New International VersionA good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him.
New Living TranslationA good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart.
English Standard VersionThe good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil.
Berean Standard BibleThe good man brings good things out of his good store of treasure, and the evil man brings evil things out of his evil store of treasure.
Berean Literal BibleThe good man out of his good treasure puts forth good things, and the evil man out of his evil treasure puts forth evil things.
King James BibleA good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.
New King James VersionA good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things.
New American Standard BibleThe good person brings out of his good treasure good things; and the evil person brings out of his evil treasure evil things.
NASB 1995“The good man brings out of his good treasure what is good; and the evil man brings out of his evil treasure what is evil.
NASB 1977 “The good man out of his good treasure brings forth what is good; and the evil man out of his evil treasure brings forth what is evil.
Legacy Standard Bible The good man brings out of his good treasure what is good; and the evil man brings out of his evil treasure what is evil.
Amplified BibleThe good man, from his [inner] good treasure, brings out good things; and the evil man, from his [inner] evil treasure, brings out evil things.
Christian Standard BibleA good person produces good things from his storeroom of good, and an evil person produces evil things from his storeroom of evil.
Holman Christian Standard BibleA good man produces good things from his storeroom of good, and an evil man produces evil things from his storeroom of evil.
American Standard VersionThe good man out of his good treasure bringeth forth good things: and the evil man out of his evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.
Contemporary English VersionGood people bring good things out of their hearts, but evil people bring evil things out of their hearts.
English Revised VersionThe good man out of his good treasure bringeth forth good things: and the evil man out of his evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationGood people do the good things that are in them. But evil people do the evil things that are in them.
Good News TranslationA good person brings good things out of a treasure of good things; a bad person brings bad things out of a treasure of bad things.
International Standard VersionA good person brings good things out of a good treasure house, and an evil person brings evil things out of an evil treasure house.
NET BibleThe good person brings good things out of his good treasury, and the evil person brings evil things out of his evil treasury.
New Heart English BibleThe good person out of his good treasure brings out good things, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings out evil things.
Webster's Bible TranslationA good man, out of the good treasure of the heart, bringeth forth good things: and an evil man, out of the evil treasure, bringeth forth evil things.
Weymouth New TestamentA good man from his good store produces good things, and a bad man from his bad store produces bad things. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThe good man brings good things out of his good store of treasure, and the evil man brings evil things out of his evil store of treasure.
World English BibleThe good man out of his good treasure brings out good things, and the evil man out of his evil treasure brings out evil things. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionThe good man out of the good treasure of the heart puts forth the good things, and the evil man out of the evil treasure puts forth evil things.
Berean Literal BibleThe good man out of his good treasure puts forth good things, and the evil man out of his evil treasure puts forth evil things.
Young's Literal Translation The good man out of the good treasure of the heart doth put forth the good things, and the evil man out of the evil treasure doth put forth evil things.
Smith's Literal TranslationThe good man, out of the good treasure of the heart, casts forth good things: and the evil man, out of the evil treasure, casts forth evil things. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleA good man out of a good treasure bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of an evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.
Catholic Public Domain VersionA good man offers good things from a good storehouse. And an evil man offers evil things from an evil storehouse.
New American BibleA good person brings forth good out of a store of goodness, but an evil person brings forth evil out of a store of evil.
New Revised Standard VersionThe good person brings good things out of a good treasure, and the evil person brings evil things out of an evil treasure. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleA good man brings out good things from good treasures, and a bad man brings out bad things from bad treasures.
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishA good man from a good treasure brings good things, and an evil man from evil treasure brings evil things. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentThe good man, out of his good treasury, brings forth good things; and the evil man, out of his evil treasury, brings forth evil things.
Godbey New Testament Audio Bible
Context Good and Bad Fruit… 34You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks. 35The good man brings good things out of his good store of treasure, and the evil man brings evil things out of his evil store of treasure. 36But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken.…
Cross References Luke 6:45The good man brings good things out of the good treasure of his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil treasure of his heart. For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.
Proverbs 4:23Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life.
James 3:10-12Out of the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, this should not be! / Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? / My brothers, can a fig tree grow olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.
Proverbs 10:11The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.
Proverbs 15:28The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked blurts out evil.
Ephesians 4:29Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen.
Proverbs 18:21Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
James 1:26If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not bridle his tongue, he deceives his heart and his religion is worthless.
Colossians 3:8But now you must put aside all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.
Proverbs 12:18Speaking rashly is like a piercing sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
Romans 12:21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Proverbs 16:23The heart of the wise man instructs his mouth and adds persuasiveness to his lips.
Ephesians 5:4Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk, or crude joking, which are out of character, but rather thanksgiving.
Proverbs 13:3He who guards his mouth protects his life, but the one who opens his lips invites his own ruin.
