ὁ πατὴρ ὁ ἐξ οὐρανοῦ, Luk.11:13. __V. Adverbial phrases: ἐξ ἀνάγκης, 2Co.9:7, Heb.7:12; ἐξ ἰσότητος, 2Co.8:13; ἐκ μέρους, 1Co.12:27 13:9-12; ἐκ μέτρου, Jhn.3:34; ἐκ συμφώνου, 1Co.7:5. __VI. in composition, ἐκ signifies, __1. procession, removal: ἐκβαίνω, ἐκβάλλω. __2. Opening out, unfolding: ἐκτείνω; metaphorically, ἐξαγγάλλω. __3. Origin: ἔκγονος. __4. Completeness: ἐξαπορέω (see M, Pr., 237), ἐκπληρόω, ἐκτελέω. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 753 NT verses. KJV: after, among, X are, at, betwixt(-yond), by (the means of), exceedingly, (+ abundantly above), for(- th), from (among, forth, up), + grudgingly, + heartily, X heavenly, X hereby, + very highly, in, …ly, (because, by reason) of, off (from), on, out among (from, of), over, since, X thenceforth, through, X unto, X vehemently, with(-out) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:30; 3 John 1:11; 1 Peter 1:3.

του ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-GSN

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

στοματος stoma G4750 "mouth" Noun-GSN

The mouth is not just a physical opening, but also a symbol of speech and communication, as seen in Matthew 15:11 and John 19:29. It can also refer to the edge of a sword or other objects.

Definition: στόμα, -τος, τό [in LXX chiefly for פֻּם ;] the mouth: of man, Mat.15:11, Jhn.19:29, Act.11:8, al.; of animals, Mat.17:27, 2Ti.4:17 (fig.), Heb.11:33, Jas.3:3, al.; figuratively, of inanimate things (ποταμοῦ, Hom.), ἤνοιξεν ἡ γῆ τὸ σ., Rev.12:16; σ. μαχαίρας (Heb. חֶרֶב ־פֶּה, Gen.34:26 al.), the edge of the sword, Luk.21:24, Heb.11:34; esp. of the mouth as the organ of speech: opposite to καρδία, Mat.12:34, Rom.10:8, 10; in various phrases (some cl., some resembling Hebrew; cf. Bl., § 40, 9): ἀνοίγειν τ. σ. (see: ἀνοίγω); σ. πρὸς σ. (פֶּה ־אֵל פֶּה Num.12:8; = cl., κατὰ σ., Hdt., al.), face to face, II Jn 12, 3Jn.14; διὰ τοῦ σ. (of the Holy Spirit), Luk.1:70, Act.1:16, al.; ἀπὸ (ἐκ) τοῦ σ. (cf. ἀπὸ σ. εἰπεῖν, Plat., al.), of speaking by word of mouth, Luk.22:71, Act.22:14; δόλος (ψεῦδος) ἐν τ. σ., 1Pe.2:22, Rev.14:5" (LXX) ; metaphorically, ἡ ῥομφαία τοῦ σ., Rev.2:16. By meton., for speech (Soph.): Mat.18:16 (LXX), Luk.19:22 21:15, 2Co.13:1 (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 72 NT verses. KJV: edge, face, mouth See also: 1 Peter 2:22; Luke 22:71; Hebrews 11:33.

εκ ek G1537 "out from" Prep

The preposition 'out from' shows movement or origin, like in John 6:31 and Acts 9:3. It helps us understand where people or things come from or are going.

της ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-GSF

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

καρδιας kardia G2588 "heart" Noun-GSF

The Greek word for heart refers to the seat of thoughts, feelings, and emotions, like in 2 Kings 18:14. It's where our moral and spiritual condition lies. The KJV translates it as heart or broken-hearted.

