◄ Matthew 15:19 ►
For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, and slander.
Study Bible
For out of the heart come evil thoughts,

The heart in biblical terms often refers to the center of human will and emotions. In ancient Jewish culture, the heart was seen as the source of moral and spiritual life. Jeremiah 17:9 describes the heart as deceitful, emphasizing humanity's inherent sinfulness. Jesus highlights that sin originates internally, not from external factors, aligning with Proverbs 4:23, which advises guarding the heart.

Mrk 7:21-23 For from within the hearts of men come evil thoughts…
Gen 6:5 Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man…
Jer 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure.…

murder,

Murder, the unlawful taking of life, is condemned in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:13). Jesus expands on this in Matthew 5:21-22, equating anger with murder, indicating that the root of such sin lies in the heart's intentions. This reflects the deeper moral law that God desires, beyond mere outward compliance.

Exo 20:13 You shall not murder.
Gen 4:8 Then Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let us go out…
1Jn 3:15 Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, …

adultery,

Adultery, a violation of the marriage covenant, is also prohibited in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:14). Jesus intensifies this command in Matthew 5:27-28, teaching that even lustful thoughts constitute adultery. This underscores the importance of purity in thought and intention, not just action.

Mat 5:27-28 You have heard that it was said, ‘Do not commit adultery.’…
Exo 20:14 You shall not commit adultery.
Pro 6:32-33 He who commits adultery lacks judgment;…

sexual immorality,

The term encompasses various forms of illicit sexual behavior, including fornication and homosexuality, as outlined in Leviticus 18. In the Greco-Roman world, sexual immorality was rampant, contrasting with the biblical call to holiness (1 Thessalonians 4:3-5). The New Testament repeatedly urges believers to flee from such sins (1 Corinthians 6:18).

1Co 6:18-20 Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin…
1Th 4:3-5 For it is God’s will that you should be holy:…
Eph 5:3 But among you, as is proper among the saints,…

theft,

Theft, or taking what does not belong to one, is another violation of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:15). It reflects a lack of trust in God's provision and a disregard for others' rights. Ephesians 4:28 encourages those who have stolen to work honestly and share with those in need, promoting a community of generosity.

Exo 20:15 You shall not steal.
Eph 4:28 He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work…
Lev 19:11 You must not steal. You must not lie or deceive one another.

false testimony,

Bearing false witness is condemned in Exodus 20:16. It involves lying or deceit, which can destroy reputations and relationships. Proverbs 6:16-19 lists a lying tongue among things God detests. Jesus, the embodiment of truth (John 14:6), calls His followers to be people of integrity and honesty.

Exo 20:16 You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
Pro 6:19 a false witness who gives false testimony…
Deu 19:16-19 If a false witness testifies against someone,…

and slander.

Slander involves speaking falsely or maliciously about someone, damaging their reputation. James 4:11 warns against speaking evil of one another, highlighting the destructive power of the tongue (James 3:5-6). Believers are called to speak words that build up and encourage (Ephesians 4:29), reflecting Christ's love and truth.

Psa 101:5 Whoever slanders his neighbor in secret,…
Jas 4:11 Brothers, do not slander one another…
Tit 3:2 malign no one, and to be peaceable and gentle…

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus Christ
The speaker of this verse, Jesus is addressing the Pharisees and the crowd, teaching about the true source of defilement.

2. Pharisees and Scribes
Religious leaders who questioned Jesus about the disciples not following traditional ceremonial washing.

3. Disciples
Followers of Jesus who were criticized for not adhering to the traditional handwashing rituals.

4. Crowd
The general public who were present during Jesus' teaching and were often the audience for His parables and lessons.

5. Heart
In this context, the heart is seen as the center of human thought and moral decision-making, from which actions and words originate.
Teaching Points
The Source of Sin
Sin originates from within, not from external factors. Our hearts are the wellspring of our actions and thoughts.

Guarding the Heart
Proverbs 4:23 advises us to guard our hearts diligently, as it is the source of life. This aligns with Jesus' teaching on the heart's role in moral behavior.

