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Matthew 12:34 You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks.

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For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/matthew/12.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />You brood of snakes! How could evil men like you speak what is good and right? For whatever is in your heart determines what you say.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/matthew/12.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/matthew/12.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/matthew/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Offspring of vipers, how are you able to speak good things, being evil? For out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/matthew/12.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/matthew/12.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/matthew/12.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />You offspring of vipers, how can you, being evil, express <i>any</i> good things? For the mouth speaks from that which fills the heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/matthew/12.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220You brood of vipers, how can you, being evil, speak what is good? For the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/matthew/12.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />&#8220;You brood of vipers, how can you, being evil, speak what is good? For the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/matthew/12.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />You brood of vipers, how can you, being evil, speak what is good? For the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/matthew/12.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />You brood of vipers, how can you speak good things when you are evil? For the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/matthew/12.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Brood of vipers! How can you speak good things when you are evil? For the mouth speaks from the overflow of the heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/matthew/12.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Brood of vipers! How can you speak good things when you are evil? For the mouth speaks from the overflow of the heart. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/matthew/12.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Ye offspring of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/matthew/12.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />You are a bunch of evil snakes, so how can you say anything good? Your words show what is in your hearts. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/matthew/12.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Ye offspring of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/matthew/12.htm">GOD'S WORD&reg; Translation</a></span><br />You poisonous snakes! How can you evil people say anything good? Your mouth says what comes from inside you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/matthew/12.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />You snakes--how can you say good things when you are evil? For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/matthew/12.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />You children of serpents! How can you say anything good when you are evil? The mouth speaks about what overflows from the heart. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/matthew/12.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/matthew/12.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Offspring of vipers! How are you able to say anything good, since you are evil? For the mouth speaks from what fills the heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/matthew/12.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />You offspring of vipers, how can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/matthew/12.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaketh.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/matthew/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />O vipers' brood, how can you speak what is good when you are evil? For it is from the overflow of the heart that the mouth speaks.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/matthew/12.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />You offspring of vipers, how can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/matthew/12.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Brood of vipers! How are you able to speak good things&#8212;being evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/matthew/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Offspring of vipers, how are you able to speak good things, being evil? For out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/matthew/12.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> 'Brood of vipers! how are ye able to speak good things -- being evil? for out of the abundance of the heart doth the mouth speak.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/matthew/12.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />O generation of vipers! how can ye speak good things, being evil? for out of the abundance of the heart the month speaks.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/matthew/12.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />O generation of vipers, how can you speak good things, whereas you are evil? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/matthew/12.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Progeny of vipers, how are you able to speak good things while you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/matthew/12.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />You brood of vipers, how can you say good things when you are evil? For from the fullness of the heart the mouth speaks.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/matthew/12.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />You brood of vipers! How can you speak good things, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/matthew/12.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />O generation of scorpions, how can you speak good things when you are bad? For the mouth speaks from the fullness of the heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/12.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />Offspring of vipers! How can you who are evil speak good things? For from the fulness of the heart the mouth speaks.