Definition: καρδία, -ας, ἡ, [in LXX chiefly for לֵבָב ,לֵב ;] the heart, __1. the bodily organ which is regarded as the seat of life ( 2Ki.18:14, 4Ki.9:24, al.). __2. In a psychological sense, the seat of man's collective energies, the focus of personal life, the seat of the rational as well as the emotional and volitional elements in human life, hence that wherein lies the moral and religious condition of the man (DB, ii, 317f.; DGG, ii, 344a); __(a) of the seat of physical life ( Jdg.19:5, Psa.101 (102):5 103 (104):15): Act.14:17, Jas.5:5; __(b) of the seat of spiritual life: Mat.5:8, Mrk.7:19, Luk.1:51, Act.5:3, Rom.10:9, 10 Eph.6:5, al.; pl., Mat.9:4, Mrk.2:6, al.; opposite to στόμα, χείλεα, πρόσωπον, Mat.15:8, Mrk.7:6, Rom.10:8, 9 2Co.5:12; περιτομὴ καρδίας, Rom.2:29; ἐκ κ., Rom.6:17, 1Pe.1:22; ἀπὸ τῶν κ., Mat.18:35; ἐν ὅλῃ (ἐξ ὅλης), Mat.22:37, Mrk.12:30" (LXX) ; γινώσκειν (ἐρευνᾶν, δοκιμάζειν) τὰς κ., Luk.16:15, Rom.8:27, 1Th.2:4; to think, etc., ἐν τ. κ., Mat.9:4, Mrk.2:6, Luk.12:45, Rom.10:6; συνιέναι (νοεῖν) τῇ κ., Mat.13:15, Jhn.12:40; ἐπαχύνθη ἡ κ., Mat.13:15 (LXX); πωροῦν τὴν κ., Jhn.12:40; κ. εὐθεῖα, Act.8:21; πονηρά, Heb.3:12; ἀμετανόητος, Rom.2:5; εἶναι (ἔχειν) ἐν τῇ κ., 2Co.7:3, Php.1:7; ὀδύνη τῇ κ., Rom.9:2. __3. Of the central or innermost part of anything (of the pith of wood, Arist.): τ. γῆς, Mat.12:40 (Cremer, 343ff.). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 151 NT verses. KJV: (+ broken-)heart(-ed) See also: 1 Corinthians 2:9; James 5:8; 1 Peter 1:22.

εξερχεται exerchomai G1831 "to go out" Verb-PNI-3S

To go out or come out of a place, as in Matthew 10:11 and Mark 1:35, where Jesus and his disciples went out to preach. This word is also used in John 13:30, where Judas went out into the night. It can also mean to spread out or proceed from a place.

Definition: ἐξέρχομαι, [in LXX chiefly and very frequently for יצא, also for עלה ,בּוֹא, etc. ;] depon., to go, or come out of: Mat.10:11, Mrk.1:35, Jhn.13:30, al.; with inf., Mat.11:8, Mrk.3:21, Luk.7:25, 26 Act.20:8; id. before ἐπί, Mat.26:55, al.; εἰς, Mrk.1:38; ἵνα, Rev.6:2; ἐ. before ἐκ (cl. with genitive loc.), Mrk.5:2, Jhn.4:30, al.; ἔξω, with genitive, Mat.21:17, Mrk.14:68, Act.16:13, Heb.13:13; ἀπό, Mrk.11:12, Luk.9:5, Php.4:15; ἐκεῖθεν, Mat.15:21, Mrk.6:1, Luk.9:4, al.; of demons expelled, before ἐκ (ἀπό), with genitive of person(s), Mrk.1:25, 26 5:8, Luk.4:35, al.; of prisoners released, Mat.5:26, Act.16:40; ptcp., ἐξελθών, with indic., of verb of departure (cf. Dalman, Words, 20f.), Mat.8:32 15:21 24:1, Mrk.16:8, Luk.22:39, Act.12:9, 17 al. Metaphorical, __(a) of persons: 2Co.6:17, 1Jn.2:19; of birth or origin, Mat.2:6 (LXX), Heb.7:5 (cf . Gen.35:11); of escape from danger, ἐκ τ. χειρὸς αὐτῶν, Jhn.10:39; of public appearance, 1Jn.4:1; __(b) of things: Mat.24:27; esp. of utterances, reports, proclamations: φωνή, Rev.16:17 19:5; φήμη, Mat.9:26, Luk.4:14; ἀκοή, Mrk.1:28; λόγος, Jhn.21:23; δόγμα, Luk.2:1 (cf. δι-εξέρχομαι). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 217 NT verses. KJV: come (forth, out), depart (out of), escape, get out, go (abroad, away, forth, out, thence), proceed (forth), spread abroad See also: 1 Corinthians 5:10; Luke 9:5; Hebrews 3:16.

