^14 (A)When He had called all the multitude to Himself, He said to them, “Hear Me, everyone, and ^(B)understand: ¹⁵ There is nothing that enters a man from outside which can defile him; but the things which come out of him, those are the things that ^(C)defile a man. ^16 (D)If^[a] anyone has ears to hear, let him hear!”

^17 (E)When He had entered a house away from the crowd, His disciples asked Him concerning the parable. ¹⁸ So He said to them, ^(F)“Are you thus without understanding also? Do you not perceive that whatever enters a man from outside cannot defile him, ¹⁹ because it does not enter his heart but his stomach, and is eliminated, ^[b]thus purifying all foods?” ²⁰ And He said, ^(G)“What comes out of a man, that defiles a man. ^21 (H)For from within, out of the heart of men, ^(I)proceed evil thoughts, ^(J)adulteries, ^(K)fornications, murders, ²² thefts, ^(L)covetousness, wickedness, ^(M)deceit, ^(N)lewdness, an evil eye, ^(O)blasphemy, ^(P)pride, foolishness. ²³ All these evil things come from within and defile a man.”