Matthew 15:18 meaning
In this powerful teaching, Jesus shifts the focus from external rituals to the true source of moral defilement—the heart. He confronts the prevailing religious thought that emphasizes ceremonial cleanliness, asserting that it is not what enters the mouth that defiles a person. Instead, He emphasizes that the words spoken, which flow from the heart, reveal a person’s true nature. This teaching serves as both a critique of the Pharisaic traditions and a profound principle for spiritual integrity.
In Matthew 15:18, Jesus underscores that our spoken words are manifestations of our inner thoughts and character. This aligns with the biblical teaching that the heart is the root of sin and moral failure (e.g., Jeremiah 17:9). The implications of this are significant, as it tells us that true spirituality must begin with heart transformation rather than mere ceremonial observance. Engaging with one's inner thoughts and motivations is essential for genuine faith, highlighting the importance of a heart aligned with God's will.
This quick synopsis was AI autogenerated utilizing existing TheBibleSays commentaries as the primary source material. To read a related commentary that has been fully developed, see the list below. If there is an issue with this summary please let us know by emailing:[email protected]
Deeper Commentary Covering this Verse:
- Matthew 15:15-20 meaning. Peter asks Jesus to explain what He meant when He told the crowd "It is not what enters into the mouth that defiles the man, but what proceeds out of the mouth, this defiles the man." Apparently this thought challenged Peter’s assumptions of wickedness and righteousness. Jesus corrects Peter’s wrong assumption by explaining how wickedness is primarily an issue stemming from the heart.
Other Relevant Commentaries:
- Matthew 28:19-20 meaning. The Great Commission (continued) Jesus commissions and commands His disciples to make more disciples of all nations. They are to accomplish this by going to the nations, baptizing new disciples in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, and by teaching new disciples to do the things Jesus commanded them. The Great Commission ends with Jesus promising to be with them until His return.
- Acts 13:44-52 meaning. Paul preaches in Pisidian Antioch again, with most of the city gathered to hear him. But certain jealous Jewish leaders interrupt him and slander him. Paul and Barnabas condemn these men, saying that if they will reject God’s offer of eternal life, then Paul and Barnabas will preach it to the Gentiles. The Gentiles are excited to hear this, and many believe. The number of believers grows in that area, until the Jewish opponents organize a persecution that drives Paul and Barnabas out of town. But the new believers in Jesus in Pisidian Antioch do not abandon their faith. God sustains them through His Spirit, giving them joy.
- Matthew 27:11-14 meaning. Pilate’s First Interview with Jesus and his First Declaration of Innocence: Not permitted to execute Jesus themselves, the Sanhedrin brings Jesus to Pilate early in the morning for His Roman (or Civil) Trial. Pilate investigates whether or not Jesus is guilty of insurrection. When Pilate askes Him, if He is the King of the Jews, Jesus answers "It is as you say." The Jews continue to press charges, which Jesus does not respond to. Jesus’s silence amazes Pilate. This event is part of the first phase of Jesus’s Civil Trial. It is known as Jesus’s Arraignment before Pilate.