Luke 11:37

KJV

¶ And as he spake, a certain Pharisee besought him to dine with him: and he went in, and sat down to meat.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} as {G1722} he spake {G2980}, a certain {G5100} Pharisee {G5330} besought {G2065} him {G846} to {G3704} dine {G709} with {G3844} him {G846}: and {G1161} he went in {G1525}, and sat down to meat {G377}.

Complete Jewish Bible

As Yeshua spoke, a Parush asked him to eat dinner with him; so he went in and took his place at the table;

Berean Standard Bible

As Jesus was speaking, a Pharisee invited Him to dine with him; so He went in and reclined at the table.

American Standard Version

Now as he spake, a Pharisee asketh him to dine with him: and he went in, and sat down to meat.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 11:37 marks a crucial transition in Jesus' public ministry, depicting a seemingly benign invitation from a Pharisee for Jesus to dine with him. This brief verse sets the stage for a profound and confrontational encounter, moving Jesus from a large public discourse on spiritual light and the sign of Jonah into a more intimate, yet charged, private setting where He will challenge the religious establishment's superficiality and hypocrisy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Immediately preceding [Luke 11:37](/luke/11-37 "Luke 11:37 - Jesus Dines with a Pharisee"), Jesus had been engaged in a powerful public discourse, addressing the crowds about the "sign of Jonah" as a prophetic indicator of His death and resurrection ([Luke 11:29-32](/luke/11-29-32 "Luke 11:29-32 - The Sign of Jonah")). He then spoke about the importance of spiritual light and a "single eye" ([Luke 11:33-36](/luke/11-33-36 "Luke 11:33-36 - The Lamp of the Body")), warning against internal darkness despite outward appearance. The invitation from the Pharisee, therefore, pulls Jesus directly from this weighty public teaching into a private setting, providing a direct, personal application of His recent warnings about hypocrisy and the true nature of light and darkness, which will be expounded upon in the subsequent verses ([Luke 11:38-54](/luke/11-38-54 "Luke 11:38-54 - Woes to the Pharisees and Lawyers")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Dining in ancient Jewish society was far more than a mere meal; it was a deeply symbolic act of fellowship, status, and social interaction. Meals, particularly with religious leaders like Pharisees, often involved specific rituals of purification and handwashing before eating, which were meticulously observed by the devout. Pharisees, a prominent Jewish sect, were known for their strict adherence to the Mosaic Law and oral traditions, often seeking to demonstrate their piety through outward observance. Invitations to dine with a rabbi or teacher, while seemingly hospitable, could also serve as opportunities for observation, theological debate, or even to test and entrap the guest, as seen in other gospel accounts where Jesus dines with various hosts, such as [Luke 7:36](/luke/7-36 "Luke 7:36 - Simon the Pharisee Invites Jesus") and [Luke 14:1](/luke/14-1 "Luke 14:1 - Jesus at a Pharisee's House on the Sabbath"). Jesus' acceptance of the invitation, despite the known intentions of some Pharisees, underscores His accessibility and willingness to engage directly with all segments of society.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel. Firstly, it highlights **Jesus' Accessibility and Engagement**, demonstrating His willingness to interact with individuals from all social strata, including those who were often critical or adversarial, rather than isolating Himself. Secondly, it sets the stage for the theme of **True Righteousness vs. External Piety**, which is a central concern in [Luke 11](/luke/11 "Luke 11 - Prayer, Blasphemy, and Woes"). The Pharisee's invitation and Jesus' subsequent actions foreshadow the coming confrontation over the Pharisees' emphasis on outward ritual purity over genuine internal transformation. Finally, it underscores the recurring theme of **Confrontation with Religious Hypocrisy**, a motif prevalent throughout Jesus' ministry, where He consistently challenges the religious leaders for their spiritual blindness and self-righteousness, as seen in His "woes" against them in the verses immediately following this meal ([Luke 11:42-52](/luke/11-42-52 "Luke 11:42-52 - Woes to the Pharisees and Lawyers")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **spake (Greek, _laléō'_):** This word signifies uttering words, talking, or speaking. In this context, it emphasizes that Jesus had just concluded a discourse, indicating that the Pharisee's invitation was extended immediately following a period of public teaching. It highlights the transition from Jesus' verbal proclamation to His personal interaction.
* **besought (Greek, _erōtáō'_):** While it can mean "to interrogate," in this context, it primarily means "to request," "ask," or "entreat." It suggests a polite, though potentially calculated, invitation from the Pharisee, indicating a formal request for Jesus' presence at the meal.
* **sat down to meat (Greek, _anapíptō'_):** This term literally means "to fall back" or "lie down." It refers to the common practice of reclining at low tables during meals in the ancient world, rather than sitting upright. This posture symbolized a relaxed, communal setting, often associated with fellowship and hospitality. Jesus' action of reclining signifies His acceptance of the invitation and His readiness to participate in the social custom.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And as he spake":** This phrase immediately connects the verse to Jesus' preceding public discourse, indicating a seamless transition from His teaching to this personal encounter. It underscores that the invitation was extended right after He had finished speaking to the crowds, highlighting the immediacy of the Pharisee's approach.
* **"a certain Pharisee besought him to dine with him":** This identifies the initiator of the interaction as a Pharisee, a member of a prominent Jewish religious sect known for their strict adherence to the Law and traditions. The act of "beseeching" (requesting/inviting) indicates a deliberate, formal invitation for a meal, specifically the midday meal (dine). This sets the stage for a private interaction that will prove significant.
* **"and he went in":** This simple clause signifies Jesus' acceptance of the invitation and His physical entry into the Pharisee's home. It demonstrates His willingness to engage directly with this religious leader, despite the potential for scrutiny or conflict.
* **"and sat down to meat":** This describes Jesus' action of reclining at the table, the customary posture for dining in that culture. It further confirms His full participation in the meal and His readiness to engage in the social customs of the time, even as He would soon challenge the spiritual emptiness behind some of those customs.

