Matthew 15:8
This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.
Original Language Analysis
Ὁ
G3588
Ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λαὸς
people
G2992
λαὸς
people
Strong's:
G2992
Word #:
4 of 21
a people (in general; thus differing from g1218, which denotes one's own populace)
οὗτος
This
G3778
οὗτος
This
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
5 of 21
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
στόματι
mouth
G4750
στόματι
mouth
Strong's:
G4750
Word #:
7 of 21
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
αὐτῶν,
their
G846
αὐτῶν,
their
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
8 of 21
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χείλεσίν
with their lips
G5491
χείλεσίν
with their lips
Strong's:
G5491
Word #:
11 of 21
a lip (as a pouring place); figuratively, a margin (of water)
τιμᾷ
honoureth
G5091
τιμᾷ
honoureth
Strong's:
G5091
Word #:
13 of 21
to prize, i.e., fix a valuation upon; by implication, to revere
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καρδία
heart
G2588
καρδία
heart
Strong's:
G2588
Word #:
16 of 21
the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle
αὐτῶν,
their
G846
αὐτῶν,
their
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
17 of 21
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ἀπέχει
is
G568
ἀπέχει
is
Strong's:
G568
Word #:
19 of 21
(actively) to have out, i.e., receive in full; (intransitively) to keep (oneself) away, i.e., be distant (literally or figuratively)
Cross References
Isaiah 29:13Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men:Ezekiel 33:31And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee as my people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them: for with their mouth they shew much love, but their heart goeth after their covetousness.Acts 8:21Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.1 Peter 3:10For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:Hebrews 3:12Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.Proverbs 23:26My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways.Jeremiah 12:2Thou hast planted them, yea, they have taken root: they grow, yea, they bring forth fruit: thou art near in their mouth, and far from their reins.John 1:47Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!
Historical Context
In Isaiah's context, Judah relied on political alliances and religious ritual while abandoning covenant faithfulness. Their worship had become mere cultural habit. Jesus applies this diagnosis to first-century Judaism, where Pharisaic tradition had replaced genuine devotion with mechanical observance.
Questions for Reflection
- How close is your heart to God during worship services?
- What disciplines help align your inner devotion with outer expressions?
- How would you respond if God examined your heart right now?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Christ quotes Isaiah 29:13, highlighting the divorce between lip service and heart allegiance. The contrast between 'draweth nigh unto me with their mouth' and 'their heart is far from me' exposes the essence of hypocrisy. Reformed theology stresses that God examines the heart (1 Samuel 16:7); external worship without internal devotion is abomination. This verse demolishes any notion that God accepts mere formalism. True worship requires Spirit-wrought regeneration producing genuine love for God.