What does Matthew 15:11 mean?

Explanation

The verse Matthew 15:11, "Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man," presents a teaching of Jesus that focuses on the importance of what comes from the heart and is expressed through words, rather than adherence to ritual purity laws related to food.

Literally, Jesus is stating that eating with unwashed hands (the context in which this statement was made) does not defile a person.

On a deeper level, Jesus is redefining the concept of purity in moral and ethical terms, shifting the focus from external rituals to the internal state of the heart and the expression of thoughts and intentions through speech.

Historical Context

The verse occurs in the context of a debate between Jesus and the Pharisees, who criticized Jesus' disciples for not washing their hands before eating, as was the custom in Jewish law to maintain ritual purity.

This practice was part of a tradition developed by the Pharisees and was not a commandment written in the Torah.

Jesus uses this occasion to challenge the Pharisees' overemphasis on tradition and ritual purity and to teach his disciples about the true source of defilement.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, there are several insights:

• Evangelical: They often interpret this passage as indicating that internal transformation is more important than external religious observances.
• Catholic: Traditionally, they might emphasize that while rituals are important, they must be understood in their proper context, and should not replace the inner conversion of the heart.
• Progressive: They may highlight the social and ethical implications of Jesus' teaching, suggesting that what we say can have a profound impact on justice and the well-being of others.

Practical Applications

The teachings of this verse can be applied in several ways:

• Encouraging individuals to focus on their thoughts and attitudes as much as their physical actions.
• Reminding people to be aware of the power of their words, which can build up or tear down.
• Challenging believers to consider the ethical implications of their beliefs and statements.

Cross-References

• Mark 7:15: "There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him: but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man."
• James 3:6: "And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell."
• Proverbs 4:23: "Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life."

Language Study

Key words within the original Greek text and their meanings include:

• Defileth (κοινοῖ): to make common, unclean or impure, especially in a ceremonial or moral sense.
• Mouth (στόμα): refers not just to the physical mouth but also to the words that are spoken.
• Goeth (εἰσερχόμενα): entering; implies that which is taken in from the outside world.
• Cometh out (ἐκπορευόμενα): coming forth; points to what is emitted or expressed.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In comparing with other ancient religions and myths, dietary laws and ritual purity were common across many cultures. Ancient Judaism, as in the practice of the Pharisees, placed a strong emphasis on cleanliness as a sign of religiosity.

In contrast, Jesus' teaching represents a significant departure from these external practices to emphasize internal virtue, a concept also seen in some Hellenistic philosophies that prized moral integrity over ritual observance.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern science tells us that hygiene is important for preventing disease, which seems contrary to the idea that what goes into the mouth doesn't defile.

However, Jesus' emphasis is on spiritual and moral defilement, not physical cleanliness or health. Psychological studies affirm the impact of words and thoughts on mental health, supporting the idea that harmful words can have a negative effect on oneself and others.

Commentaries

Commentaries on Matthew 15:11 offer several viewpoints:

• Traditional: Classic commentaries focus on the distinction between man-made traditions and God's commandments.
• Critical: Scholars often look at how Jesus' interactions with the Pharisees reflect social and religious tensions of the time.
• Contemporary: Modern commentaries may explore the implications of Jesus' teachings for today's religious practices and for understanding what true defilement is in the context of contemporary society and interpersonal relations.