Repentance and Renewal
Recognizing the heart's condition should lead us to repentance and seeking God's transformation through the Holy Spirit.

Moral Vigilance
Believers are called to be vigilant about their thoughts and desires, understanding that these can lead to sinful actions if unchecked.

The Role of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit aids in transforming our hearts, aligning our desires with God's will, and producing the fruit of the Spirit.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding the heart as the source of sin change the way you approach personal holiness?

2. In what ways can you actively guard your heart against the sins listed in Matthew 15:19?

3. How do the teachings of Jeremiah 17:9 and Proverbs 4:23 complement Jesus' message in this verse?

4. What practical steps can you take to allow the Holy Spirit to transform your heart and desires?

5. How can recognizing the internal source of sin help you in your relationships with others, especially in avoiding judgmental attitudes?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 6:5
This verse describes the wickedness of humanity's heart before the flood, illustrating the inherent sinfulness that Jesus speaks of.

Jeremiah 17:9
The prophet Jeremiah speaks of the deceitful nature of the heart, aligning with Jesus' teaching on the source of evil.

Mark 7:21-23
A parallel passage where Jesus lists similar sins, emphasizing the internal origin of defilement.

Romans 3:23
Paul speaks of all having sinned, which connects to the universal nature of the sins listed by Jesus.

James 1:14-15
James describes how desire leads to sin, which aligns with Jesus' teaching on the heart's role in producing evil actions.
Sermons
Casuistry ReprovedJ.A. Macdonald Matthew 15:1-20
On Hand WashingMarcus Dods Matthew 15:1-20
The Secret of Human DefilementR. Tuck Matthew 15:11, 19, 20
Evil ThoughtsJames Foster, B. A.Matthew 15:17-20
Inward Derangement the Cause of Outward WickednessJ. Cumming, D. D.Matthew 15:17-20
Inward SinH. W. Beecher.Matthew 15:17-20
Our Evil ThoughtsB. Calamy.Matthew 15:17-20
Sin Deeply SeatedC. H. Spurgeon.Matthew 15:17-20
Sin InwardC. H. Spurgeon.Matthew 15:17-20
Sin NaturalC. H. Spurgeon.Matthew 15:17-20
The Heart a Den of EvilC. H. Spugeon.Matthew 15:17-20
The Heart Needs the RemedyW. Arnot.Matthew 15:17-20
The Heart the Home of SinC. H. Spurgeon.Matthew 15:17-20
The Heart the Root of Actual EvilR. B. Nichol.Matthew 15:17-20
The Heart-MillMatthew 15:17-20
People
Canaanitish, David, Isaiah, Jesus, Peter
Places
Genneseret, Jerusalem, Magadan, Sea of Galilee, Sidon, Tyre
Topics
FALSE, Adultery, Bitter, Blasphemies, Broken, Desires, Evil, Faith, Flesh, Fornication, Fornications, Forth, Heart, Immorality, Impiety, Married, Murder, Murders, Perjury, Proceed, Property, Railings, Sexual, Sins, Slander, Slanders, Speakings, Speech, Taking, Testimony, Theft, Thefts, Thoughts, Unclean, Whoredoms, Wicked, Witness, Witnessings
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Matthew 15:19

     5038   mind, the human
     5040   murder
     5065   spirit, fallen and redeemed
     5191   thought
     5348   injustice, nature and source
     5555   stealing
     5625   witnesses, false
     6022   sin, causes of
     6023   sin, universality
     6146   deceit, and God
     6156   fall, of humanity
     6242   adultery
     8204   chastity
     8244   ethics, and grace
     8735   evil, origins of
     8767   hypocrisy