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/matthew/12.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />Generation of vipers, how can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/matthew/12.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>O ye generations of vipers, how are you, being evil, able to speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/matthew/12.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />Ye broods of vipers, how can ye speak good things, yourselves being wicked? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/matthew/12.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />O degenerate race, how can ye, wicked as ye are, utter any thing that is good? for "'tis the overflowing of the heart that the mouth dischargeth."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/matthew/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />O vipers' brood, how can you speak what is good when you are evil? For it is from the overflow of the heart that the mouth speaks.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/matthew/12.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>"Broods of vipers! how can ye speak good things, being <i>yourselves</i> evil? For, out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/matthew/12.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>O race of vipers, how can ye speak good <Fr><i>things,</i><FR> who are <Fr><i>yourselves so</i><FR> wicked? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/matthew/12-34.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hriiyJYqzvc?start=3282" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/matthew/12.htm">Good and Bad Fruit</a></span><br><span class="reftext">33</span>Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad; for a tree is known by its fruit. <span class="reftext">34</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/1081.htm" title="1081: genn&#275;mata (N-VNP) -- Offspring, child, fruit. From gennao; offspring; by analogy, produce.">You brood</a> <a href="/greek/2191.htm" title="2191: echidn&#333;n (N-GFP) -- A serpent, snake, viper. Of uncertain origin; an adder or other poisonous snake.">of vipers,</a> <a href="/greek/4459.htm" title="4459: p&#333;s (Adv) -- Adverb from the base of pou; an interrogative particle of manner; in what way?; also as exclamation, how much!">how</a> <a href="/greek/1410.htm" title="1410: dynasthe (V-PIM/P-2P) -- (a) I am powerful, have (the) power, (b) I am able, I can. Of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible.">can you</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: ontes (V-PPA-NMP) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">who are</a> <a href="/greek/4190.htm" title="4190: pon&#275;roi (Adj-NMP) -- Evil, bad, wicked, malicious, slothful. ">evil</a> <a href="/greek/2980.htm" title="2980: lalein (V-PNA) -- A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words.">say</a> <a href="/greek/18.htm" title="18: agatha (Adj-ANP) -- A primary word; good.">anything good?</a> <a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.">For</a> <a href="/greek/1537.htm" title="1537: ek (Prep) -- From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.">out of</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/4051.htm" title="4051: perisseumatos (N-GNS) -- Abundance, overflow. From perisseuo; a surplus, or superabundance.">overflow</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: t&#275;s (Art-GFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">of the</a> <a href="/greek/2588.htm" title="2588: kardias (N-GFS) -- Prolonged from a primary kar; the heart, i.e. the thoughts or feelings; also the middle.">heart,</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-NNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/4750.htm" title="4750: stoma (N-NNS) -- The mouth, speech, eloquence in speech, the point of a sword. ">mouth</a> <a href="/greek/2980.htm" title="2980: lalei (V-PIA-3S) -- A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words.">speaks.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">35</span>The good man brings good things out of his good store of treasure, and the evil man brings evil things out of his evil store of treasure.&#8230;<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> &middot; <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/6-45.htm">Luke 6:45</a></span><br />The good man brings good things out of the good treasure of his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil treasure of his heart. For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/3-6.htm">James 3:6-12</a></span><br />The tongue also is a fire, a world of wickedness among the parts of the body. It pollutes the whole person, sets the course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. / All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, / but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/4-23.htm">Proverbs 4:23</a></span><br />Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/10-11.htm">Proverbs 10:11</a></span><br />The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/15-28.htm">Proverbs 15:28</a></span><br />The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked blurts out evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/16-23.htm">Proverbs 16:23</a></span><br />The heart of the wise man instructs his mouth and adds persuasiveness to his lips.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/18-21.htm">Proverbs 18:21</a></span><br />Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/17-9.htm">Jeremiah 17:9-10</a></span><br />The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? / I, the LORD, search the heart; I examine the mind to reward a man according to his way, by what his deeds deserve.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/7-21.htm">Mark 7:21-23</a></span><br />For from within the hearts of men come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, / greed, wickedness, deceit, debauchery, envy, slander, arrogance, and foolishness. / All these evils come from within, and these are what defile a man.&#8221;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/4-29.htm">Ephesians 4:29</a></span><br />Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/3-8.htm">Colossians 3:8</a></span><br />But now you must put aside all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/14-1.htm">Psalm 14:1-3</a></span><br />For the choirmaster. Of David. The fool says in his heart, &#8220;There is no God.