For by your words you will be acquitted
This phrase emphasizes the power and significance of spoken words in the judgment process. In the biblical context, words are not merely sounds but are seen as expressions of the heart and mind. Proverbs 18:21 states, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue," highlighting the profound impact words can have. In Jewish culture, words were considered binding, as seen in the importance of oaths and vows (Numbers 30:2). Jesus, in this passage, underscores that words reflect one's inner character and faith. The concept of being "acquitted" suggests a legal setting, where one's words can serve as evidence of righteousness or faithfulness. This aligns with the broader biblical theme that faith is demonstrated through actions and words (James 2:18).

and by your words you will be condemned.
The latter part of the verse serves as a warning about the potential negative consequences of one's speech. In the historical and cultural context of the time, the Pharisees and religious leaders were often criticized by Jesus for their hypocrisy and empty words (Matthew 23:27-28). This phrase suggests that careless or malicious words can lead to judgment and condemnation. The idea of being "condemned" by one's words is consistent with the teachings of Jesus, who often warned against the dangers of idle talk and false testimony (Matthew 15:11). This reflects the broader biblical principle that God judges not only actions but also the intentions and words of individuals (Ecclesiastes 12:14). The duality of acquittal and condemnation based on words underscores the importance of sincerity and truthfulness in speech, as well as the need for repentance and alignment with God's will.

1. Jesus Christ
The speaker of this verse, Jesus is addressing the Pharisees and the crowd, teaching about the significance of words and their reflection of the heart.

2. Pharisees
A religious group in Israel known for their strict adherence to the Law and traditions. They often challenged Jesus and His teachings.

3. The Crowd
The general audience present during Jesus' teaching, including His disciples and others who followed Him.

4. Judgment Day
The future event when all individuals will be held accountable for their actions and words before God.

5. The Heart
Although not explicitly mentioned in this verse, the heart is implied as the source of words, reflecting one's true character and beliefs.The Power of Words
Words are not just sounds; they carry weight and have the power to influence, build up, or tear down. As believers, we must be mindful of our speech.

Heart and Speech Connection
Our words are a reflection of our heart's condition. A heart aligned with Christ will produce words that honor Him.

Accountability Before God
We will be held accountable for our words on Judgment Day. This should encourage us to speak truthfully and lovingly.

Encouragement and Edification
Use words to encourage and edify others, following the example of Christ, who spoke with grace and truth.

Repentance and Transformation
If our words have been harmful, we should seek repentance and allow the Holy Spirit to transform our hearts and speech.(37) By thy words thou shalt be justified.--Stripped of the after-thoughts which have gathered round it in the later controversies of theologians, the word "justified" means, as its position here shows, the opposite of "condemned," the being "acquitted" either on a special charge or on a general trial of character. In this sense we are able to understand (without entering into the labyrinth of logomachies in which commentators on the Epistles have too often entangled themselves) how it is that men are said to be justified by faith (Romans 3:28 et al.), justified by works (James 2:24), justified--as here--by words. All three--faith, works, words--are alike elements of a man's character, making or showing what he is. Faith, implying trust and therefore love, justifies as the root element of character; "words," as its most spontaneous manifestation; works, as its more permanent results. Of the words and the works men can in some measure judge, and they are the tests by which a man should judge himself. The faith which lies deeper in the life is known only to God, and it is therefore by faith rather than by works that a man is justified before God, though the faith is no true faith unless it moulds the character and therefore enables the man to pass the other tests also.

Verse 37. - For by (ἐκ) - referring to, as it were, the source of the verdict - thy words (τῶν λόγοι σου); thy, individualizing. Ob-nerve the change from ῤῆμα (ver. 36), which might in itself refer to the utterance of a madman, or to a parrot-like quotation. But by here using λόγοι our Lord shows that he is thinking of utterances of the reason. sentences spoken with a knowledge of their meaning, and forming parts of what are virtually, though not literally, discourses. A ῤῆμα may be the merely mechanical utterance of the lips, λόγοι imply consciousness. The presence of λόγον in the preceding clause is probably entirely accidental. Thou shalt be justified (Matthew 11:19, note) - 'Quid enim aliud sermones sancti quam tides sonans" (Calovius, in Meyer) - and by thy words thou shalt be condemned (ver. 7, note).

Parallel Commentaries ...


For
γὰρ (gar)
Conjunction
Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.

by
ἐκ (ek)
Preposition
Strong's 1537: From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.

your
σου (sou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

words
λόγων (logōn)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3056: From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression.

you will be acquitted,
δικαιωθήσῃ (dikaiōthēsē)
Verb - Future Indicative Passive - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 1344: From dikaios; to render just or innocent.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

by
ἐκ (ek)
Preposition
Strong's 1537: From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.

your
σου (sou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

words
λόγων (logōn)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3056: From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression.

you will be condemned.”
καταδικασθήσῃ (katadikasthēsē)
Verb - Future Indicative Passive - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 2613: To condemn, pass sentence upon. From kata and a derivative of dike; to adjudge against, i.e. Pronounce guilty.


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NT Gospels: Matthew 12:37 For by your words you will be (Matt. Mat Mt)