κακεινα kakeinos G2548 "and that one" Dem-NPN-K

This word means 'and that one', referring to a specific person or thing, as in Matthew 15:18 and John 6:57. It emphasizes a particular individual or group. This word is used to highlight someone.

Definition: κἀκεῖνος, -είνη, -εῖνο (by crasis for καὶ ἐκεῖνος, and so sometimes written, see: ἐκεῖνος), and he, she or it; he, she or it also: Mat.15:18 23:23, Mrk.12:4-5 16:11, 13, Luk.11:7, 42 20:11 22:12, Jhn.6:57 7:29 10:16 14:12 17:24 19:35, Act.5:37 15:11 18:19, Rom.11:23, 1Co.10:6, 2Ti.2:12, Heb.4:2.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 21 NT verses. KJV: and him (other, them), even he, him also, them (also), (and) they See also: 1 Corinthians 10:6; John 19:35; Hebrews 4:2.

κοινοι koinoō G2840 "to profane" Verb-PAI-3S

To make something or someone unclean, like in Matthew 15:11 where Jesus teaches that it's not what we eat that makes us unclean, but what comes out of our hearts. This word is also used in Acts 21:28 to describe the uproar caused by Paul's presence in the temple.

Definition: κοινόω, -ῶ [in LXX: 4Ma.7:6 א R* ;] __1. in cl., to make common. __2. In LXX, l.with, and NT (as κοινός, 2), to make ceremonially unclean, to profane (= cl., βεληλόω): Mat.15:11, 18 15:20, Mrk.7:15, 18 7:20, 23, Act.21:28; pass., Heb.9:13. __3. to count unclean (cf. δικαιόω): Act.10:15 11:9.† SYN.: βεβηλόω. Thayer (see word κ.) mentions that Winer Notes the accuracy whereby the Jews are said to use κ. in addressing Jews, Act.21:28, and β. when speaking to Felix, 24:6 (Cremer, 362) (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 11 NT verses. KJV: call common, defile, pollute, unclean See also: Acts 10:15; Mark 7:18; Hebrews 9:13.

τον ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-ASM

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

ανθρωπον anthrōpos G444 "a human" Noun-ASM

This word means a human being, and is used in the Bible to describe people, like in John 16:21 and Romans 7:1.

Definition: ἄνθρωπος, -ου, ὁ, [in LXX chiefly for אִישׁ ,אָדָם, also for אֱנוֹשׁ, etc. ;] man: __1. generically, a human being, male or female (Lat. homo): Jhn.16:21; with art., Mat.4:4 12:35, Mrk.2:27, Jhn.2:25, Rom.7:1, al; disting. from God, Mat.19:6, Jhn.10:33, Col.3:23, al.; from animals, etc., Mat.4:19, Luk.5:10, Rev.9:4, al.; implying human frailty and imperfection, 1Co.3:4; σοφία ἀνθρώπων, 1Co.2:5; ἀνθρώπων ἐπιθυμίαι, 1Pe.4:2; κατὰ ἄνθρωπον περιπατεῖν, 1Co.3:3; κατὰ ἄ. λέγειν (λαλεῖν), Rom.3:5, 1Co.9:8; κατὰ ἄ- λέγειν, Gal.3:15 (cf. 1Co.15:32, Gal.1:11); by meton., of man's nature or condition, ὁ ἔσω (ἔξω) ἄ., Rom.7:22, Eph.3:16, 2Co.4:16 (cf. 1Pe.3:4); ὁ παλαιὸς, καινὸς, νέος ἄ., Rom.6:6, Eph.2:15 4:22, 24 Col.3:9, 10; joined with another subst., ἄ. ἔμπορος, a merchant, Mat.13:45 (WH, txt. om. ἄ.); οἰκοδεσπότης, Mat.13:52; βασιλεύς, 18:23; φάγος, 11:19; with name of nation, Κυρηναῖος, Mat.27:32; Ἰουδαῖος, Act.21:39; Ῥωμαῖος, Act.16:37; pl. οἱ ἄ., men, people: Mat.5:13, 16 Mrk.8:24, Jhn.4:28; οὐδεὶς ἀνθρώπων, Mrk.11:2, 1Ti.6:16. __2. Indef., ἄ. = τις, some one, a man: Mat.17:14, Mrk.12:1, al.; τις ἄ., Mat.18:12, Jhn.5:5, al.; indef. one (Fr. on), Rom.3:28, Gal.2:16, al.; opposite to women, servants, etc., Mat.10:36 19:10, Jhn.7:22, 23. __3. Definitely, with art., of some particular person; Mat.12:13, Mrk.3:5, al.; οὗτος ὁ ἄ., Luk.14:30; ὁ ἄ οὗτος, ἐκεῖνος, Mrk.14:71, Mat.12:45; ὁ ἄ. τ. ἀνομίας, 2Th.2:3; ἄ τ. θεοῦ (of Heb. אִישׁ אֱלֹהִים), 1Ti.6:11, 2Ti.3:17, 2Pe.1:21; ὁ υἰὸς τοῦ ἀ., see: υἱός. SYN.: ἀνήρ, which see (and cf. MM, VGT, 44; Cremer, 103, 635). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 503 NT verses. KJV: certain, man See also: 1 Corinthians 1:25; Acts 22:25; 1 Peter 1:24.

