O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.

MATTHEW 12:34KJV
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Matthew 12:34 (KJV)

What does Matthew 12:34 mean?

Matthew 12:34 describes Jesus calling out a group of people as a "generation of vipers" and questioning how they, being evil, could say anything good, since what people say comes from what fills their hearts. The verse teaches that words reveal a person's true inner character and motives.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to the Pharisees, a group of religious leaders who had just accused Him of working by the power of evil. Jesus uses strong language to highlight their hypocrisy and warns that their words show the true state of their hearts. The verse emphasizes that speech is not separate from character; what comes out of the mouth reflects what is inside.

The Greek behind Matthew 12:34

  • "generation" (γεννήματα, gennēmata): This word means "offspring" or "children," so calling them a "generation of vipers" paints a vivid picture of being the offspring of something dangerous or deceitful.
  • "vipers" (ἐχιδνῶν, echidnōn): The viper was a symbol of danger and treachery. By calling the Pharisees "vipers," Jesus is accusing them of being spiritually poisonous.
  • "abundance" (περισσεύματος, perisseumatos): This word refers to an overflow or surplus. The idea is that the mouth speaks from the overflow of what fills the heart, not just a passing thought.
  • "heart" (καρδίας, kardias): In Greek thought, the "heart" was the center of a person's inner life, including thoughts, feelings, and will—not just emotions.

Why Matthew 12:34 matters

  • Matthew 12:34 clears up the idea that words are harmless or unimportant; Jesus insists that speech is a window into a person's true self.
  • The verse highlights the seriousness of hypocrisy, especially among those who claim to be spiritual leaders, by showing that evil words reveal an evil heart.
  • This verse connects to the larger passage where Jesus addresses the Pharisees' accusations and teaches about the importance of inner character over outward appearance.

Where else these words appear

“abundance” Greek G4051 · used in 4 verses

  • Mark 8:8 So they did eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets.
  • Luke 6:45 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.
  • 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:

“vipers” Greek G2191 · used in 5 verses

  • Matthew 3:7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
  • Matthew 23:33 Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?
  • Luke 3:7 Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?

“generation” Greek G1081 · used in 9 verses

  • Matthew 3:7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
  • Matthew 26:29 But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom.
  • Luke 12:18 And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods.

“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 7:23 All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.
  • 1 Corinthians 5:13 But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.