Mark 7:21-23
For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Jesus doesn't just list sins; he highlights "evil thoughts" first, showing that the root of every outward wrong action is an inward, often unseen, wrong thought or intention. This emphasizes that true purity isn't about outward rituals but about the internal disposition of the heart.
Jesus is directly addressing the religious leaders' criticism of his disciples for not washing their hands according to tradition before eating. He declares that true defilement doesn't come from external things like food but from what originates within a person's own heart. This verse then elaborates on the internal source of evil, listing the corrupt thoughts and actions that spring from an unpurified heart.
When Jesus talks about the 'heart,' what do you think He means? It's more than just feelings – it's the deepest control center of our lives.
Jesus reveals a profound truth here: the real source of our actions, both good and bad, isn't external circumstances, but our internal core. The 'heart' in Scripture isn't just about emotions like sadness or joy.
The Core of Being
It refers to the seat of our will, intellect, desires, and motivations. It's the 'inner man,' the deepest part of who we are. When the commentators speak of the 'heart' being 'wicked' and 'desperately so' (Gill), they're pointing to this fundamental corruption in our fallen nature.
The Origin of Action
Jesus is saying that our outward actions are merely the overflow of what's already happening within. The list that follows – evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder – are not random occurrences. They are the natural fruit of a heart that is estranged from God. As Henry puts it, 'A corrupt fountain sends forth corrupt streams.'
Why does Jesus list specific sins after mentioning 'evil thoughts'? It shows us that our thoughts aren't harmless; they're the very first step in a chain reaction.
Jesus doesn't just state that the heart is bad; He shows how it manifests. The 'evil thoughts' (dialogismoi kakoi) are the starting point.
Thoughts as Springboards
The word for 'thoughts' here can imply discussions or debates within oneself, often carrying suspicion or doubt (Vincent). These aren't just passing fancies; they are the internal wrestling matches where sin takes root. Think of them as the fertile ground where the seeds of more outward sins are sown.
The Progression of Sin
From these internal dialogues and intentions, the outward sins listed—sexual immorality, theft, murder—emerge. The commentators highlight this progression: evil thoughts lead to evil actions. Gill notes that 'out of the abundance of it [the heart], proceed the evil things hereafter mentioned.' This is a crucial reminder that what we entertain in our minds directly fuels our actions.
Understand the original words
dialogismoi kakoi · Greek Noun phrase
General moral corruption, malice, or depravity that originates within the human condition and manifests in sinful attitudes and behaviors.
porneiai · Greek Noun
A broad term for any form of sexual activity outside of the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman, including premarital sex, prostitution, and general impurity.
klopai · Greek Noun
The act of taking what belongs to another without permission, violating the commandment against stealing and reflecting a lack of trust in God's provision.
phonoi · Greek Noun
The unlawful and intentional taking of human life; it is the ultimate expression of hatred and violation of the image of God in man.
This passage directly parallels Mark 7:21, emphasizing that evil things 'proceed out of the heart' and defile a person, reinforcing the idea that the source of sin is internal.
Jeremiah 17:9This verse declares that 'The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked,' providing Old Testament context for the deeply corrupt nature of the human heart that Jesus speaks of.
Romans 3:10-18This passage from Romans quotes several Old Testament verses to paint a stark picture of humanity's universal sinfulness, stating that 'no one does good, not even one' and that their 'throat is an open grave; they practice deceit,' aligning with Jesus' teaching about the internal source of evil.
Genesis 6:5This verse describes God seeing that 'every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually,' illustrating the pervasive wickedness originating from the human heart even before the Flood, supporting the idea that sin stems from within.
Galatians 5:19-21Paul lists 'works of the flesh' that are similar to the sins Jesus mentions, such as sexual immorality, impurity, hatred, strife, and envy, all of which originate from the sinful nature within, just as Jesus describes.
vincentMark 7:21: "For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,"
Evil Thoughts (διαλογισμοὶ οἱ κακοὶ)Thoughts, those which are evil So Rev., in margin. Thoughts that are evil. The word διαλογισμοὶ, thoughts, does not in itself convey a bad sense; and hence the addition of adjectives denoting evil, as here and James 2:4. Radically, it carries the idea of discussion or debate, with an under-thought of suspicion or doubt, either with one's own mi…
gillMark 7:21: "For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,"
For from within, out of the heart of man,.... The inside of man is very bad, his inward part is not only wicked, but wickedness itself, yea, very wickedness, Psalm 5:9 , in him dwells no good thing naturally, his heart is wicked, and desperately so; it is full of evil; and out of the abundance of it, proceed the evil things hereafter mentioned; all its powers and faculties are vitiat…
Jesus doesn't just list sins; he highlights "evil thoughts" first, showing that the root of every outward wrong action is an inward, often unseen, wrong thought or intention. This emphasizes that true purity isn't about outward rituals but about the internal disposition of the heart.
Jesus is directly addressing the religious leaders' criticism of his disciples for not washing their hands according to tradition before eating. He declares that true defilement doesn't come from external things like food but from what originates within a person's own heart. This verse then elaborates on the internal source of evil, listing the corrupt thoughts and actions that spring from an unpurified heart.
Jesus is directly addressing the religious leaders' criticism of his disciples for not washing their hands according to tradition before eating. He declares that true defilement doesn't come from external things like food but from what originates within a person's own heart. This verse then elaborates on the internal source of evil, listing the corrupt thoughts and actions that spring from an unpurified heart.
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moicheiai · Greek Noun
Sexual relations involving at least one person who is married to someone else, breaking the covenant vow made before God and spouse.
pleonexiai · Greek Noun
An intense, sinful desire for what belongs to another or a greedy desire for illicit gain, contrary to contentment in God.
ponēriai · Greek Noun
Moral depravity, malice, or evil intentions that actively manifest in harmful actions toward others.
dolos · Greek Noun
The act of misleading others through falsehood, trickery, or craftiness, often with the intent to harm or manipulate.
aselgeia · Greek Noun
Unrestrained indulgence in fleshly appetites and desires, characterized by a lack of moral shame or self-control.
ophthalmos ponēros · Greek Noun phrase
Painful or resentful awareness of an advantage enjoyed by another, often accompanied by a desire to deprive them of it.
blasphēmia · Greek Noun
Malicious or defamatory speech against another person, often involving gossip or speaking against someone's character.
hyperēphania · Greek Noun
An attitude of self-exaltation and arrogance, viewing oneself as superior to others and independent of God.
aphrosunē · Greek Noun
A lack of spiritual understanding or wisdom; moral stupidity that ignores God’s truth and reality.
koinoo · Greek Verb
To make someone or something spiritually or ritually unclean and unacceptable before a holy God.
"For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile…" — Jesus doesn't just list sins; he highlights "evil thoughts" first, showing that the root of every outward wrong action is an inward, often unseen, wrong thought or intention. This emphasizes that tru…
