Discover the 13 sins Jesus calls “doorways” in Mark 7:21–23. Learn their biblical roots, modern impact, and how Christ brings redemption and deliverance.
Anchor Scripture
“For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,
Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness:
All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.” — Mark 7:21–23 (KJV)
Introduction: The Heart is the Source of Defilement
Jesus taught that sin is not first an external act — it begins as an internal reality of the heart. Long before murder, adultery, or deceit appear outwardly, they are conceived within. This passage in Mark 7 reveals 13 specific sins that Jesus calls out as “doorways of defilement.”
Each doorway opens the human heart to spiritual corruption, psychological damage, societal breakdown, and demonic influence. But for every doorway of defilement, the gospel of Jesus Christ provides a redemptive response — cleansing, deliverance, and restoration.
This post provides a biblical overview of the 13 doorways and how they manifest in today’s culture.
The 13 Doorways That Defile the Heart
1. Evil Thoughts (Greek: dialogismos ponēros)
The battleground of sin begins in the mind. Thoughts shape attitudes, and attitudes shape actions.
Biblical Insight: Proverbs 4:23 warns us to guard the heart, for out of it flow the issues of life.
Modern Context: Social media, AI algorithms, and endless mental chatter create inner narratives that can either enslave or sanctify.
2. Adulteries (moicheia)
Adultery goes beyond marital unfaithfulness — it is covenant betrayal.
Biblical Insight: God is the faithful Husband; spiritual adultery happens when His people chase idols (Hosea).
Modern Context: Dating apps, pornography, and disposable relationships normalize unfaithfulness.
3. Fornications (porneia)
The root of “pornography,” this doorway speaks of sexual immorality that fragments identity.
Societal Consequence: Abortion, gender confusion, and objectification are cultural byproducts of this stronghold.
4. Murders (phonoi)
Murder includes both physical killing and character assassination.
Jesus’ Teaching: Anger equates to murder (Matt. 5:21–22).
Modern Parallel: Cancel culture, cyberbullying, and political assassinations.
5. Thefts (klopē)
Robbery manifests not only as stealing money but also stealing joy, peace, and purity.
Modern Issue: Identity theft, AI plagiarism, and counterfeit spirituality.
6. Covetousness (pleonexia)
An insatiable appetite for more.
Prophetic Warning: Our consumer-driven economy mirrors Babylon, a system built on endless greed.
7. Wickedness (ponēria)
Deliberate evil intent, cruelty, or malice.
Today’s Culture: Online trolling, violent entertainment, and “justice” movements masking wicked agendas.
8. Deceit (dolos)
The serpent’s weapon — twisting truth into a lie.
Modern Application: Fake news, political spin, and manipulative religious teaching.
9. Lasciviousness (aselgeia)
Unrestrained lust without shame.
Contemporary Example: Media that glorifies filth while mocking purity.
10. An Evil Eye (ophthalmos ponēros)
Jealousy, envy, and judgmental comparison.
Cultural Note: Social media fuels envy through influencer lifestyles and curated perfection.
11. Blasphemy (blasphēmia)
Speaking irreverently against God or holy things.
Modern Reality: Profanity, mockery in entertainment, and idolatry of self.
12. Pride (hyperēphania)
Lucifer’s first sin — self-exaltation above God.
Biblical Warning: “Pride goes before destruction” (Proverbs 16:18).
Cultural Manifestation: Pride-driven movements that exalt human desire over God’s truth.
13. Foolishness (aphrosynē)
Recklessness and denial of wisdom.
Biblical Contrast: Proverbs declares that “the fool despises wisdom and instruction.”
Modern View: A generation that glorifies rebellion and mocks holiness.
From Defilement to Deliverance: A New Heart in Christ
The good news is that Jesus does not leave us with defiled hearts. Through the cross, He offers cleansing, forgiveness, and transformation. Ezekiel 36:26 promises: “A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you.”
The 13 doorways are real, but so is the doorway of redemption. Every sin that opens a gate to darkness can be closed through the blood of Jesus, the renewing of the mind, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
Key Takeaways
Sin begins within, not just outwardly.
The 13 doorways Jesus named remain the same in our modern age, though they manifest through technology, media, and culture.
Each doorway offers both a warning and a way of redemption in Christ.
Guarding the heart is essential for individuals, families, and nations.
Final Word: Guard the Gates
We are living in a generation bombarded by opportunities to sin through every screen, app, and relationship. But holiness is not outdated — it is a prophetic necessity. As believers, we must ask daily: Which door am I opening?
Let us reject the 13 doorways of defilement and embrace the narrow gate of holiness that leads to life.
To learn more download 13 DOORWAYS TO DEATH: The Black List of the Heart