Matthew 15:11
Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.
Original Language Analysis
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
4 of 19
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
στόματος
the mouth
G4750
στόματος
the mouth
Strong's:
G4750
Word #:
6 of 19
the mouth (as if a gash in the face); by implication, language (and its relations); figuratively, an opening (in the earth); specially, the front or e
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀλλὰ
but
G235
ἀλλὰ
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
10 of 19
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐκπορευόμενον
that which cometh
G1607
ἐκπορευόμενον
that which cometh
Strong's:
G1607
Word #:
12 of 19
to depart, be discharged, proceed, project
ἐκ
out of
G1537
ἐκ
out of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
13 of 19
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
στόματος
the mouth
G4750
στόματος
the mouth
Strong's:
G4750
Word #:
15 of 19
the mouth (as if a gash in the face); by implication, language (and its relations); figuratively, an opening (in the earth); specially, the front or e
Cross References
Mark 7:15There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him: but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man.Romans 14:17For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.Psalms 12:2They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak.Psalms 10:7His mouth is full of cursing and deceit and fraud: under his tongue is mischief and vanity.Romans 14:20For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence.Hebrews 13:9Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.Isaiah 37:23Whom hast thou reproached and blasphemed? and against whom hast thou exalted thy voice, and lifted up thine eyes on high? even against the Holy One of Israel.Romans 14:14I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean.2 Peter 2:18For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.Titus 1:15Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.
Historical Context
The Pharisees accused Jesus' disciples of eating with unwashed hands (v. 2), violating tradition (not Mosaic law). Jesus responds by distinguishing divine law from human tradition, then teaching that moral impurity (evil thoughts, words, actions) truly defiles. This prepared for the gospel going to Gentiles, who wouldn't observe Jewish purity laws.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you emphasize external religious practices over internal heart transformation?
- What 'comes out of your mouth' that reveals heart defilement?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus' teaching 'Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man' revolutionizes purity concepts. External ritual (dietary laws) doesn't make one unclean; rather, words revealing heart corruption defile. This shifts focus from external conformity to internal transformation. Jesus challenges Pharisaic emphasis on ceremonial purity while ignoring moral impurity. True defilement is spiritual and moral, not physical.