11 What goes into someone's mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them."

Other Translations of Matthew 15:11

King James Version

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

English Standard Version

11  it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth; this defiles a person."

The Message

11 It's not what you swallow that pollutes your life, but what you vomit up."

New King James Version

11 Not what goes into the mouth defiles a man; but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man."

New Living Translation

11 It's not what goes into your mouth that defiles you; you are defiled by the words that come out of your mouth."

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Matthew 15:11

Commentary on Matthew 15:10-20

(Read Matthew 15:10-20)

Christ shows that the defilement they ought to fear, was not from what entered their mouths as food, but from what came out of their mouths, which showed the wickedness of their hearts. Nothing will last in the soul but the regenerating graces of the Holy Spirit; and nothing should be admitted into the church but what is from above; therefore, whoever is offended by a plain, seasonable declaration of the truth, we should not be troubled at it. The disciples ask to be better taught as to this matter. Where a weak head doubts concerning any word of Christ, an upright heart and a willing mind seek for instruction. It is the heart that is desperately wicked, Jeremiah 17:9, for there is no sin in word or deed, which was not first in the heart. They all come out of the man, and are fruits of that wickedness which is in the heart, and is wrought there. When Christ teaches, he will show men the deceitfulness and wickedness of their own hearts; he will teach them to humble themselves, and to seek to be cleansed in the Fountain opened for sin and uncleanness.