New Testament
Luke 11:39
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The Lord said to him, "You Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and the plate, but inside you're full of greed and wickedness.
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And the Lord said unto him, Now do ye Pharisees make clean the outside of the cup and the platter; but your inward part is full of ravening and wickedness.
What Luke 11:39 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus addresses the Pharisees, who were known for their strict adherence to religious laws and rituals. He points out that while they focus on outward appearances, such as keeping their dishes clean, their inner selves are corrupt and filled with greed and wickedness. This highlights a significant issue: the difference between external behavior and internal character. Jesus emphasizes that true purity and righteousness come from within, not just from following rules or looking good on the outside. The Pharisees' actions reflect a superficial faith that neglects the heart's condition. This teaching serves as a reminder that God values our inner thoughts and motivations more than our outward actions. It challenges us to examine our own lives and ensure that our inner selves align with our outward expressions of faith.
How to apply Luke 11:39 to your life
We should strive for authenticity in our faith, ensuring that our inner thoughts and motivations align with our outward actions. Instead of merely following religious practices, we must focus on cultivating a pure heart and addressing any greed or wickedness within us.
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Plain Meaning
Jesus uses a cup and a plate as a picture. The Pharisees wash the outside of their dishes but leave the inside dirty. Jesus says the Pharisees do the same thing with themselves: they keep up a clean outward appearance, but inside they are full of greed and wickedness. The point is that looking right on the outside means nothing when the inside is corrupt.
Read It in Context
A Pharisee had invited Jesus to dinner. The Pharisee was surprised that Jesus did not wash His hands before eating — a ritual the Pharisees practiced. Jesus responds not by defending Himself but by turning the challenge back on the Pharisees.
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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 11:39 mean?
In Luke 11:39, Jesus criticizes the Pharisees for focusing on outward cleanliness while neglecting their inner corruption. He highlights the importance of inner purity over mere external appearances.
What is the meaning of 'clean the outside of the cup' in Luke 11:39?
The phrase 'clean the outside of the cup' refers to the Pharisees' emphasis on following religious rituals and looking good on the outside, while ignoring their inner moral failings.
How does Luke 11:39 relate to hypocrisy?
Luke 11:39 illustrates hypocrisy by showing how the Pharisees maintained a facade of righteousness while being corrupt inside, emphasizing the need for genuine inner change.
What lesson can we learn from Luke 11:39?
The lesson from Luke 11:39 is to prioritize inner purity and authenticity in our faith, ensuring that our thoughts and motivations align with our outward actions.
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