The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil.
English Standard Version (ESV)
What’s striking here is how Jesus emphasizes that our words are not random utterances, but rather they are thrown out with pressure from an overflowing internal "treasure." This isn't just about having good thoughts; it's about the sheer abundance of our inner life, whether good or evil, forcing its way out into the open.
The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just confronted the Pharisees for accusing Him of casting out demons by Beelzebul, showing their deep spiritual blindness. He then uses the analogy of a tree and its fruit to illustrate that true goodness or wickedness reveals itself, leading into this verse where He explains that people's words and actions are not random but flow from the inner "treasure" of their hearts, whether good or evil.
Jesus uses a powerful image to show where our words and actions truly come from. It's not just about what you say, but what's stored inside.
In Matthew 12:35, Jesus compares the human heart to a treasure chest. What we store in this 'treasure' determines what comes out.
What's in Your Treasure?
Jesus emphasizes that this isn't about a mix-and-match situation. The treasure is either good or evil, leading to corresponding outputs. This 'treasure' is the deep-seated disposition, the core of your being.
Jesus uses a dynamic word to describe how our inner treasure makes its way out. It's not a gentle trickle, but an energetic outpouring!
The Greek word used here for 'brings forth' (ekballei) is quite strong. It implies 'throwing out' or 'flinging out,' suggesting an urgent, almost forceful expulsion.
The Heart's Pressure
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This imagery challenges us to consider the 'pressure' building within our hearts. What is so abundant inside that it must be 'thrown out'?
Jesus presents a stark choice: your treasure is either good or evil. There's no neutral territory when it comes to the core of who you are.
Jesus' teaching here leaves no room for ambiguity. The 'treasure' of the heart is fundamentally categorized as either good or evil.
The Dichotomy of the Heart
Understand the original words
thesauros · Greek Noun
Used metaphorically to represent the inner reservoir or storehouse of one's character, beliefs, and intentions. This 'treasure' determines the quality of what a person produces in life.
This passage directly parallels Matthew 12:35, stating 'The good person out of his good treasure produces good, but the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.'
Matthew 13:52Jesus uses a similar treasure analogy here, referring to a 'scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven' bringing 'out of his treasure what is new and what is old,' connecting internal stores to outward expression.
Proverbs 4:23This verse emphasizes the source of our actions and words: 'Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life,' highlighting the heart as the origin of all that comes forth.
Romans 8:5-8Paul contrasts those who live according to the flesh (evil treasure) with those who live according to the Spirit (good treasure), showing how our fundamental orientation determines the 'fruit' we produce.
vincentMatthew 12:35: "A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things."
Bringeth forth (ἐκβάλλει)But the translation is feeble. The word means to throw or fling out. The good or evil things come forth out of the treasure of the heart (Matthew 12:34). "Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh." The issues of the heart are thrown out, as if under pressure of the abundance within.
pulpitMatthew 12:35: "A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things."
Verse 35. - A good man out of the good treasure of the heart; out of his good treasure (Revised Version), of the heart being added in the Received Text from Luke 6:45. Treasure (Matthew 2:11, note). "Vere thesaurus est in quovis heroine, et copia latens" (Bengel); cf. also Matthew 13:52. Bringeth forth good things: and an (the, Revis…
What’s striking here is how Jesus emphasizes that our words are not random utterances, but rather they are thrown out with pressure from an overflowing internal "treasure." This isn't just about having good thoughts; it's about the sheer abundance of our inner life, whether good or evil, forcing its way out into the open.
Jesus has just confronted the Pharisees for accusing Him of casting out demons by Beelzebul, showing their deep spiritual blindness. He then uses the analogy of a tree and its fruit to illustrate that true goodness or wickedness reveals itself, leading into this verse where He explains that people's words and actions are not random but flow from the inner "treasure" of their hearts, whether good or evil.
Jesus has just confronted the Pharisees for accusing Him of casting out demons by Beelzebul, showing their deep spiritual blindness. He then uses the analogy of a tree and its fruit to illustrate that true goodness or wickedness reveals itself, leading into this verse where He explains that people's words and actions are not random but flow from the inner "treasure" of their hearts, whether good or evil.
"The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil." — What’s striking here is how Jesus emphasizes that our words are not random utterances, but rather they are thrown out with pressure from an overflowing internal "treasure." This isn't just about ha…
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Last reviewed October 2026