New Testament
Luke 11:38
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The Pharisee was surprised to see that Jesus hadn't washed before the meal.
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And when the Pharisee saw it, he marvelled that he had not first washed before dinner.
What Luke 11:38 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see a Pharisee who is astonished that Jesus did not perform the customary ritual washing before eating. This washing was a tradition among the Pharisees, symbolizing purity and adherence to the law. The Pharisee's surprise highlights the tension between Jesus and the religious leaders of the time, who often focused on external rituals rather than the heart's condition. Jesus' actions challenge the Pharisee's understanding of cleanliness and righteousness, suggesting that true purity comes from within rather than from following external traditions. This moment sets the stage for deeper teachings about what it means to be clean in God's eyes, emphasizing the importance of inner integrity over mere outward compliance with religious customs.
How to apply Luke 11:38 to your life
This verse encourages us to examine our own practices and beliefs. Are we more focused on outward appearances and traditions than on our inner character? It reminds us that true righteousness comes from a sincere heart and relationship with God, rather than just following rules.
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Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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The small town in Galilee where Jesus grew up.
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Plain Meaning
The Pharisee invited Jesus to eat with him. When Jesus sat down to eat without washing his hands first, the Pharisee was surprised. The washing the Pharisee expected was not simply about cleanliness — the chapter shows it was a religious practice the Pharisees followed. Jesus skipping it was what caught the Pharisee off guard.
Read It in Context
Verse 37 says a Pharisee invited Jesus to dine with him, and Jesus accepted and sat down. The Pharisee said nothing aloud — he only noticed and was surprised. Jesus then responded in verse 39, turning the moment into a teaching about the Pharisees cleaning the outside of a cup while the inside stays dirty.
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Key themes
At a Glance — the Book of Luke
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 11:38 mean?
Luke 11:38 shows a Pharisee's surprise that Jesus did not wash before a meal, highlighting the conflict between Jesus and religious traditions. It emphasizes that true purity is about the heart rather than just following rituals.
What is the significance of washing before meals in Luke 11:38?
Washing before meals was a tradition among the Pharisees, symbolizing ritual purity. This verse illustrates the tension between external customs and the deeper spiritual truths Jesus taught.
What does the Pharisee's reaction in Luke 11:38 indicate?
The Pharisee's astonishment at Jesus not washing reflects the emphasis on outward rituals in religious practices. It points to a misunderstanding of true righteousness, which Jesus challenges.
How does Luke 11:38 relate to Jesus' teachings?
In Luke 11:38, Jesus' actions challenge the Pharisees' focus on external cleanliness, reinforcing his teaching that true purity comes from within and is rooted in one's relationship with God.
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