New International Version Nothing outside a person can defile them by going into them. Rather, it is what comes out of a person that defiles them.” New Living Translation It’s not what goes into your body that defiles you; you are defiled by what comes from your heart.” English Standard Version There is nothing outside a person that by going into him can defile him, but the things that come out of a person are what defile him.” Berean Standard Bible Nothing that enters a man from the outside can defile him; but the things that come out of a man, these are what defile him.” Berean Literal Bible There is nothing from outside the man entering into him that is able to defile him; but the things proceeding out of the man are the things defiling the man.” King James Bible There 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. New King James Version There is nothing that enters a man from outside which can defile him; but the things which come out of him, those are the things that defile a man. New American Standard Bible there is nothing outside the person which can defile him if it goes into him; but the things which come out of the person are what defile the person.” NASB 1995 there is nothing outside the man which can defile him if it goes into him; but the things which proceed out of the man are what defile the man. NASB 1977 there is nothing outside the man which going into him can defile him; but the things which proceed out of the man are what defile the man. Legacy Standard Bible there is nothing outside the man which can defile him if it goes into him; but the things which proceed out of the man are what defile the man. Amplified Bible there is nothing outside a man [such as food] which by going into him can defile him [morally or spiritually]; but the things which come out of [the heart of] a man are what defile and dishonor him. Berean Annotated Bible Nothing that enters a man from the outside can defile him; but the things that come out of a man, these are what defile him [16 If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.].” Christian Standard Bible Nothing that goes into a person from outside can defile him but the things that come out of a person are what defile him.” Holman Christian Standard Bible Nothing that goes into a person from outside can defile him, but the things that come out of a person are what defile him. American Standard Version there is nothing from without the man, that going into him can defile him; but the things which proceed out of the man are those that defile the man. English Revised Version there is nothing from without the man, that going into him can defile him: but the things which proceed out of the man are those that defile the man. GOD'S WORD® Translation Nothing that goes into a person from the outside can make him unclean. It's what comes out of a person that makes him unclean. Good News Translation There is nothing that goes into you from the outside which can make you ritually unclean. Rather, it is what comes out of you that makes you unclean." International Standard Version Nothing that goes into a person from the outside can make him unclean. It's what comes out of a person that makes a person unclean. NET Bible There is nothing outside of a person that can defile him by going into him. Rather, it is what comes out of a person that defiles him." New Heart English Bible There is nothing from outside of the person, that going into him can defile him; but the things which proceed out of the person are what defile the person." Webster's Bible Translation There 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. Weymouth New Testament There is nothing outside a man which entering him can make him unclean; but it is the things which come out of a man that make him unclean." Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleNothing that enters a man from the outside can defile him; but the things that come out of a man, these are what defile him. World English Bible There is nothing from outside of the man that going into him can defile him; but the things which proceed out of the man are those that defile the man. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionthere is nothing from outside the man entering into him that is able to defile him, but the things coming out from him, those are the things defiling the man. Berean Literal Bible There is nothing from outside the man entering into him that is able to defile him; but the things proceeding out of the man are the things defiling the man.” Young's Literal Translation there is nothing from without the man entering into him that is able to defile him, but the things coming out from him, those are the things defiling the man. Smith's Literal Translation There is nothing from without a man, entering into him, which can defile him: but things coming out from him, these are the things polluting the man. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThere is nothing from without a man that entering into him, can defile him. But the things which come from a man, those are they that defile a man. Catholic Public Domain Version There is nothing from outside a man which, by entering into him, is able to defile him. But the things which procede from a man, these are what pollute a man. New American Bible Nothing that enters one from outside can defile that person; but the things that come out from within are what defile.” [ New Revised Standard Version there is nothing outside a person that by going in can defile, but the things that come out are what defile.