New Testament
Matthew 15:11
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
It's not what goes into your mouth that makes you unclean. It's what comes out of your mouth — that's what makes you unclean."
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Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.
What Matthew 15:11 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus emphasizes that true defilement or impurity comes not from what we eat or drink, but from our words and actions. The religious leaders of His time focused heavily on dietary laws and external rituals, believing that these could make a person clean or unclean. However, Jesus teaches that it is the things we say and the intentions behind our words that reveal our true character. This challenges the notion that external practices alone can determine one's spiritual state. Instead, it highlights the importance of inner purity and the need to guard our speech, as our words can reflect our hearts and influence others. This teaching encourages self-examination and a focus on cultivating a heart that produces good, rather than merely adhering to external rules.
How to apply Matthew 15:11 to your life
We should be mindful of our words and the impact they have on others. Instead of focusing solely on external behaviors, we must cultivate a pure heart and speak truthfully and kindly. Regular self-reflection can help us align our speech with our values.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
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Key themes
At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 15:11 mean?
Matthew 15:11 means that true impurity comes from our words and actions, not from what we eat or drink. Jesus emphasizes that our speech reflects our inner character and intentions.
What is the meaning of defilement in Matthew 15:11?
In Matthew 15:11, defilement refers to moral or spiritual impurity. Jesus teaches that it is our words and the intentions behind them that can make us unclean, rather than external dietary practices.
How does Matthew 15:11 apply to daily life?
Matthew 15:11 encourages us to be mindful of our words and their impact on others. It reminds us to focus on cultivating a pure heart and to speak truthfully and kindly.
What does Jesus teach in Matthew 15:11?
In Matthew 15:11, Jesus teaches that it is not what we consume that makes us unclean, but rather what comes out of our mouths. This highlights the significance of our speech and the need for inner purity.
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