&#8221; They are corrupt; their acts are vile. There is no one who does good. / The LORD looks down from heaven upon the sons of men to see if any understand, if any seek God. / All have turned away, they have together become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/51-10.htm">Psalm 51:10</a></span><br />Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/141-3.htm">Psalm 141:3</a></span><br />Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch at the door of my lips.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/29-13.htm">Isaiah 29:13</a></span><br />Therefore the Lord said: &#8220;These people draw near to Me with their mouths and honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. Their worship of Me is but rules taught by men.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">O generation of vipers, how can you, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.</p><p class="hdg">generation.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/3-7.htm">Matthew 3:7</a></b></br> 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?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/23-33.htm">Matthew 23:33</a></b></br> <i>Ye</i> serpents, <i>ye</i> generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/3-7.htm">Luke 3:7</a></b></br> 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?</p><p class="hdg">how.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/24-13.htm">1 Samuel 24:13</a></b></br> As saith the proverb of the ancients, Wickedness proceedeth from the wicked: but mine hand shall not be upon thee.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/10-6.htm">Psalm 10:6,7</a></b></br> He hath said in his heart, I shall not be moved: for <i>I shall</i> never <i>be</i> in adversity&#8230; </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/52-2.htm">Psalm 52:2-5</a></b></br> Thy tongue deviseth mischiefs; like a sharp rasor, working deceitfully&#8230; </p><p class="hdg">for.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/6-45.htm">Luke 6:45</a></b></br> 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.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/matthew/12-29.htm">Able</a> <a href="/zechariah/14-14.htm">Abundance</a> <a href="/matthew/3-7.htm">Brood</a> <a href="/matthew/12-31.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/ezekiel/32-15.htm">Fills</a> <a href="/matthew/11-16.htm">Generation</a> <a href="/matthew/12-33.htm">Good</a> <a href="/matthew/11-29.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/matthew/5-6.htm">Heart's</a> <a href="/matthew/5-2.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/matthew/3-7.htm">Offspring</a> <a href="/zechariah/14-18.htm">Overflow</a> <a href="/matthew/3-7.htm">Snakes</a> <a href="/matthew/12-32.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/matthew/12-32.htm">Speaketh</a> <a href="/matthew/12-32.htm">Speaks</a> <a href="/matthew/6-26.htm">Store</a> <a href="/matthew/3-7.htm">Vipers</a> <a href="/matthew/6-23.htm">Wicked</a> <a href="/matthew/12-31.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/matthew/16-3.htm">Able</a> <a href="/matthew/13-12.htm">Abundance</a> <a href="/matthew/23-33.htm">Brood</a> <a href="/matthew/12-35.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/acts/14-17.htm">Fills</a> <a href="/matthew/12-39.htm">Generation</a> <a href="/matthew/12-35.htm">Good</a> <a href="/matthew/12-35.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/romans/10-1.htm">Heart's</a> <a href="/matthew/13-35.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/matthew/23-33.htm">Offspring</a> <a href="/luke/6-46.htm">Overflow</a> <a href="/matthew/23-33.htm">Snakes</a> <a href="/matthew/12-36.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/matthew/21-45.htm">Speaketh</a> <a href="/matthew/15-4.htm">Speaks</a> <a href="/matthew/12-35.htm">Store</a> <a href="/matthew/23-33.htm">Vipers</a> <a href="/matthew/12-35.htm">Wicked</a> <a href="/matthew/12-37.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Matthew 12</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/12-1.htm">Jesus reproves the blindness of the Pharisees concerning the Sabbath,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">3. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/12-3.htm">by scripture,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/12-9.htm">by reason,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/12-13.htm">and by a miracle.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/12-22.htm">He heals a man possessed that was blind and mute;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">24. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/12-24.htm">and confronting the absurd charge of casting out demons by Beelzebub, </a></span><br><span class="reftext">32. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/12-32.htm">he shows that blasphemy against the Holy Spirit shall never be forgiven.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">36. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/12-36.htm">Account shall be made of idle words.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">38. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/12-38.htm">He rebukes the unfaithful, who seek after a sign,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">46. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/12-46.htm">and shows who is his brother, sister, and mother.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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The term "brood of vipers" is a metaphor indicating deceit and danger, as vipers are venomous snakes. In the cultural context of the time, snakes were often associated with evil and cunning, echoing the serpent in <a href="/genesis/3.htm">Genesis 3</a>. This phrase highlights the hypocrisy and malicious intent of the Pharisees, who were outwardly pious but inwardly corrupt. The use of "brood" suggests a lineage or group characterized by these negative traits, emphasizing the collective nature of their wrongdoing.<p><b>how can you who are evil say anything good?</b><br>Here, Jesus questions the ability of the Pharisees to produce genuine goodness from their corrupt nature. The rhetorical question underscores the moral and spiritual disconnect between their actions and their words. In biblical context, this reflects the theme of inner purity versus outward appearance, as seen in passages like <a href="/matthew/23-27.htm">Matthew 23:27-28</a>, where Jesus criticizes the Pharisees for being like whitewashed tombs. The statement challenges the notion that true goodness can come from a heart that is not aligned with God's righteousness.