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThere is nothing outside of a man, if it should enter into him, which can defile him; but what goes out of him, that defiles the man. Aramaic Bible in Plain English “There is nothing outside of a man that enters into him that can defile him, but the thing that proceeds from him, that is what defiles the man.” NT Translations Anderson New TestamentThere is nothing with out that, by entering into a man, can defile him. But those things which come out of the man, defile him. Godbey New Testament Haweis New Testament There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him, can make him unclean: but the things which come out from him, these are the things which make a man unclean. Mace New Testament there is nothing from without, that entring into a man can defile him: but that which originally proceeds from the man, is what defiles him. Weymouth New Testament There is nothing outside a man which entering him can make him unclean; but it is the things which come out of a man that make him unclean." Worrell New Testament Worsley New Testament Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context What Defiles a Man14Once again Jesus called the crowd to Him and said, “All of you, listen to Me and understand: 15Nothing that enters a man from the outside can defile him; but the things that come out of a man, these are what defile him.” … Cross References Nothing that enters a man from the outside can defile him; Matthew 15:11 A man is not defiled by what enters his mouth, but by what comes out of it.” Acts 10:15 The voice spoke to him a second time: “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.” Romans 14:14 I am convinced and fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for him it is unclean. but the things that come out of a man, Matthew 15:18 But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these things defile a man. Luke 6:45 The good man brings good things out of the good treasure of his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil treasure of his heart. For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. Proverbs 4:23 Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life. these are what defile him.” Matthew 15:20 These are what defile a man, but eating with unwashed hands does not defile him.” Titus 1:15 To the pure, all things are pure; but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure. Indeed, both their minds and their consciences are defiled. 2 Corinthians 7:1 Therefore, beloved, since we have these promises, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that defiles body and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. Acts 10:14-15 “No, Lord!” Peter answered. “I have never eaten anything impure or unclean.” / The voice spoke to him a second time: “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.” 1 Corinthians 8:8 But food does not bring us closer to God: We are no worse if we do not eat, and no better if we do. Colossians 2:21-23 “Do not handle, do not taste, do not touch!”? / These will all perish with use, because they are based on human commands and teachings. / Such restrictions indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-prescribed worship, their false humility, and their harsh treatment of the body; but they are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh. 1 Timothy 4:4 For every creation of God is good, and nothing that is received with thanksgiving should be rejected, Genesis 9:3 Everything that lives and moves will be food for you; just as I gave you the green plants, I now give you all things. Leviticus 11:1-47 The LORD spoke again to Moses and Aaron, telling them, / “Say to the Israelites, ‘Of all the beasts of the earth, these ones you may eat: / You may eat any animal that has a split hoof completely divided and that chews the cud. … Deuteronomy 14:3-21 You must not eat any detestable thing. / These are the animals that you may eat: The ox, the sheep, the goat, / the deer, the gazelle, the roe deer, the wild goat, the ibex, the antelope, and the mountain sheep. … Treasury of Scripture There 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. There. nothing. Mark 7:18-20 And he saith unto them, Are ye so without understanding also? Do ye not perceive, that whatsoever thing from without entereth into the man, it cannot defile him; … Leviticus 11:42-47 Whatsoever goeth upon the belly, and whatsoever goeth upon all four, or whatsoever hath more feet among all creeping things that creep upon the earth, them ye shall not eat; for they are an abomination… Acts 10:14-16,28 But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean… but. Mark 7:20-23 And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man… Proverbs 4:23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. Matthew 12:34 O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. Jump to Previous Able Defile Defiling Entering Goes Him'unclean Makes Outside Proceed Rather UncleanJump to Next Able Defile Defiling Entering Goes Him'unclean Makes Outside Proceed Rather UncleanMark 7 1. The Pharisees find fault with the disciples for eating with unwashed hands.8. They break the commandment of God by the traditions of men. 14. Food defiles not the man. 24. He heals the Syrophenician woman's daughter of an unclean spirit; 31. and one that was deaf, and stammered in his speech. Nothing that enters a man from the outside can defile him; Jesus confronts the belief that ceremonial uncleanness was chiefly transmitted by food and outward contact. While the Law distinguished clean from unclean foods, the religious leaders had added traditions that made ritual observance the measure of righteousness. External things may affect the body, but they do not corrupt a person’s standing before God. Mat 15:11 A man is not defiled by what enters his mouth,… but the things that come out of a man, Sin arises from within, from the desires, thoughts, words, and actions flowing from the heart. Jesus directs attention away from outward ceremonies as the source of defilement and toward the moral condition of the individual. Mat 15:18 But the things that come out of the mouth… these are what defile him.” What proceeds from the heart reveals a person’s true uncleanness: evil words, deceit, pride, sexual sin, violence, and every rebellion against God. Real cleansing requires more than outward conformity; it requires the inward renewal that God provides. Mat 15:20 These are what defile a man, but eating with unwashed hands…… Persons / Places / Events 1. Jesus ChristThe central figure in this passage, Jesus is teaching the crowd about the true nature of defilement, challenging the traditional Jewish understanding of purity laws. 2. The Pharisees and Scribes Religious leaders who are often in conflict with Jesus over interpretations of the Law. They are present in the broader context of this chapter, questioning Jesus about his disciples' practices. 