Matthew 15:1-19

     8720   double-mindedness

Matthew 15:1-20

     7342   cleanliness

Matthew 15:10-20

     5547   speech, power of
     7340   clean and unclean

Matthew 15:15-20

     7730   explanation

Matthew 15:16-20

     7422   ritual
     8761   fools, in teaching of Christ

Matthew 15:17-20

     7478   washing

Matthew 15:18-19

     5016   heart, fallen and redeemed
     6185   imagination, desires

Matthew 15:18-20

     6024   sin, effects of

Matthew 15:19-20

     5870   greed, condemnation
     5951   slander
     6188   immorality, sexual
     6237   sexual sin, nature of
     8733   envy
     8751   false witness
     8765   grudge
     8773   jealousy

Library
Mother's Love
Eversley, Second Sunday in Lent, 1872. St Matthew xv. 22-28. "And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil. But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us. But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Then came she and worshipped him, saying, …
Charles Kingsley—All Saints' Day and Other Sermons

Crumbs and the Bread
'Then Jesus went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon. 22. And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto Him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil. 23. But He answered her not a word. And His disciples came and besought Him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us. 24. But He answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 25. Then came she and worshipped …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xv. 21,"Jesus Went Out Thence, and Withdrew into the Parts of Tyre and Sidon. And Behold, a Canaanitish Woman,"
1. This woman of Canaan, who has just now been brought before us in the lesson of the Gospel, shows us an example of humility, and the way of godliness; shows us how to rise from humility unto exaltation. Now she was, as it appears, not of the people of Israel, of whom came the Patriarchs, and Prophets, and the parents of the Lord Jesus Christ according to the flesh; of whom the Virgin Mary herself was, who was the Mother of Christ. This woman then was not of this people; but of the Gentiles. For, …
Saint Augustine—sermons on selected lessons of the new testament

The Perseverance of Faith
"Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour."--Matthew 15:28. I HAVE frequently spoken to you concerning the faith of this Canaanitish woman, of the way in which Christ tried it, and of the manner in which, at length, he honoured it, and granted all that the suppliant sought. The story is so full of meaning, that one might turn it this way, and that way, and the other way, and always see …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 38: 1892

Genesis xxvii. 38
And Esau said unto his father, Hast thou but one blessing, my father? Bless me, even me also, O my father. MATTHEW xv. 27. And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their master's table. Of these two passages, the first, as we must all remember, is taken from the first lesson of this morning's service; the second is from the morning's gospel. Both speak the same language, and point out, I think, that particular view of the story of Jacob obtaining the blessing …
Thomas Arnold—The Christian Life

Sermon for the Second Sunday in Lent
(From the Gospel for the day) Tells us how God drives forward some of His children by the struggle between the inward and outward man. Matt. xv. 21-28.--"Jesus went thence and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon. And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto Him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil. But He answered her not a word. And His disciples came and besought Him, saying, Send her away, for she …
Susannah Winkworth—The History and Life of the Reverend Doctor John Tauler

How to Make Use of Christ for Cleansing of us from Our Daily Spots.
Having spoken of the way of making use of Christ for removing the guilt of our daily transgressions, we come to speak of the way of making use of Christ, for taking away the guilt that cleaveth to the soul, through daily transgressions; "for every sin defileth the man," Matt. xv. 20; and the best are said to have their spots, and to need washing, which presupposeth filthiness and defilement, Eph. v. 27. John xiii. 8-10. Hence we are so oft called to this duty of washing and making us clean. Isa. …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life

