This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.

MATTHEW 15:8KJV
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Matthew 15:8 (KJV)

What does Matthew 15:8 mean?

Matthew 15:8 describes people who say the right things about God and show outward respect, but their true feelings and loyalty are distant from Him. The verse highlights a gap between what people say and what they truly feel or believe in their hearts.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to a crowd, quoting from the prophet Isaiah to challenge the religious leaders of His day. He points out that although these leaders appear devout and honor God with their words, their inner attitudes and real devotion are lacking. This verse sets up Jesus’ criticism of empty religious practices that lack genuine commitment.

The Greek behind Matthew 15:8

  • καρδία (kardia, G2588) — "heart": In Greek thought, the "heart" often refers not just to emotions, but to the center of a person's will, intentions, and deepest self. Here, it shows that true closeness to God is about the inner person, not just outward actions.
  • ἐγγίζω (engizō, G1448) — "draweth nigh": This word means to approach or come near. The verse uses it to show that people can seem close to God by their words, but this nearness can be only on the surface.
  • πόρρω (porrō, G4206) — "far": This word emphasizes real distance, not just physical but relational or spiritual. It sharpens the contrast between outward appearance and inward reality.

Why Matthew 15:8 matters

  • Matthew 15:8 warns against the danger of honoring God only with words while lacking true devotion, helping readers see that God values sincerity over empty ritual.
  • The verse clarifies that religious actions or speech alone do not guarantee a genuine relationship with God; the condition of the heart is what matters most.
  • This statement ties into the larger passage, where Jesus challenges traditions that have lost their true purpose, urging a return to heartfelt faith rather than mere outward observance.

Where else these words appear

“far” Greek G4206 · used in 3 verses

  • Mark 7:6 He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.
  • Luke 14:32 Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace.

“lips” Greek G5491 · used in 7 verses

  • Mark 7:6 He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.
  • 1 Corinthians 14:21 In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord.
  • Hebrews 13:15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.

“is” Greek G568 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 6:2 Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
  • Mark 7:6 He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.
  • Luke 15:20 And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.

“honoureth” Greek G5091 · used in 16 verses

  • Matthew 15:4 For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death.
  • Mark 7:10 For Moses said, Honour thy father and thy mother; and, Whoso curseth father or mother, let him die the death:
  • John 12:26 If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.