New Testament

Luke 11:42

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, 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.

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

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.

KJVKing James Version

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.

Verse Analysis

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.

Key themes

Related topics

hypocrisy, justice, fear

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

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.

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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