Second Withdrawal from Herod's Territory.
^A Matt. XV. 21; ^B Mark VII. 24. ^b 24 And from thence ^a Jesus ^b arose, and went ^a out ^b away ^a and withdrew into the parts { ^b borders} of Tyre and Sidon. [The journey here is indicated in marked terms because it differs from any previously recorded, for it was the first time that Jesus ever entered a foreign or heathen country. Some commentators contend from the use of the word "borders" by Mark that Jesus did not cross over the boundary, but the point is not well taken, for Mark vii. 31 …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Another Avoiding of Herod's Territory.
^A Matt. XV. 29; ^B Mark VII. 31. ^b 31 And ^a Jesus ^b again went out. ^a And departed thence, ^b from the borders of Tyre, and came through Sidon, ^a and came nigh unto the sea of Galilee; ^b through the midst of the borders of Decapolis. ^a and he went up into a mountain, and sat down there. [From Tyre Jesus proceeded northward to Sidon and thence eastward across the mountains and the headwaters of the Jordan to the neighborhood of Damascus. Here he turned southward and approached the Sea of Galilee …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Jesus Fails to Attend the Third Passover.
Scribes Reproach Him for Disregarding Tradition. (Galilee, Probably Capernaum, Spring a.d. 29.) ^A Matt. XV. 1-20; ^B Mark VII. 1-23; ^D John VII. 1. ^d 1 And after these things Jesus walked in Galilee: for he would not walk in Judæa, because the Jews sought to kill him. [John told us in his last chapter that the passover was near at hand. He here makes a general statement which shows that Jesus did not attend this passover. The reason for his absence is given at John v. 18.] ^a 1 Then there …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Healing a Phoenician Woman's Daughter.
(Region of Tyre and Sidon.) ^A Matt. XV. 22-28; ^B Mark VII. 24-30. ^b And he entered into a house, and would have no man know it [Jesus sought concealment for the purposes noted in the last section. He also, no doubt, desired an opportunity to impact private instruction to the twelve]; and he could not be hid. [The fame of Jesus had spread far and wide, and he and his disciples were too well known to escape the notice of any who had seen them or heard them described.] 25 But { ^a 22 And} behold, …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Deaf Stammerer Healed and Four Thousand Fed.
^A Matt. XV. 30-39; ^B Mark VII. 32-VIII. 9. ^b 32 And they bring unto him one that was deaf, and had an impediment in his speech [The man had evidently learned to speak before he lost his hearing. Some think that defective hearing had caused the impediment in his speech, but verse 35 suggests that he was tongue-tied]; and they beseech him to put his hand upon him. 33 And he took him aside from the multitude privately, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spat, and touched his tongue [He separated …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Third Withdrawal from Herod's Territory.
Subdivision A. Pharisaic Leaven. A Blind Man Healed. (Magadan and Bethsaida. Probably Summer, a.d. 29.) ^A Matt. XV. 39-XVI. 12; ^B Mark VIII. 10-26. ^b 10 And straightway he entered into the boat with his disciples, ^a and came into the borders of Magadan. ^b into the parts of Dalmanutha. [It appears from the context that he crossed the lake to the west shore. Commentators, therefore, pretty generally think that Magadan is another form of the name Magdala, and that Dalmanutha was either another …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Cavils of the Pharisees Concerning Purification, and the Teaching of the Lord Concerning Purity - the Traditions Concerning Hand-Washing' and Vows. '
As we follow the narrative, confirmatory evidence of what had preceded springs up at almost every step. It is quite in accordance with the abrupt departure of Jesus from Capernaum, and its motives, that when, so far from finding rest and privacy at Bethsaida (east of the Jordan), a greater multitude than ever had there gathered around Him, which would fain have proclaimed Him King, He resolved on immediate return to the western shore, with the view of seeking a quieter retreat, even though it were …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Jesus and the Syro-Phoenician Woman
THE purpose of Christ to withdraw His disciples from the excitement of Galilee, and from what might follow the execution of the Baptist, had been interrupted by the events at Bethsaida-Julias, but it was not changed. On the contrary, it must have been intensified. That wild, popular outburst, which had almost forced upon Him a Jewish Messiah-Kingship; the discussion with the Jerusalem Scribes about the washing of hands on the following day; the Discourses of the Sabbath, and the spreading disaffection, …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

A Group of Miracles among a Semi-Heathen Population
If even the brief stay of Jesus in that friendly Jewish home by the borders of Tyre could not remain unknown, the fame of the healing of the Syro-Phoenician maiden would soon have rendered impossible that privacy and retirement, which had been the chief object of His leaving Capernaum. Accordingly, when the two Paschal days were ended, He resumed His journey, extending it far beyond any previously undertaken, perhaps beyond what had been originally intended. The borders of Palestine proper, though …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