<p><b>For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.</b><br>This phrase reveals a fundamental biblical principle: the words one speaks are a reflection of the heart's condition. The "overflow" suggests abundance, indicating that what fills the heart will inevitably spill out through speech. This concept is echoed in <a href="/proverbs/4-23.htm">Proverbs 4:23</a>, which advises guarding the heart as the wellspring of life. The heart, in biblical terms, is the center of one's being, encompassing thoughts, emotions, and will. Jesus emphasizes that genuine transformation must begin internally, aligning with the prophetic call for a new heart and spirit found in <a href="/ezekiel/36-26.htm">Ezekiel 36:26</a>. This teaching underscores the importance of inner purity and integrity, as true righteousness is demonstrated through both words and actions.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a></b><br>The speaker of this verse, addressing the Pharisees and religious leaders.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/p/pharisees.htm">Pharisees</a></b><br>A religious group in Judaism known for strict adherence to the Law and traditions, often criticized by Jesus for their hypocrisy.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/b/brood_of_vipers.htm">Brood of Vipers</a></b><br>A metaphor used by Jesus to describe the Pharisees, indicating their deceitful and dangerous nature.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/h/heart.htm">Heart</a></b><br>In biblical terms, the heart often represents the center of one's being, including emotions, thoughts, and will.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/s/speech.htm">Speech</a></b><br>The words spoken by individuals, which Jesus indicates are a reflection of the heart's condition.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_heart's_influence_on_speech.htm">The Heart's Influence on Speech</a></b><br>Our words are a direct reflection of our inner spiritual condition. To speak life and truth, we must cultivate a heart aligned with God's will.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/guarding_the_heart.htm">Guarding the Heart</a></b><br>As <a href="/proverbs/4-23.htm">Proverbs 4:23</a> suggests, we must diligently guard our hearts against evil influences, ensuring that our thoughts and emotions are rooted in Scripture and godliness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/repentance_and_transformation.htm">Repentance and Transformation</a></b><br>Recognizing the evil within our hearts should lead us to repentance and a desire for transformation through the Holy Spirit, allowing our speech to reflect Christ's love and truth.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_words.htm">The Power of Words</a></b><br>Words have the power to build up or tear down. As believers, we are called to use our speech to edify others and glorify God, being mindful of the impact our words can have.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/self-examination.htm">Self-Examination</a></b><br>Regularly examine your speech as a diagnostic tool for your spiritual health. If your words are consistently negative or harmful, it may indicate a need for heart change.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_matthew_12.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Matthew 12</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_profanity_biblical.htm">Is using profanity consistent with biblical teachings?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'mouth_speaks_heart'_mean.htm">What does "the mouth speaks from the heart" mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_doesn't_jesus_condemn_homosexuality.htm">If homosexuality is a sin, why doesn&#8217;t Jesus explicitly condemn it?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'strange_flesh'_mean_biblically.htm">What does 'the mouth speaks from the heart' mean?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/matthew/12.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(34) <span class= "bld">O generation of vipers.</span>--Better, as in <a href="/matthew/3-7.htm" title="But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said to them, O generation of vipers, who has warned you to flee from the wrath to come?">Matthew 3:7</a>, <span class= "ital">brood of vipers.</span> Here the law which had been pressed in its logical bearing in the preceding verse, is brought in to explain the bitter and evil words of the Pharisees. As long as they were what they were, nothing else was to be looked for. Nothing but the serpent's hiss could come from the brood of vipers, nothing but bitter words from hearts so full of bitterness.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/12.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 34.</span> - The first clause is in Matthew only. <span class="cmt_word">O</span> <span class="cmt_word">generation</span> (ye <span class="accented">offspring</span>, Revised Version) <span class="cmt_word">of vipers</span> (<a href="/matthew/3-7.htm">Matthew 3:7</a>, note). Observe that the figure of the tree had also been used by the Baptist (<a href="/matthew/3-10.htm">Matthew 3:10</a>). <span class="cmt_word">How can ye.</span> It is against nature. <span class="cmt_word">Being evil</span>; <span class="accented">i.e.</span> inherently worthless (<a href="/matthew/6-13.htm">Matthew 6:13</a>, note); cf. <span class="greek">&#x3c0;&#x3bf;&#x3bd;&#x3b7;&#x3c1;&#x3bf;&#x1f76;</span> <span class="greek">&#x1f44;&#x3bd;&#x3c4;&#x3b5;&#x3c2;</span>, <a href="/matthew/7-11.htm">Matthew 7:11</a>. <span class="cmt_word">Speak good things</span>. <span class="cmt_word">For out</span> <span class="cmt_word">of the abundance;</span> <span class="accented">i.e.</span> even to overflowing (<span class="greek">&#x3c0;&#x3b5;&#x3c1;&#x1f77;&#x3c3;&#x3c3;&#x3b5;&#x3c5;&#x3bc;&#x3b1;</span>: cf. <a href="/mark/8-8.htm">Mark 8:8</a>, of what remained after all were filled). <span class="cmt_word">Of the heart the mouth speaketh.</span> In <a href="/ephesians/4-29.htm">Ephesians 4:29</a> there is apparently a reminiscence of this saying in connexion with our ver. 33 (cf. also <a href="/james/3-10.htm">James 3:10-12</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/matthew/12-34.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">You brood</span><br /><span class="grk">&#947;&#949;&#957;&#957;&#942;&#956;&#945;&#964;&#945;</span> <span class="translit">(genn&#275;mata)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Vocative Neuter Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1081.htm">Strong's 1081: </a> </span><span class="str2">Offspring, child, fruit. From gennao; offspring; by analogy, produce.