James 3:5-6In the same way, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it boasts of great things. Consider how small a spark sets a great forest ablaze. / The tongue also is a fire, a world of wickedness among the parts of the body. It pollutes the whole person, sets the course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.
Matthew 13:52
Then said he unto them, Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old. Psalm 37:30,31
The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment… Proverbs 10:20,21
The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth… and an. Matthew 12:34
O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. Jump to Previous Bad Evil Forth Gives Good Heart Produces Store Stored Treasure WickedJump to Next Bad Evil Forth Gives Good Heart Produces Store Stored Treasure WickedMatthew 12 1. Jesus reproves the blindness of the Pharisees concerning the Sabbath,3. by scripture,9. by reason,13. and by a miracle.22. He heals a man possessed that was blind and mute;24. and confronting the absurd charge of casting out demons by Beelzebub, 32. he shows that blasphemy against the Holy Spirit shall never be forgiven.36. Account shall be made of idle words.38. He rebukes the unfaithful, who seek after a sign,46. and shows who is his brother, sister, and mother.The good man brings good things out of his good store of treasureThis phrase emphasizes the intrinsic nature of a person's heart and character. In biblical context, "good man" refers to someone who is righteous and aligned with God's will. The "good store of treasure" symbolizes the inner virtues and moral values cultivated through a relationship with God. Proverbs 4:23 advises to guard one's heart, as it is the wellspring of life, highlighting the importance of internal goodness. The imagery of treasure suggests something valuable and precious, indicating that the good deeds and words of a person are a reflection of their inner spiritual wealth. This aligns with the teachings of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount, where He emphasizes the importance of internal purity over external appearances. and the evil man brings evil things out of his evil store of treasure
In contrast, this phrase illustrates the natural outcome of a corrupt heart. The "evil man" is one who is separated from God and whose actions are driven by sinful desires. The "evil store of treasure" represents the negative and destructive thoughts and intentions harbored within. This concept is echoed in Jeremiah 17:9, which describes the heart as deceitful and desperately wicked. The idea that actions and words are manifestations of one's inner state is a recurring theme in Scripture, as seen in James 3:11-12, where the inconsistency of a spring producing both fresh and salt water is used to illustrate the incongruity of a believer producing both good and evil. This phrase serves as a warning to examine one's heart and align it with God's righteousness. Persons / Places / Events 1. Jesus ChristThe speaker of this verse, Jesus is addressing the Pharisees and the crowd, teaching about the nature of the heart and its influence on one's actions. 2. PhariseesA religious group in Israel known for their strict adherence to the Law. They are often depicted in the Gospels as opposing Jesus and His teachings. 3. The CrowdThe general audience present during Jesus' teaching, which often included a mix of His followers, skeptics, and those curious about His message. 4. Good ManRepresents those who are righteous and have a heart aligned with God's will, producing good deeds and words. 5. Evil ManRepresents those who are unrighteous, with hearts filled with wickedness, resulting in evil actions and words. Teaching Points The Heart's InfluenceOur actions and words are direct reflections of our heart's condition. A heart aligned with God will naturally produce good fruit. Guarding the HeartIt is crucial to guard our hearts against evil influences, as they can corrupt our thoughts and actions. Self-ExaminationRegularly examine your heart and motives to ensure they align with God's will and righteousness. The Power of WordsRecognize the impact of your words, as they reveal the state of your heart and can either build up or tear down others. Transformation through ChristTrue transformation of the heart comes through a relationship with Jesus Christ, allowing His Spirit to renew and guide us. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Matthew 12:35?
2. How can we ensure our hearts produce "good treasure" as in Matthew 12:35?
3. What steps help us avoid speaking from "evil treasure" in our hearts?
4. How does Proverbs 4:23 relate to Matthew 12:35's message on the heart?
5. In what ways can daily prayer influence the "good treasure" within us?
6. How does Matthew 12:35 challenge us to evaluate our words and actions?
7. How does Matthew 12:35 define the nature of good and evil within a person?
8. What does Matthew 12:35 suggest about the source of one's words and actions?
9. How does Matthew 12:35 relate to the concept of free will in Christianity?
10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Matthew 12?