The Feeding of the Four Thousand - to Dalmanutha - the Sign from Heaven' - Journey to Cæsarea Philippi - what is the Leaven of The
THEY might well gather to Jesus in their thousands, with their wants of body and soul, these sheep wandering without a shepherd; for His Ministry in that district, as formerly in Galilee, was about to draw to a close. And here it is remarkable, that each time His prolonged stay and Ministry in a district were brought to a close with some supper, so to speak, some festive entertainment on his part. The Galilean Ministry had closed with the feeding of the five thousand, the guests being mostly from …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Intercourse of Jesus with the Pagans and the Samaritans.
Following out these principles, Jesus despised all religion which was not of the heart. The vain practices of the devotees,[1] the exterior strictness, which trusted to formality for salvation, had in him a mortal enemy. He cared little for fasting.[2] He preferred forgiveness to sacrifice.[3] The love of God, charity and mutual forgiveness, were his whole law.[4] Nothing could be less priestly. The priest, by his office, ever advocates public sacrifice, of which he is the appointed minister; he …
Ernest Renan—The Life of Jesus

To the High and Mighty Prince Charles, Prince of Wales.
Tolle malos, extolle pios, cognosce teipsum: Sacra tene, paci consule, disce pati. Christ Jesus, the Prince of princes, bless your Highness with length of days, and an increase of all graces, which may make you truly prosperous in this life, and eternally happy in that which is to come. Jonathan shot three arrows to drive David further off from Saul's fury; and this is the third epistle which I have written, to draw your Highness nearer to God's favour, by directing your heart to begin, like Josiah, …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

Introductory Note.
[a.d. 145-220.] When our Lord repulsed the woman of Canaan (Matt. xv. 22) with apparent harshness, he applied to her people the epithet dogs, with which the children of Israel had thought it piety to reproach them. When He accepted her faith and caused it to be recorded for our learning, He did something more: He reversed the curse of the Canaanite and showed that the Church was designed "for all people;" Catholic alike for all time and for all sorts and conditions of men. Thus the North-African …
Tertullian—Apology

Manifestly Also in the Gospel we Find the Mouth of the Heart...
32. Manifestly also in the Gospel we find the mouth of the heart: so that in one place the Lord is found to have mentioned the mouth both of the body and of the heart, where he saith, "Are ye also yet without understanding? Do ye not yet understand, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth, goeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught? but those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart, and they defile the man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, …
St. Augustine—On Lying

Prayers on Pilgrimage. --"Lord Help Me. " --Matt. xv. 25
Prayers on Pilgrimage.--"Lord help me."--Matt. xv. 25. II. Blessed be Thy name, Jesus Christ!--the same Yesterday, to-day, for ever, What from Thee my soul shall sever, While I hear Thy voice, And in Thee rejoice? Guide me with Thine eye; Warn to fight or fly, When the foe, a lion raging, Or, with serpent guile assuaging, Comes in wrath to tear, Or by fraud ensnare. Hold me with Thine hand, For by faith I stand; On Thy strength my sole reliance, In Thy truth my whole affiance; Then where'er I …
James Montgomery—Sacred Poems and Hymns

Luther's Fourth Preface
To Valentine Bapst's Hymn-book, Leipzig, 1545. The xcvi Psalm saith: "Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth." The service of God in the old dispensation, under the law of Moses, was hard and wearisome. Many and divers sacrifices had men to offer, of all that they possessed, both in house and in field, which the people, being idle and covetous, did grudgingly or for some temporal advantage; as the prophet Malachi saith, chap. i., "who is there even among you that would shut …
Leonard Woolsey Bacon—The Hymns of Martin Luther

The Woman of Canaan
Then Jesus went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon. And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil. But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us. But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Then came she and worshipped him, saying, …
Richard Newton—The Life of Jesus Christ for the Young

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