For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.

MATTHEW 12:37KJV
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Matthew 12:37 (KJV)

What does Matthew 12:37 mean?

Matthew 12:37 says that the words a person speaks will play a role in determining whether they are considered right or wrong—justified or condemned. Jesus is teaching that what comes out of a person’s mouth reveals their true character and will be taken into account in judgment.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to the Pharisees after they accused him of working by evil power. He warns them that their words matter deeply, not just their actions. The verse highlights that speech is not trivial; it reflects the heart and will be weighed seriously by God.

The Greek behind Matthew 12:37

  • λόγος (logos): This word is translated as "words" and often means more than just spoken words—it can refer to statements, reasons, or even the underlying intent behind what is said. Here, it emphasizes that both the content and the intent of what people say are significant.
  • δικαιόω (dikaioō): Translated as "justified," this word means to be declared righteous or in the right. The Greek here carries the sense of being shown to be right, not just in a legal sense but also in terms of character.
  • καταδικάζω (katadikazō): This is the word for "condemned," meaning to be declared guilty or in the wrong. It highlights that words can have a condemning effect, not just actions.

Why Matthew 12:37 matters

  • Matthew 12:37 clears up the idea that only actions matter; Jesus teaches that words are just as important and revealing.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage, where Jesus addresses the seriousness of blasphemy and careless speech, showing that words are a window into the heart.
  • This teaching emphasizes personal responsibility for speech, reminding readers that what they say has real spiritual and moral weight.

Where else these words appear

“condemned” Greek G2613 · used in 4 verses

  • Matthew 12:7 But if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless.
  • Luke 6:37 Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:
  • James 5:6 Ye have condemned and killed the just; and he doth not resist you.

“justified” Greek G1344 · used in 36 verses

  • Matthew 11:19 The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children.
  • Romans 3:26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.
  • Galatians 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.