Definition: There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him: but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Mark 7:15. It's a really important and somewhat unsettling passage about sin and purity. Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that our thoughts, words, and actions – everything we do – are influencing how we feel and how we behave. It’s highlighting the idea that our inner world can contaminate us if we aren't careful about what we focus on. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “There is nothing from without a man…” : This means that anything coming from outside of you – your thoughts, desires, and actions – isn’t the source of the problem. It’s not something inherently bad or sinful in itself. “…that entering into him can defile him.” : This is where it gets a bit more potent. "Defile" means to corrupt, to stain, to make someone impure. “Entering into him” refers to our lives, our thoughts and actions. So, anything we do or think that’s not aligned with God’s will – anything that leads us astray – can contaminate us. Think of it like this: Imagine a clean, fresh garden. If you leave it unattended, weeds and dirt will grow in. Similarly, if our minds are filled with negative thoughts, sinful desires, or harmful behaviors, they'll contaminate our lives and make them messy. The Context - Jesus’s Teaching This verse is often interpreted as a warning about the importance of spiritual cleansing. Jesus was teaching that we need to stop focusing on things outside of ourselves – like gossip, anger, lust, or pride – because these things can quickly pollute our hearts and minds. He's emphasizing the need for a change in focus inwards. In short, it’s a call to examine your own inner world and make sure it’s aligned with God’s goodness and guidance. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give you some examples of things that can contaminate our thoughts/actions? Explore how this verse relates to other parts of the Bible?