New Testament

Luke 16:15

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 addresses the Pharisees, who were known for their outward displays of righteousness.

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

Jesus said to them, "You make yourselves look righteous in front of people, but God knows your hearts. What people value most highly is an abomination to God.

KJVKing James Version

And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, Jesus addresses the Pharisees, who were known for their outward displays of righteousness. He points out that while they may appear righteous to others, God sees their true intentions and knows their hearts. The things that people often value, such as wealth, status, and public approval, are not what God values. In fact, these things can be detestable to Him. This teaching emphasizes the importance of inner integrity over outward appearances. It challenges believers to reflect on their motivations and to seek genuine righteousness that aligns with God's standards rather than societal expectations. Jesus is reminding us that true worth is determined by our relationship with God, not by how we are perceived by others.

How to apply Luke 16:15 to your life

This verse encourages us to examine our motivations and actions. Instead of seeking approval from others, we should focus on living authentically and aligning our hearts with God's values. Prioritize inner righteousness over outward appearances to cultivate a genuine relationship with God.

Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Luke 16:15 mean?

Luke 16:15 highlights that Jesus is addressing the Pharisees, pointing out that they may appear righteous to others but God knows their true intentions. It emphasizes that human values, like wealth and status, can be detestable to God.

What is the meaning of 'God knows your hearts' in Luke 16:15?

The phrase 'God knows your hearts' means that God sees beyond outward appearances and understands our true motivations and intentions. It serves as a reminder that genuine righteousness comes from within, not just from how we present ourselves to others.

How does Luke 16:15 relate to inner integrity?

Luke 16:15 relates to inner integrity by stressing that true righteousness is not about outward appearances but about having a sincere heart aligned with God's values. It encourages believers to prioritize authenticity over seeking public approval.

What does 'abomination in the sight of God' mean in Luke 16:15?

The term 'abomination in the sight of God' refers to things that are detestable or unacceptable to God. In this context, it indicates that the values and priorities often esteemed by people, like wealth and status, do not align with God's standards.

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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