Mark 7:21
For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,
Original Language Analysis
ἔσωθεν
from within
G2081
ἔσωθεν
from within
Strong's:
G2081
Word #:
1 of 15
from inside; also used as equivalent to g2080 (inside)
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 15
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἐκ
out of
G1537
ἐκ
out of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
3 of 15
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καρδίας
the heart
G2588
καρδίας
the heart
Strong's:
G2588
Word #:
5 of 15
the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
διαλογισμοὶ
thoughts
G1261
διαλογισμοὶ
thoughts
Strong's:
G1261
Word #:
9 of 15
discussion, i.e., (internal) consideration (by implication, purpose), or (external) debate
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κακοὶ
evil
G2556
κακοὶ
evil
Strong's:
G2556
Word #:
11 of 15
worthless (intrinsically, such; whereas g4190 properly refers to effects), i.e., (subjectively) depraved, or (objectively) injurious
Cross References
Jeremiah 17:9The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?Matthew 15:19For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:Acts 8:22Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.Ezekiel 38:10Thus saith the Lord GOD; It shall also come to pass, that at the same time shall things come into thy mind, and thou shalt think an evil thought:Jeremiah 4:14O Jerusalem, wash thine heart from wickedness, that thou mayest be saved. How long shall thy vain thoughts lodge within thee?Matthew 9:4And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts?Proverbs 4:23Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.James 2:4Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?Luke 16:15And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.Isaiah 59:7Their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed innocent blood: their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity; wasting and destruction are in their paths.
Historical Context
Jewish emphasis on external purity Jesus shifts to internal. Problem is not ceremonial defilement but moral corruption. Jeremiah 17:9 heart deceitfully wicked. Need is not external reform but internal transformation. New heart Ezekiel 36:26. Born again John 3. Early church emphasized regeneration new birth heart transformation by Spirit. Medieval church sometimes emphasized external penance. Reformation recovered biblical emphasis regeneration justification sanctification.
Questions for Reflection
- How does teaching that sin originates from heart challenge surface-level behavior modification approaches?
- What does list of sins proceeding from heart teach about total depravity and need for regeneration?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
From within out of heart proceed evil thoughts adulteries fornications murders. From within esōthen source. Heart kardias center of person. Proceed ekporeuetai originate come forth. Evil thoughts dialogismoi kakoi sinful intentions. List of sins follows. Heart is fountain of sin. Not environment circumstances upbringing but fallen nature. Total depravity doctrine humans utterly affected by sin every faculty. Reformed theology affirms original sin inherited corruption from Adam. Sin is not merely actions but condition state of heart.