Matthew 15:19
For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:
Original Language Analysis
ἐκ
out of
G1537
ἐκ
out of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
1 of 13
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 13
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καρδίας
the heart
G2588
καρδίας
the heart
Strong's:
G2588
Word #:
4 of 13
the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle
διαλογισμοὶ
thoughts
G1261
διαλογισμοὶ
thoughts
Strong's:
G1261
Word #:
6 of 13
discussion, i.e., (internal) consideration (by implication, purpose), or (external) debate
πονηροί
evil
G4190
πονηροί
evil
Strong's:
G4190
Word #:
7 of 13
hurtful, i.e., evil (properly, in effect or influence, and thus differing from g2556, which refers rather to essential character, as well as from g455
πορνεῖαι
fornications
G4202
πορνεῖαι
fornications
Strong's:
G4202
Word #:
10 of 13
harlotry (including adultery and incest); figuratively, idolatry
Cross References
Jeremiah 17:9The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?Proverbs 4:23Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.Isaiah 55:7Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.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.Acts 8:22Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.Psalms 119:113I hate vain thoughts: but thy law do I love.Genesis 6:5And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.Jeremiah 4:14O Jerusalem, wash thine heart from wickedness, that thou mayest be saved. How long shall thy vain thoughts lodge within thee?Proverbs 6:14Frowardness is in his heart, he deviseth mischief continually; he soweth discord.Romans 7:18For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.
Historical Context
Jesus' list reflects the Ten Commandments' second table (duties to neighbor), showing how heart corruption manifests in specific sins. His teaching corrects Pharisaic externalism that focused on ritual purity while ignoring moral corruption. First-century Judaism emphasized external conformity; Jesus exposes internal depravity.
Questions for Reflection
- What evil thoughts does your heart naturally produce?
- How does recognizing your heart's corruption drive you to Christ?
- What strategies address symptoms versus the root of sin?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus lists sins originating from the heart: evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. This catalog reveals total depravity—the heart's natural state produces evil continually (Genesis 6:5). Reformed theology emphasizes that sin's root is internal corruption, not external influence. Ethical reformation without heart regeneration fails because the problem is ontological, not merely behavioral. Only the Holy Spirit's regenerating work can produce the new heart (Ezekiel 36:26) that pleases God.