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of vipers,</span><br /><span class="grk">&#7952;&#967;&#953;&#948;&#957;&#8182;&#957;</span> <span class="translit">(echidn&#333;n)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Feminine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2191.htm">Strong's 2191: </a> </span><span class="str2">A serpent, snake, viper. Of uncertain origin; an adder or other poisonous snake.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">how</span><br /><span class="grk">&#960;&#8182;&#962;</span> <span class="translit">(p&#333;s)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4459.htm">Strong's 4459: </a> </span><span class="str2">Adverb from the base of pou; an interrogative particle of manner; in what way?; also as exclamation, how much!</span><br /><br /><span class="word">can you</span><br /><span class="grk">&#948;&#973;&#957;&#945;&#963;&#952;&#949;</span> <span class="translit">(dynasthe)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 2nd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1410.htm">Strong's 1410: </a> </span><span class="str2">(a) I am powerful, have (the) power, (b) I am able, I can. Of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">who are</span><br /><span class="grk">&#8004;&#957;&#964;&#949;&#962;</span> <span class="translit">(ontes)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> </span><span class="str2">I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">evil</span><br /><span class="grk">&#960;&#959;&#957;&#951;&#961;&#959;&#8054;</span> <span class="translit">(pon&#275;roi)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4190.htm">Strong's 4190: </a> </span><span class="str2">Evil, bad, wicked, malicious, slothful. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">say</span><br /><span class="grk">&#955;&#945;&#955;&#949;&#8150;&#957;</span> <span class="translit">(lalein)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Infinitive Active<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2980.htm">Strong's 2980: </a> </span><span class="str2">A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">anything good?</span><br /><span class="grk">&#7936;&#947;&#945;&#952;&#8048;</span> <span class="translit">(agatha)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_18.htm">Strong's 18: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary word; 'good'.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">For</span><br /><span class="grk">&#947;&#8048;&#961;</span> <span class="translit">(gar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1063.htm">Strong's 1063: </a> </span><span class="str2">For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">out of</span><br /><span class="grk">&#7952;&#954;</span> <span class="translit">(ek)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1537.htm">Strong's 1537: </a> </span><span class="str2">From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the</span><br /><span class="grk">&#964;&#959;&#8166;</span> <span class="translit">(tou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Genitive Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">overflow</span><br /><span class="grk">&#960;&#949;&#961;&#953;&#963;&#963;&#949;&#973;&#956;&#945;&#964;&#959;&#962;</span> <span class="translit">(perisseumatos)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4051.htm">Strong's 4051: </a> </span><span class="str2">Abundance, overflow. From perisseuo; a surplus, or superabundance.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the</span><br /><span class="grk">&#964;&#8134;&#962;</span> <span class="translit">(t&#275;s)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Genitive Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">heart,</span><br /><span class="grk">&#954;&#945;&#961;&#948;&#943;&#945;&#962;</span> <span class="translit">(kardias)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2588.htm">Strong's 2588: </a> </span><span class="str2">Prolonged from a primary kar; the heart, i.e. the thoughts or feelings; also the middle.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the</span><br /><span class="grk">&#964;&#8056;</span> <span class="translit">(to)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Nominative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">mouth</span><br /><span class="grk">&#963;&#964;&#972;&#956;&#945;</span> <span class="translit">(stoma)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4750.htm">Strong's 4750: </a> </span><span class="str2">The mouth, speech, eloquence in speech, the point of a sword. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">speaks.</span><br /><span class="grk">&#955;&#945;&#955;&#949;&#8150;</span> <span class="translit">(lalei)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2980.htm">Strong's 2980: </a> </span><span class="str2">A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/12-34.htm">Matthew 12:34 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/matthew/12-34.htm">Matthew 12:34 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/matthew/12-34.htm">Matthew 12:34 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/matthew/12-34.htm">Matthew 12:34 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/matthew/12-34.htm">Matthew 12:34 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/12-34.htm">Matthew 12:34 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/12-34.htm">Matthew 12:34 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/12-34.htm">Matthew 12:34 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/12-34.htm">Matthew 12:34 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/matthew/12-34.htm">Matthew 12:34 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/matthew/12-34.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 12:34 You offspring of vipers how can you (Matt. Mat Mt) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/matthew/12-33.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Matthew 12:33"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Matthew 12:33" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/matthew/12-35.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Matthew 12:35"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Matthew 12:35" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>

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