New Testament

Luke 11:38

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In this verse, we see a Pharisee who is astonished that Jesus did not perform the customary ritual washing before eating.

Author
Luke the physician
Written
Around AD 60-62
Genre
Gospel and history
Original Audience
Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
CBTClear Bible Translation

The Pharisee was surprised to see that Jesus hadn't washed before the meal.

KJVKing James Version

And when the Pharisee saw it, he marvelled that he had not first washed before dinner.

Verse Analysis

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.

Key themes

Related topics

purity, obedience, wisdom

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.

Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary

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.

The Book of Luke
Book Summary

The Book of Luke

Luke 1: The Births of John the Baptist and Jesus Foretold

In the days of Herod, king of Judaea, a priest named Zacharias serves in the temple. He and his wife Elisabeth are both righteous but have no children because Elisabeth is barren, and they are both old. While Zacharias burns incense, the angel Gabriel appears to him and says Elisabeth will bear a son who is to be named John. The child will be great before the Lord, will drink no wine or strong drink, and will be filled with the Holy Ghost from his mother's womb. He will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. Zacharias asks how he can know this, since he and his wife are old. Gabriel says Zacharias will be unable to speak until these things come to pass because he did not believe.

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