Devine Scripture

Matthew 15:11

What does Matthew 15:11 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 15:11 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 15:11 means

Jesus presents a profound spiritual truth, directly challenging the Pharisees' ceremonial laws: physical food entering the mouth does not defile a person spiritually. Instead, what truly defiles a person is what comes out of their mouth, because these words originate from the heart. This statement radically redefines purity, shifting it from external rituals and dietary laws to the internal condition of a person's character and intentions. It teaches that true defilement is moral and spiritual, not ceremonial.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Not that which entereth into the mouth defileth the man; but that which proceedeth out of the mouth, this defileth the man.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Not that which entereth into the mouth defileth the man; but that which proceedeth out of the mouth, this defileth the man.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Not that which goes into the mouth makes a man unclean, but that which comes out of the mouth.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

not that which is coming into the mouth doth defile the man, but that which is coming forth from the mouth, this defileth the man.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man: but what cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Not what enters into the mouth defiles the man; but what goes forth out of the mouth, this defiles the man.

Context

This verse delivers the core of Jesus's teaching about true defilement, directly contradicting the Pharisaic emphasis on external purity rituals that began the chapter's conflict. It provides a foundational principle that clarifies the discussion about hand-washing and sets the stage for the disciples' confusion and Jesus's further explanation. This teaching is revolutionary, moving beyond mere outward observance.

v.10And he called to him the multitude, and said unto them, Hear, and understand:

v.11This passage

v.12Then came the disciples, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, when they heard this saying?

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Romans 3:13

    Their throat is an open sepulchre; With their tongues they have used deceit: The poison of asps is under their lips:

  • Psalms 58:3

    The wicked are estranged from the womb: They go astray as soon as they are born, speaking lies.

  • Acts 11:8

    But I said, Not so, Lord: for nothing common or unclean hath ever entered into my mouth.

  • 1 Timothy 4:4

    For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be rejected, if it be received with thanksgiving:

  • Romans 14:20

    Overthrow not for meat’s sake the work of God. All things indeed are clean; howbeit it is evil for that man who eateth with offence.

  • Matthew 15:18

    But the things which proceed out of the mouth come forth out of the heart; and they defile the man.

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