Study Notes — Matthew 15:18

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Matthew 15:18 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Matthew 15:18
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Matthew 15:18
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Matthew 15:18
Trapp's Commentary on Matthew 15:18
Cambridge Bible on Matthew 15:18
Whedon's Commentary on Matthew 15:18
Sermons on Matthew 15:18

Context — What Defiles a Man

16“Do you still not understand?” Jesus asked. 17“Do you not yet realize that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and then is eliminated?

18But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these things defile a man.

19For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, and slander. 20These are what defile a man, but eating with unwashed hands does not defile him.”

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Proverbs 15:28	The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked blurts out evil.
2	Matthew 12:34	You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks.
3	James 3:6–10	The tongue also is a fire, a world of wickedness among the parts of the body. It pollutes the whole person, sets the course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With the tongue we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, this should not be!
4	Matthew 15:11	A man is not defiled by what enters his mouth, but by what comes out of it.”
5	Proverbs 15:2	The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool spouts folly.
6	Proverbs 10:32	The lips of the righteous know what is fitting, but the mouth of the wicked is perverse.
7	Proverbs 6:12	A worthless person, a wicked man, walks with a perverse mouth,
8	1 Samuel 24:13	As the old proverb says, ‘Wickedness proceeds from the wicked.’ But my hand will never be against you.
9	Luke 19:22	His master replied, ‘You wicked servant, I will judge you by your own words. So you knew that I am a harsh man, withdrawing what I did not deposit and reaping what I did not sow?
10	Psalms 36:3	The words of his mouth are wicked and deceitful; he has ceased to be wise and well-doing.

Matthew 15:18 Summary

[Jesus teaches us in Matthew 15:18 that the words we speak come from our hearts, and that these words can either bring life or defile us. This means that our words have the power to hurt or help others, and that we should strive to speak kindly and gently, as seen in Ephesians 4:29. By seeking a personal relationship with God and renewing our minds with the Word of God, we can purify our hearts and speak words that are wholesome and encouraging, as seen in Romans 12:2 and 1 Thessalonians 5:11.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Jesus mean by 'the things that come out of the mouth'?

Jesus is referring to the words and speech that come from our mouths, which ultimately reveal the condition of our hearts, as seen in Matthew 15:18 and supported by Luke 6:45, which says that 'out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks'.

How do the things that come out of our mouths defile us?

According to Jesus, the things that come out of our mouths defile us because they reveal the evil thoughts and intentions of our hearts, as stated in Matthew 15:19, which lists various evil actions that come from the heart.

Is Jesus saying that our words are more important than our actions?

Not exactly, but Jesus is emphasizing that our words are a reflection of our heart's condition, and that it's the heart that ultimately determines our actions, as seen in Matthew 15:18-20 and supported by Proverbs 4:23, which says to 'guard your heart with all vigilance'.

How can we purify our hearts to speak wholesome words?

We can purify our hearts by seeking a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ, and by renewing our minds with the Word of God, as seen in Romans 12:2 and Ephesians 4:23-24, which encourage us to be transformed by the renewal of our minds.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that my words may be revealing the condition of my heart, and how can I improve my speech to reflect a heart that is pure and loving?
How can I balance the desire to speak the truth with the need to speak kindly and gently, as seen in Ephesians 4:15 and Colossians 4:6?
In what ways can I use my words to build up and encourage others, rather than tearing them down, as seen in Ephesians 4:29 and 1 Thessalonians 5:11?
What are some practical steps I can take to 'guard my heart' and ensure that my words are a reflection of a heart that is filled with love, joy, and peace, as seen in Proverbs 4:23 and Galatians 5:22-23?

Gill's Exposition on Matthew 15:18

But those things which proceed out of the mouth,.... Meaning not material things, as spittle, vomit, c.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Matthew 15:18

Do not ye yet understand, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth goeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught?

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Matthew 15:18

See Poole on "".

Trapp's Commentary on Matthew 15:18

18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. Ver. 18. Come forth from the heart] That forth of sin and fountain of folly; for "as a fountain casteth forth her waters, so doth the heart of man cast out its wickedness," Jeremiah 6:7; and if the tongue be "a world of wickedness," James 3:6, what is the heart, that seminary of sin, wherein is a πανσπερμια, as Empedocles saith in Aristotle. In this sea are not only that leviathan the devil (who there sets up his forts and strongholds, 2 Corinthians 10:4, and doth intrench and incage himself), but creeping things innumerable, Psalms 104:26, making that which should be the temple of God a den of thieves, a palace of pride, a slaughter house of malice, a brothel house of uncleanness, a raging sea of sin, Isaiah 57:20, a little hell of black and blasphemous imaginations. The natural man lies rotting in the grave of corruption, wrapped up in the winding sheet of hardness of heart and blindness of mind, and (as a carcase crawleth with worms) swarming with those noisome lusts, that were able to poison up an honest heart. As in that chaos, Genesis 1:2, were the seeds of all creatures; so in the heart, of all sins.

Cambridge Bible on Matthew 15:18

Ch. Matthew 15:1-20. The True Religion and the False. A Discourse to the Pharisees, the People, and the Disciples Mark 7:1-23 These twenty verses sum up the great controversy of the N. T., that between the religion of the letter and external observances and the religion of the heart, between what St Paul calls “the righteousness which is of the law and the righteousness which is of God by (or grounded upon) faith,” Philippians 3:9.

Whedon's Commentary on Matthew 15:18

18. Proceed out of the mouth — Our words particularly. From the heart — They proceed from the inward intention. Thereby not merely our words but our actions, and all that go from the heart, are included.

Sermons on Matthew 15:18

	Sermon	Description
	The Weeding of the Garden by C.H. Spurgeon	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that the gospel is available to everyone, regardless of their sins or shortcomings. He encourages sinners to trust in Christ for salvation,
	The Silent Sin by Shane Idleman	This sermon delves into the importance of addressing the silent sins of the heart, such as unresolved anger, pride, and hypocrisy. It emphasizes the need for repentance and cleansi
	All That Jesus Taught Bible Study - Part 54 by Zac Poonen	This 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 highlig
	The Biblical Theology of the Tongue by Mack Tomlinson	This sermon delves into the biblical theology of the tongue, emphasizing the power of words to either speak truth or error, highlighting the struggle with words that we all face. I
	Mark - Soiled Hearts Are Not Cleansed by Washing Hands by J. Glyn Owen	In 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
	Liturgical Habits - Counter-Formation to Rival Liturgies by Michael Flowers	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the process of forming Christ within us. He uses the analogy of getting dressed to explain how Christ is formed in us through repetition and p
	Can God Use Rock Music? by Keith Green	Keith Green addresses the controversial topic of using rock music in Christian ministry, sharing his personal struggles and insights on the matter. He discusses the differing opini