The heart problem of clean and unclean

What does it mean to have a clean heart? What does it mean to have an unclean heart? Are they opposites?

What is the difference between being empty and clean and pure and dry compared to being full of dirty water and dead?
Would you rather be full of living water and wet? How many choices are there?

It appears that there are (at least) three choices.

The OT (Old Testament) has many verses on clean and unclean. Here, we are interested in how Jesus uses the word in Matthew.

[Monty Hall problem]

*G2513 *26 καθαρός (kath-ar-os') : of uncertain affinity; clean (literally or figuratively):--clean, clear, pure.

Words: καθαρα=7 καθαρας=2 καθαροι=4 καθαροις καθαρον=7 καθαρος=3 καθαρω=2

The ancient Greek word "καθαρός" ≈ "clean, clear, pure" which is negated with an alpha prefix as "ἀκάθαρτος" ≈ "unclean, impure".

*G167 *0 ἀκαθαρσία (ak-ath-ar-see'-ah) : from G169 ἀκάθαρτος; impurity (the quality), physically or morally:--uncleanness.

*G168 ἀκαθάρτης (ak-ath-ar'-tace) : from G169 ἀκάθαρτος; impurity (the state), morally:--filthiness.

*G169 *31 ἀκάθαρτος (ak-ath'-ar-tos) : from G1 (as a negative particle) and a presumed derivative of G2508 (meaning cleansed); impure (ceremonially, morally (lewd) or specially, (demonic)):--foul, unclean.

Words: ακαθαρσια=5 ακαθαρσιαν=2 ακαθαρσιας=3 ακαθαρτα=6 ακαθαρτοις=2 ακαθαρτον=9 ακαθαρτος ακαθαρτου=4 ακαθαρτω=5 ακαθαρτων=4

The ancient Greek word "καθαρός" ≈ "clean, clear, pure" which is negated with an alpha prefix as "ἀκάθαρτος" ≈ "unclean, impure".

Revelation 18:2 And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. [kjv]

και εκραξεν εν ισχυι ισχυρα φωνη μεγαλη λεγων επεσεν επεσεν βαβυλων η μεγαλη και εγενετο κατοικητηριον δαιμονων δαιμονιων και φυλακη παντος πνευματος ακαθαρτου και φυλακη παντος ορνεου ακαθαρτου και μεμισημενου [gnt]

The Greek for "foul" is that of "unclean". The ancient Greek word "καθαρός" ≈ "clean, clear, pure" which is negated with an alpha prefix as "ἀκάθαρτος" ≈ "unclean, impure".

The Greek for "spirits" is the word for "spirit" as in "Holy" "Spirit".

More: Revelation 18:1-24 Cagey birds and the end of Babylon

Matthew 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. [kjv]

μακαριοι οι καθαροι τη καρδια οτι αυτοι τον θεον οψονται [gnt]

11:5 … the lepers are cleansed, … [kjv]

τυφλοι αναβλεπουσιν και χωλοι περιπατουσιν λεπροι καθαριζονται και κωφοι ακουουσιν και νεκροι εγειρονται και πτωχοι ευαγγελιζονται [gnt]

The ancient Greek word "καθαρός" ≈ "clean, clear, pure".

A folk etymology is that the English name "Catherine" comes from the ancient Greek word "καθαρός" ≈ "clean, clear, pure" but it comes from the ancient Greek word "Αἰκατερίνη" ≈ "Goddess Hecate". It is possible that they are related. Related English names are "Caitlin", "Karen" and "Katrina".

More: Matthew 5:8 B6 Blessed are the pure in heart

More: Matthew 11:1-6: Trapped by an offensive misinterpretation of Jesus

Are "clean" and "unclean" opposites?

What about the "heart"? How does Jesus use the word for "heart" in Matthew?

Matthew 5:28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. [kjv]

εγω δε λεγω υμιν οτι πας ο βλεπων γυναικα προς το επιθυμησαι αυτης αυτην ηδη εμοιχευσεν αυτην εν τη καρδια αυτου [gnt]

The ancient Greek word "καρδία" ≈ "heart" as a source of emotion, but could mean "mind", "stomach", "inner part". It is related to the Latin word "cor" ≈ "heart".
This idea of "heart" will come up later in the Sermon on the Mount in the "treasure" verses. "Heart" appears to be a subset of "treasure".

Matthew 6:21 ... where your treasure is, there your heart is ...
Not the same: ... where your heart is, there your treasure is ...

More: Converse fallacy: If A then B does not mean If B then A

More: Matthew 6:19-21: A treasury of treasures of which to treasure

More: Matthew 5:27-28 Adulterated hearts

Matthew 6:21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. [kjv]

οπου γαρ εστιν ο θησαυρος υμων σου εκει εσται και η καρδια υμων σου [gnt]

More: Matthew 6:19-21: A treasury of treasures of which to treasure

Matthew 9:4 And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts? [kjv]

και ιδων ειδως ο ιησους τας ενθυμησεις αυτων ειπεν ινα τι υμεις ενθυμεισθε πονηρα εν ταις καρδιαις υμων [gnt]

Did Jesus really know their thoughts? This is connecting commentary and a decision/inference made by Matthew.

