What does Matthew 15:19 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 15:19 focuses on the assertion that the root of moral and ethical impurities is found within the human heart, which, in biblical terms, refers to the inner self or the nature of humans, encompassing the mind, will, and emotions.

In this verse, Jesus lists various vices that emerge from within a person, such as "evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies." Essentially, Jesus is teaching that these sins originate from the internal state of an individual rather than from external influences, emphasizing a spiritual principle that what comes from inside a person is what defiles them.

Historical Context

The verse is part of a dialogue between Jesus and the Pharisees depicted in the Gospel of Matthew, within the New Testament of the Christian Bible.

The Pharisees were a group of Jewish leaders and scholars known for their strict adherence to the letter of Jewish law and traditions.

In the context of Matthew 15, the Pharisees had criticized Jesus' disciples for not following the ritual hand-washing traditions before eating.

Jesus rebuked them for their hypocrisy and use of traditions to violate the spirit of God's commands.

This led to a broader teaching moment where Jesus explained the true source of defilement, shifting the focus from external rituals to the inner moral state of a person.

Theological Insights

Theological interpretations of this verse range from conservative to liberal Christian thought:

• In conservative theology, this verse is often cited to underscore the doctrine of human depravity, indicating that all people are born with a sinful nature that leads them to commit various sins unless they are transformed through faith in Jesus Christ.
• Liberal theology might stress the importance of self-awareness and transformation through spiritual growth and moral development, emphasizing Jesus' call to internal rather than ritual purity.
• Catholic theology would see this teaching in harmony with the notion of concupiscence, which refers to the inclination to sin that affects human desires and actions even after baptism.

Practical Applications

The practical implications of Matthew 15:19 involve a call for deep self-reflection and honesty about one's ethical and moral state.

The verse encourages individuals to:

• Recognize that ethical lapses are a product of their own hearts and minds, not merely the result of external pressures.
• Engage in self-examination and confession to identify and address internal attitudes that lead to sinful behaviors.
• Emphasize internal change and moral integrity over mere outward conformity to religious rituals or societal expectations.

Cross-References

• Mark 7:20-23: "And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man."
• Jeremiah 17:9: "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?"
• James 1:14-15: "But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.

Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death."

Language Study

Key words in this verse as found in the original Greek text include:

• "Heart" (καρδία - kardia): Often symbolic of the inner life or the seat of the moral nature and spiritual life.
• "Proceed" (ἐκπορεύομαι - ekporeuomai): To come forth, to flow out from within.
• "Evil" (πονηροί - poneroi): Wicked, depraved, indicating a general state of moral corruption.
• "Thoughts" (διαλογισμοί - dialogismoi): Reasonings or considerations, implying a conscious process that leads to intentions and actions.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In comparison to other religious traditions:

• In Buddhism, there is an emphasis on the mind as the source of suffering and sin, similar to the concept of evil originating in the human heart.
• Hinduism also recognizes the concept of inner impurity, with practices designed to purify one's thoughts and desires.
• Confucianism and Taoism call for moral self-cultivation which aligns with the idea that moral character starts from within one's heart.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific disciplines like psychology agree that behaviors and moral choices are largely influenced by internal thought processes.

Scientific research into the nature of moral decision-making may elucidate how factors like upbringing, environment, and neurobiology contribute to the thoughts and intentions that lead to ethical or unethical actions.

Nonetheless, the scientific view often differs from the religious assertion in that it generally considers behavior to be influenced by a complex interplay of both internal and external factors, rather than emphasizing an inherent moral flaw.

Commentaries

Expert commentaries on Matthew 15:19 provide various perspectives:

• William Barclay notes that the evils listed by Jesus are universal human problems and that Jesus is emphasizing that it is not enough to be clean and ritualistic outside if the heart is impure.
• John Calvin emphasizes the corruption of the human heart and the need for divine grace for transformation.
• Modern commentators might point out the psychological understanding that Jesus imparts, making a distinction between the importance of internal states over external religiosity.