11. What does the Bible say about earthly treasures?
12. What does the Bible say about materialism?
13. What does the Bible say about Christian stockpiling?
14. What would you sacrifice for something of ultimate value?What Does Matthew 12:35 Mean The good manJesus begins with a picture everyone can recognize: “The good man.” Scripture affirms that genuine goodness is the fruit of a heart changed by God (Romans 5:5; Ephesians 2:10). In Matthew 12 Jesus has just contrasted healthy and diseased trees (vv. 33-34); a tree made good by God naturally produces good fruit. The statement is literal—goodness observed in conduct reveals an inner life transformed by grace.
brings good thingsGoodness is not passive. A redeemed person “brings” or actively produces good speech, actions, and attitudes. Note the present tense: it is habitual, not occasional (Galatians 5:22-23; Titus 2:14). Jesus links this directly to words in verse 34, showing that wholesome talk, forgiveness, generosity, and truth-telling all flow from this well.
out of his good store of treasureEvery heart has a treasury—what we value, meditate on, and remember (Psalm 119:11; Colossians 3:16). For the believer, that storehouse is packed with God’s Word, answered prayer, and the indwelling Spirit (John 14:26). Because the contents are good, the outflow is good. The literal sense is clear: what you have stored determines what you can distribute.
and the evil manJesus gives the sober counterpart. An “evil man” is not merely mistaken but morally corrupt (Proverbs 4:23). By rejecting Christ’s lordship, such a person remains in darkness (John 3:19-20). In context, the Pharisees who attributed Jesus’ miracles to Satan embody this category (Matthew 12:24).
brings evil thingsJust as surely as a good heart produces good, an unregenerate heart produces “evil things”—lying, slander, selfishness, unbelief (Mark 7:21-23; James 3:6). Jesus stresses accountability: our words and deeds reveal the spiritual condition within (Matthew 12:36-37). No one can blame circumstances; the source is the heart.
out of his evil store of treasureThe evil person’s inner vault is stocked with resentment, pride, and unbelief (Romans 1:21-22). Because those are the valuables, they are what emerge. The literal message is unavoidable: what we continually deposit in the heart will inevitably be withdrawn in daily life (Proverbs 23:7).
summaryMatthew 12:35 declares a fixed spiritual law: the moral quality of a person’s heart determines the moral quality of that person’s words and actions. A heart made new by Christ will habitually release good, while a heart unredeemed will expel evil. Therefore, guarding the heart and filling it with God’s truth is essential, for from the overflow of that treasury come all the issues of life. (35) A good man out of the good treasure.--A whole parable is wrapt up in this last word. Every thought and desire of a man is added to the ever accumulating store of such desires or thoughts in the inner chamber of his heart, and thence passes out into word or deed. In the ideal division of the context, which excludes neutrality, the treasure is either simply good or simply evil. Practically, it might seem as if the character of most men implied a treasure of good and evil mingled in ever-varying proportion, but that thought is traversed in its turn by the fact that if there is not the unity of goodness which comes from the love of God, there must be the distraction and diversity that come from the love of self, and that this makes the treasure predominantly evil. The poison of worldliness acts in such a case with accumulative power. The same image reappears in reference to the intellectual side of the religious life in Matthew 13:52. Verse 35. - A good man out of the good treasure of the heart; out of his good treasure (Revised Version), of the heart being added in the Received Text from Luke 6:45. Treasure ( Matthew 2:11, note). "Vere thesaurus est in quovis heroine, et copia latens" (Bengel); cf. also Matthew 13:52. Bringeth forth good things: and an ( the, Revised Version) evil man out of the ( his, Revised Version) evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. Bringeth forth ( ἐκβάλλει, but Luke προφέρει). Matthew regards the receptacle from which, Luke the outer world into which, the things are brought.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek Theὁ (ho)Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.goodἀγαθὸς (agathos)Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 18: A primary word; 'good'.manἄνθρωπος (anthrōpos)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 444: A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being.bringsἐκβάλλει (ekballei)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1544: To throw (cast, put) out; I banish; I bring forth, produce. From ek and ballo; to eject.good thingsἀγαθά (agatha)Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 18: A primary word; 'good'.out ofἐκ (ek)Preposition
Strong's 1537: From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.hisτοῦ (tou)Article - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.goodἀγαθοῦ (agathou)Adjective - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 18: A primary word; 'good'.store of treasure,θησαυροῦ (thēsaurou)Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2344: A store-house for precious things; hence: a treasure, a store. From tithemi; a deposit, i.e. Wealth.andκαὶ (kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. theὁ (ho)Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.evilπονηρὸς (ponēros)Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4190: Evil, bad, wicked, malicious, slothful. manἄνθρωπος (anthrōpos)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 444: A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being.bringsἐκβάλλει (ekballei)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1544: To throw (cast, put) out; I banish; I bring forth, produce. From ek and ballo; to eject.evil thingsπονηρά (ponēra)Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 4190: Evil, bad, wicked, malicious, slothful. out ofἐκ (ek)Preposition
Strong's 1537: From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.hisτοῦ (tou)Article - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.evilπονηροῦ (ponērou)Adjective - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 4190: Evil, bad, wicked, malicious, slothful. store of treasure.θησαυροῦ (thēsaurou)Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2344: A store-house for precious things; hence: a treasure, a store. From tithemi; a deposit, i.e. Wealth.
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NT Gospels: Matthew 12:35 The good man out of his good (Matt. Mat Mt) |