More: Disciples making questionable inferences

More: Matthew 9:1-7 Blasphemy of forgiving sins

Matthew 13:4 And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up: [kjv]

και εν τω σπειρειν αυτον α μεν επεσεν παρα την οδον και ηλθεν ελθοντα τα πετεινα και κατεφαγεν αυτα [gnt]

11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. [kjv]

αρατε τον ζυγον μου εφ υμας και μαθετε απ εμου οτι πραος πραυς ειμι και ταπεινος τη καρδια και ευρησετε αναπαυσιν ταις ψυχαις υμων [gnt]

The etymology of the Greek word for "lowly" or "humble" is not known. As a Spoonerism (exchanged consonants), the word for "lowly" or "humble" is a play on words with "birds"

"πετεινός" ≈ "fully fledged, able to fly" as in a "bird".
"ταπεινός" ≈ "low-lying, humbled, downcast" (etymology unknown)

More: Punishment by Spoonerisms: switched consonants

More: Matthew 13:3-23 KP1 Parable of the sower

More: Matthew 11:20-30 Upgraded baby yokes revealed

Matthew 12:34 O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. [kjv]

γεννηματα εχιδνων πως δυνασθε αγαθα λαλειν πονηροι οντες εκ γαρ του περισσευματος της καρδιας το στομα λαλει [gnt]

Can one always know the heart, good or evil, by what one speaks?

Statement: ... for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh!
Question: ... for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh?

A question allows a yes or no answer. A statement requires a yes answer.

Does not Jesus often call the religious establishment "hypocrites" as in pretending or acting? The Greek definition of "hypocrite" means that you "think" in your "heart" one thing and "say" another. How can then one know about the "heart" from what one "says"?

Discuss: Which translation, statement or question, might the church (historically) prefer?

More: An actor as a hypocrite is not real

More: Converse fallacy: If A then B does not mean If B then A

More: Matthew 12:30-37 Pardon the idle word counting - new

Matthew 12:35 A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. [kjv]

ο αγαθος ανθρωπος εκ του αγαθου θησαυρου της καρδιας εκβαλλει τα αγαθα και ο πονηρος ανθρωπος εκ του πονηρου θησαυρου εκβαλλει πονηρα [gnt]

The words "of the heart" are not in some Greek manuscripts. It appears, that "treasure" can be "good" or "evil" as "oppression". Might treasure be in the eye of the beholder?

A "good" "man" and "good" "treasure" appear to be connected.
An "evil" "man" and "evil" "treasure" appear to be connected.

6:21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. [kjv]

More: Matthew 4:1-11 Examining evil temptations

More: Matthew 9:8-13 The healthy make a strong case for evil sick time

More: Matthew 6:19-21: A treasury of treasures of which to treasure

More: Matthew 12:30-37 Pardon the idle word counting - new

Matthew 12:40 For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. [kjv]

Many focus on the literal "three" "days" and "three" "nights" and assume they know what constitutes the "heart" of the "earth" - the words that come first in the Greek.

Greek word order: ... so that is the son of man in the heart of the earth three days and three nights.

What is "heart"? Is it related to "treasure"?
What is "earth"? Is it related to "sand"?
How can a "day" and a "night" go into the "ages"?

More: Matthew 6:19-21: A treasury of treasures of which to treasure

More: Matthew 13:44 KP5 Parable of the treasure in a field

More: Matthew 12:38-40 Sign sign everywhere a sign

Matthew 13:15 For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. [kjv]

13:16 But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear. [kjv]

13:17 For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them. [kjv]

Isaiah 6:10 Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed. [kjv]

More: Matthew 13:3-23 KP1 Parable of the sower

Matthew 13:4 And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up: [kjv]

και εν τω σπειρειν αυτον α μεν επεσεν παρα την οδον και ηλθεν ελθοντα τα πετεινα και κατεφαγεν αυτα [gnt]

13:19 When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side. [kjv]

παντος ακουοντος τον λογον της βασιλειας και μη συνιεντος ερχεται ο πονηρος και αρπαζει το εσπαρμενον εν τη καρδια αυτου ουτος εστιν ο παρα την οδον σπαρεις [gnt]

Jesus relates "devour" as in "eating" to "catcheth away" which is related to the word for "rapture". The KJV (King James Version) translates as "evil" or "wicked" the Greek word that means "oppression" or "oppressor". Saying: You'll be birdseed.

More: Matthew 6:25-27 The missing part worked out for the birds

More: Matthew 10: 28-31 Taking care of the sparrows

More: Crying wolf for the search and seizure of the rapture

More: Overly burdened in the cares and concerns of evil

More: Evil training is toilsome work: no pain no gain

More: Matthew 13:3-23 KP1 Parable of the sower

Matthew 13:4 And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up: [kjv]

The Greek for "snatch away" is the word used for "rapture" and the source of the English word "harpoon". It is also used as "ravenous" in terms of "wolves".

