New Testament
Luke 11:42
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But woe to you, Pharisees! You tithe mint, rue, and all kinds of herbs, but you neglect justice and the love of God. You should have done these things without neglecting the others.
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But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.
What Luke 11:42 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus criticizes the Pharisees for their meticulous attention to tithing small herbs like mint and rue while ignoring more significant moral responsibilities such as justice and love for God. He emphasizes that while tithing is important, it should not come at the expense of practicing justice and love. The Pharisees are being called out for their hypocrisy; they focus on minor details of the law while neglecting the heart of God's commandments. Jesus teaches that true faith involves a balance of both outward observance and inward righteousness. He urges them to fulfill their obligations without neglecting the more important aspects of their faith, highlighting that both are essential in living a life that pleases God.
How to apply Luke 11:42 to your life
This verse encourages us to examine our own lives for balance in our spiritual practices. While it is good to follow religious rules, we must also prioritize love, justice, and compassion in our interactions with others. True faith is holistic.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
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Illustrated scene from John the Apostle's story: Mending Their Nets (Mark 1:19–20)
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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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Plain Meaning
Jesus rebukes the Pharisees for carefully giving a tenth of even their smallest garden herbs — mint, rue, and the rest — while ignoring what matters far more: treating people rightly and loving God. Then he makes a pointed statement: they should have done both. The tithing of herbs was not wrong. The failure was letting that careful rule-keeping crowd out justice and love for God entirely.
Read It in Context
Jesus is at a Pharisee's dinner table. Starting in verse 39, he has been criticizing the Pharisees for cleaning the outside while the inside is corrupt. This verse is the first of several direct "woe" statements aimed at them.
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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 11:42 mean?
Luke 11:42 highlights Jesus' criticism of the Pharisees for focusing on minor details of the law, like tithing herbs, while neglecting more important issues like justice and love for God. It emphasizes the need for a balanced approach to faith that includes both outward practices and inward righteousness.
What is the meaning of tithing in Luke 11:42?
In Luke 11:42, tithing refers to the practice of giving a tenth of one's produce, including small herbs like mint and rue. Jesus points out that while tithing is important, it should not overshadow the greater moral responsibilities of justice and love.
How does Luke 11:42 apply to modern life?
Luke 11:42 encourages individuals today to reflect on their spiritual practices and ensure they prioritize love, justice, and compassion alongside religious observance. It serves as a reminder that true faith involves both external actions and internal values.
What themes are present in Luke 11:42?
Key themes in Luke 11:42 include hypocrisy, the importance of justice, the love of God, the practice of tithing, and the need for balance in faith. These themes highlight the significance of aligning one's actions with core moral principles.
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