For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,
out.
Genesis 6:5 And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.
Genesis 8:21 And the LORD smelled a sweet savour; and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake; for the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done.
Job 14:4 Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? not one.
evil.
Proverbs 15:25 The LORD will destroy the house of the proud: but he will establish the border of the widow.
Isaiah 59:7 Their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed innocent blood: their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity; wasting and destruction are in their paths.
Ezekiel 38:10 Thus saith the Lord GOD; It shall also come to pass, that at the same time shall things come into thy mind, and thou shalt think an evil thought:
come evil thoughts
Evil thoughts are the precursor to sinful actions, illustrating the biblical principle that sin begins in the mind. James 1:14-15 explains how desire leads to sin, which then leads to death. This phrase underscores the need for mental renewal, as Paul writes in Romans 12:2, urging believers to be transformed by the renewing of their minds.
sexual immorality
The term encompasses a range of illicit sexual behaviors, including fornication, adultery, and other acts outside the biblical covenant of marriage. In the Greco-Roman world, sexual immorality was prevalent, and the early church faced challenges in maintaining sexual purity. 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 calls believers to flee from sexual immorality, emphasizing the body as a temple of the Holy Spirit.
theft
Theft violates the commandment "You shall not steal" (Exodus 20:15) and reflects a lack of trust in God's provision. In the ancient world, theft was a serious offense, often punished severely. The New Testament encourages believers to work honestly and share with those in need (Ephesians 4:28).
murder
Murder is the unlawful taking of a life, condemned in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:13). Jesus expands on this in Matthew 5:21-22, equating anger with murder in the heart. This highlights the gravity of internal sin and the need for reconciliation and forgiveness.
adultery
Adultery is a breach of the marital covenant, condemned in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:14). It symbolizes unfaithfulness not only in marriage but also in one's relationship with God. The prophets often used adultery as a metaphor for Israel's unfaithfulness to God (e.g., Hosea). Jesus' teaching in Matthew 5:27-28 extends the definition to include lustful thoughts, emphasizing purity of heart.
Jesus points us away from mere externalism. “What comes out of a man is what defiles him” (Mark 7:20). Sin’s fountainhead is internal, not environmental.
• Jeremiah 17:9 calls the heart “deceitful above all things.”
• Matthew 15:18 repeats that what proceeds “from the mouth comes from the heart.”
• Romans 7:18 admits, “I know that nothing good lives in me.”
The “heart” is the control center of thought, will, and emotion. Every human heart, untouched by grace, is corrupted.
• Proverbs 4:23: “Guard your heart… for from it flow springs of life.”
• Ezekiel 36:26 promises a “new heart,” proving the old one is insufficient.
• Romans 10:10 shows that saving faith itself is rooted in the heart.
Sin germinates in the mind.
• Genesis 6:5—every intent of man’s heart was “continually evil.”
• James 1:14-15 shows desire conceiving sin.
• Philippians 4:8 directs believers to replace corrupt thoughts with what is true and pure.
Any sexual activity outside God-ordained marriage.
• 1 Corinthians 6:18: “Flee from sexual immorality.”
• Hebrews 13:4 honors the marriage bed.
• 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4 connects holiness to abstaining from such sin.
Stealing reveals distrust of God’s provision.
• Exodus 20:15: “You shall not steal.”
• Ephesians 4:28 tells the former thief to work and share.
• Malachi 3:8 rebukes Israel for “robbing” God.
Violent sin that begins with hatred.
• Exodus 20:13: “You shall not murder.”
• Matthew 5:21-22 equates anger with murder in seed form.
• 1 John 3:15 labels hate itself murderous.
Breaking the marriage covenant through unfaithfulness.
• Exodus 20:14: “You shall not commit adultery.”
• Matthew 5:27-28 condemns lust as adultery of the heart.
• Proverbs 6:32 warns that the adulterer “destroys himself.”
Mark 7:21 exposes the real battlefield: the inner person. Evil thoughts, sexual sin, theft, murder, and adultery all sprout from an unredeemed heart. The law diagnoses; only Christ cleanses. When He reigns within, evil thoughts turn to godly meditation, immorality to purity, theft to generosity, murder to love, and adultery to covenant faithfulness.
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