Saying: You'll be birdseed. The "seed" that was "snatched away" in parable 1 appears to have been deposited (by the "birds") in parable 2 as "weeds" and then grows into a "tree" in parable 3 so that those "birds" have a place to make their "nests".

More: Matthew 12:29 Snatching the raptured goods from the strong man

More: Exodus 18:13-27 Hierarchy as a man-made tree structure

More: Matthew 13:3-23 KP1 Parable of the sower

Matthew 15:7 Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, [kjv]

υποκριται καλως προεφητευσεν επροφητευσεν περι υμων ησαιας λεγων [gnt]

15:8 This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. [kjv]

εγγιζει μοι ο λαος ουτος τω στοματι αυτων και τοις τοις χειλεσιν με τιμα η δε καρδια αυτων πορρω απεχει απ εμου [gnt]

The Greek word for "hypocrite" meant "acting" or "pretending".

Modern hypocritical behavior: Telling the disciples not to eat without washing their hands while they, in fact, eating without washing their own hands. They were not doing this. Thus, they were not "hypocrites" in the modern sense.
Ancient hypocritical acting or pretending behavior: They believed what they were saying but were "acting" or "pretending" that this tradition was, in fact, important.

Jesus, through Isaiah, indicates the definition of the "hypocrite" as someone who "pretends" to honor God (with their "lips") but their "heart" does not do this. They can do exactly what they are saying and are then not "hypocrites" in the modern sense. Instead, they are just pretending to honor God.

More: An actor as a hypocrite is not real

More: Matthew 15:1-21 Blind leading the blind

Matthew 15:19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: [kjv]

εκ γαρ της καρδιας εξερχονται διαλογισμοι πονηροι φονοι μοιχειαι πορνειαι κλοπαι ψευδομαρτυριαι βλασφημιαι [gnt]

Since Jesus only explained the first part, this part should answer the following.

"plant"

"planted"

"rooted up"

"blind"

"lead"

"blind"

fall

"ditch"

The ancient Greek word "καρδία" ≈ "heart" as a source of emotion, but could mean "mind", "stomach", "inner part". It is related to the Latin word "cor" ≈ "heart".

More: Matthew 6:19-21: A treasury of treasures of which to treasure

More: Matthew 13:44 KP5 Parable of the treasure in a field

More: Matthew 13:51-52 KP8 Parable of new and old codes

More: Matthew 15:1-21 Blind leading the blind

"through reasoning"

"balancing of accounts"

"evil"

"oppression by toils"

"murders"

"adulteries"

"fornications"

"(deceptive) thefts"

"(deceptive) false witness"

"(deceptive) blasphemies"

Matthew 15:19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: [kjv]

Here as a chiasm using (related) meaning rather than words. With an even number of meanings, there is no middle meaning. This descent corresponds to the scattered path in the Ten Pin model.

More: TenWordPin model introduction

More: Matthew 15:1-21 Blind leading the blind

Matthew 18:35 So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses. [kjv]

ουτως και ο πατηρ μου ο επουρανιος ουρανιος ποιησει υμιν εαν μη αφητε εκαστος τω αδελφω αυτου απο των καρδιων υμων τα παραπτωματα αυτων [gnt]

This parable involves "forgiving" or "letting go" multiple times. Who in this story has "forgiven" or "let go" multiple times?

"servant 1"

"servant 2"

Might any of these need to "forgive" or "let go" more times?

Which one of these might be considered the "lost" "sheep" on the "mountain" or "definition" of the parable earlier in this chapter?

More: Matthew 18:23-35 Parable of the unforgiving servant

Matthew 22:37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. [kjv]

Someone has integrity if they have unity of thought, speech, action, and feeling.

That is, there is no contradiction between what they are thinking, what they are saying, what they are doing, and how they are feeling.
This is stated in the OT and by Jesus in the NT (New Testament).

Having integrity in this sense appears to not be sufficient.

More: Matthew 22:36-40 Integrity

Matthew 24:48 But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; [kjv]

εαν δε ειπη ο κακος δουλος εκεινος εν τη καρδια αυτου χρονιζει μου ο κυριος μου ελθειν [gnt]

The Greek word translated as "evil" or "oppressed" is that of "bad".

"κακός" ≈ "bad, worthless, ugly, vile".
"πονηρὰ" ≈ "oppressed by toils" and is often translated as "evil".

The English word "cacophony" comes, through French, from the ancient Greek word "κακοφωνία" ≈ "ill-sounding".

More: Matthew 24:43-51 Parable of the evil servant

Matthew 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. [kjv]

μακαριοι οι καθαροι τη καρδια οτι αυτοι τον θεον οψονται [gnt]

beati mundo corde … videbunt [v]

In the Beatitudes, Jesus talks about the "pure" or "clean" in "heart" and "seeing" God.

What does it mean to be "pure" or "clean" in "heart"?
What does it mean to "see" God?

It appears that "pure" in "heart" refers to not having any ulterior motives used to do "evil" as in "oppress" others.
In Exodus Moses is told that if he "sees" (the face of) God he will die. Is this not true if you are "pure" in "heart"?

More: Matthew 5:8 B6 Blessed are the pure in heart