King James Version
Matthew 12:34 in the King James Version says “O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speak...” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.
“O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.”
Matthew 12:34 · KJV
And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.
Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit.
O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.
A 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.
But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.
KJV Study — Public Domain
“how”
G4459an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!
“evil”
G4190hurtful, i.e., evil (properly, in effect or influence, and thus differing from g2556, which refers rather to essential character, as well as from g455
“out of”
G1537a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
“for”
G1063properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
“of the heart”
G2588the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle
“the mouth”
G4750the mouth (as if a gash in the face); by implication, language (and its relations); figuratively, an opening (in the earth); specially, the front or e
This verse is found in the book of Matthew. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
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