3. The Crowd The general audience to whom Jesus is speaking. They are witnesses to Jesus' teaching and are encouraged to understand the deeper spiritual truths he presents. 4. Disciples Followers of Jesus who are learning from his teachings and are often given deeper explanations of his parables and teachings. 5. Gennesaret The region where Jesus and his disciples are located during this teaching, as mentioned earlier in Mark 6:53. Teaching Points Understanding True DefilementJesus redefines defilement, focusing on the heart's condition rather than external rituals. This challenges believers to prioritize internal purity over mere outward compliance. Guarding the Heart Believers are encouraged to examine their thoughts, intentions, and words, as these reflect the true state of their hearts and can lead to defilement. Freedom from Legalism Jesus' teaching liberates believers from the bondage of legalistic practices, emphasizing a relationship with God that is based on inner transformation rather than external observance. The Power of Words Recognizing that words can defile, believers are called to speak life and truth, reflecting the purity of their hearts in their speech. Holistic Purity True purity involves both the heart and actions. Believers are encouraged to align their inner convictions with their outward behavior, living authentically before God and others. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Mark 7:15?2. How does Mark 7:15 challenge our understanding of purity and defilement? 3. What does "nothing outside a man" teach about external influences on faith? 4. How can Mark 7:15 guide our daily choices and interactions with others? 5. Connect Mark 7:15 with Proverbs 4:23 about guarding the heart. 6. How can we apply the principle of internal purity in our spiritual lives? 7. What does Mark 7:15 reveal about the nature of sin and defilement? 8. How does Mark 7:15 challenge traditional views on purity and cleanliness? 9. In what ways does Mark 7:15 redefine the concept of holiness? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Mark 7? Mark 7:15 redirects the spotlight from external observances to internal righteousness. Food cannot pollute the soul, but the words and deeds springing from a sinful heart surely can. Jesus calls every listener to let Him cleanse the inside first, knowing that when the heart is purified, life on the outside follows suit. Parallel Commentaries ... Greek Nothingοὐδέν (ouden) Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular Strong's 3762: No one, none, nothing. that enters εἰσπορευόμενον (eisporeuomenon) Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Neuter Singular Strong's 1531: To journey in(to), I go in(to), enter, intervene. From eis and poreuomai; to enter. a τοῦ (tou) Article - Genitive Masculine Singular Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. man ἀνθρώπου (anthrōpou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular Strong's 444: A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being. from the outside ἔξωθεν (exōthen) Preposition Strong's 1855: (a) from outside, from without, (b) outside, both as adj. and prep; with article: the outside. From exo; external(-ly). can δύναται (dynatai) Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 1410: (a) I am powerful, have (the) power, (b) I am able, I can. Of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible. defile κοινῶσαι (koinōsai) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active Strong's 2840: To make unclean, pollute, desecrate, mid: I regard (treat) as unclean. From koinos; to make profane. him; αὐτόν (auton) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. but ἀλλὰ (alla) Conjunction Strong's 235: But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise. the things τὰ (ta) Article - Nominative Neuter Plural Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. that come ἐκπορευόμενά (ekporeuomena) Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Neuter Plural Strong's 1607: From ek and poreuomai; to depart, be discharged, proceed, project. out of ἐκ (ek) Preposition Strong's 1537: From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out. a τοῦ (tou) Article - Genitive Masculine Singular Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. man, ἀνθρώπου (anthrōpou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular Strong's 444: A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being. these are ἐστιν (estin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. what τὰ (ta) Article - Nominative Neuter Plural Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. defile κοινοῦντα (koinounta) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Neuter Plural Strong's 2840: To make unclean, pollute, desecrate, mid: I regard (treat) as unclean. From koinos; to make profane. [him].” ἄνθρωπον (anthrōpon) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular Strong's 444: A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being. Additonal Resources Mark 7:15 Blue Letter BibleMark 7:15 Bible Gateway Mark 7:15 Bible.com Mark 7:15 NIV |



