Matthew 15:18

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Matthew 15:18 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “But the things which proceed out of the mouth come forth out of the heart; and they defile the man.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

But the things which proceed out of the mouth come forth out of the heart; and they defile the man.
Matthew 15:18 — American Standard Version

Context — Matthew 15

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
18But the things which proceed out of the mouth come forth out of the heart; and they defile the man.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“But those things which proceed out of the mouth, etc.] Meaning not material things, as spittle, vomit, etc. but, as it follows, which come forth from the heart: are first conceived and formed there, and then come forth from thence, and are expressed by the mouth; as all idle words, foolish talking, filthy jesting, unsavoury communication, and every word that is rotten and corrupt, or which is done in the life and conversation; and they defile the man: the heart is the corrupt fountain from whence all moral defilement flows; and sinful words and actions are the impure streams, which spring from thence, and increase the moral pollution of human nature.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“See also Mark 7:17-23. Then answered Peter, and said unto him, Declare unto us this parable - See the notes at Matthew 13:3. The word “parable” sometimes means a dark or obscure saying, Psalms 78:2. Peter meant, “Explain to us more fully this obscure and novel doctrine.” To us, now, it is plain; to the disciples, just coming out of Judaism, the doctrine of Jesus was obscure. Mark says that the disciples asked him. There is no contradiction. The question was put by Peter in the name of the disciples; or several of them put the question, though Matthew has mentioned only one. An omission is not a contradiction. Matthew 15:16 Are ye also yet without understanding? - Jesus appeals, in explaining…”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Mat 15:11, Mat 12:34; Sa1 24:13; Psa 36:3; Pro 6:12, Pro 10:32, Pro 15:2, Pro 15:28; Luk 19:22; Jam 3:6-10; Rev 13:5, Rev 13:6 Matthew 15:19”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification