Mark 7:20
And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man.
Mark 7:20 (KJV)
Context
Mark 7:20 is Jesus’ concluding statement in a dispute with Pharisees and scribes who challenged His disciples for eating with unwashed hands (Mark 7:1-5). Jesus had already called the Pharisees hypocrites for setting aside God’s commandments to keep their traditions (Mark 7:6-13), and He had explained to the crowd that nothing entering a person from outside can defile them, because it does not enter the heart but passes through the belly (Mark 7:18-19).
Meaning
Jesus emphasizes that what truly defiles a person does not come from external factors, such as food or ceremonial actions, but rather from within the heart and mind. He highlights the importance of inner purity and righteousness rather than merely focusing on outward rituals or traditions.
The problem of defilement: Jesus’ statement challenges the common understanding of the time that ritual purity was necessary for spiritual cleanliness. He teaches that true defilement is not caused by external factors but by the condition of one’s heart and the thoughts that proceed from it.
The importance of the heart: Jesus recognized that evil thoughts, intentions, and desires originate within a person’s heart, leading to sinful actions. Therefore, true transformation and righteousness should begin with the heart, which is the core of a person’s being.
Biblical connections
The following verses (Mark 7:21-23) list specific evils that proceed from within: evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, and foolishness. These are the things that truly defile a person. The parallel passage in Matthew 15:18-20 reinforces this teaching, explaining that what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this is what defiles.
Application
As followers of Christ, we should focus on developing a Christ-centered character and cultivating inner purity. We can do this by regularly examining our thoughts, motives, and desires, and aligning them with the teachings of Jesus. We should seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit to transform our hearts and enable us to live lives that honor God and reflect His love and righteousness to others.
Reflection
True purity is a matter of the inner life, not merely external observance. Believers are called to examine their hearts and to recognize that sin originates within, requiring inner transformation rather than mere outward compliance. This change of heart is accomplished through the work of Christ and the Holy Spirit, though the text itself does not explicitly state this.
