A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.

LUKE 6:45KJV
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Luke 6:45 (KJV)

What does Luke 6:45 mean?

Luke 6:45 says that a person’s words and actions come from what is stored within that person. Jesus connects the good or evil a person brings forth with the condition of the heart, and he gives speech particular attention.

The image is of a storehouse containing a supply from which things are brought out. Jesus uses that picture after comparing people to trees known by their fruit in verse 44. He is speaking to his disciples while a larger crowd listens.

The Greek behind Luke 6:45

  • “treasure” — θησαυρός (thēsauros): The Greek can mean a store or supply of things kept for future use. Here the word gives “treasure” the sense of a storehouse, not just a prized possession.
  • “heart” — καρδία (kardia): The Greek can refer to a person’s inner life, including thoughts and intentions. In Jesus’ picture, the heart is the place where the store is kept.
  • “abundance” — περίσσευμα (perisseuma): The Greek carries the sense of what is present in excess or overflows. Jesus pictures speech as coming from what fills the heart.

Why Luke 6:45 matters

  • Jesus applies the fruit image to human conduct. The phrases “bringeth forth that which is good” and “bringeth forth that which is evil” connect the comparison in verse 44 to what people produce.
  • The final clause makes speech an example of that connection. “His mouth speaketh” directs attention to spoken words, not only to visible actions.
  • Jesus pairs each kind of store with its corresponding result. The “good treasure” brings forth good, while the “evil treasure” brings forth evil.

Where else these words appear

“abundance” Greek G4051 · used in 4 verses

  • 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.
  • Mark 8:8 So they did eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets.
  • 2 Corinthians 8:14 But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality:

“treasure” Greek G2344 · used in 16 verses

  • Matthew 2:11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
  • Matthew 13:44 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.
  • Luke 12:34 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

“evil” Greek G4190 · used in 71 verses

  • Matthew 5:11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
  • Mark 7:22 Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness:
  • 1 Corinthians 5:13 But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.

“mouth” Greek G4750 · used in 72 verses

  • Matthew 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
  • Acts 4:25 Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things?
  • James 3:3 Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.