#### Literary Devices
Luke employs several **literary devices** in this concise verse. The primary device is **Narrative Transition**, as the verse smoothly shifts the setting from Jesus' public teaching to a private, intimate meal, which immediately sets the stage for a direct confrontation. There is also an element of **Foreshadowing**, as the seemingly innocuous invitation from a Pharisee, given the broader context of Jesus' interactions with this group, subtly hints at the impending conflict and rebuke that will follow in the subsequent verses. The **Juxtaposition** of Jesus' recent teachings on inner purity and spiritual light with the Pharisee's invitation for a meal (which will soon reveal the Pharisee's focus on external ritual) creates a subtle tension, preparing the reader for the sharp contrast between outward religious observance and true righteousness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 11:37, though brief, is theologically significant as it encapsulates Jesus' consistent approach of engaging with all people, including those who were often His critics, while simultaneously setting the stage for a profound exposition on the nature of true righteousness. Jesus' willingness to enter the Pharisee's home demonstrates His mission to reach individuals within every societal sphere, not shying away from uncomfortable or challenging encounters. This interaction underscores the tension between external religious observance and internal spiritual transformation, a recurring theme in the Gospels. It highlights that God's desire is for a heart transformed by grace, not merely a life adhering to outward rituals. The subsequent events in [Luke 11](/luke/11 "Luke 11 - Woes to the Pharisees") reveal that Jesus' acceptance of the invitation was not an endorsement of the Pharisee's hypocrisy, but an opportunity to expose it and call for genuine repentance.

* [Luke 7:36](/luke/7-36 "Luke 7:36 - Simon the Pharisee Invites Jesus"): Jesus dines with Simon the Pharisee and uses the occasion to teach about forgiveness and love.
* [Luke 14:1](/luke/14-1 "Luke 14:1 - Jesus at a Pharisee's House on the Sabbath"): Jesus again dines with a Pharisee on the Sabbath, leading to a teaching on humility and healing.
* [Matthew 23:25-26](/matthew/23-25-26 "Matthew 23:25-26 - Woes to the Pharisees: Clean the Inside"): Jesus condemns the Pharisees for cleaning the outside of the cup while the inside is full of greed and self-indulgence, emphasizing the need for internal purity.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 11:37 offers a powerful reflection on Jesus' deliberate engagement with those who opposed Him, providing a model for believers today. Jesus did not retreat from difficult conversations or challenging environments; instead, He leaned into them, using every opportunity to reveal truth and challenge spiritual complacency. This verse calls us to move beyond our comfort zones, to engage with people from all walks of life, including those with differing beliefs or even hostile intentions, seeking to be a presence of light and truth. It reminds us that our faith is not meant to be practiced in isolation but lived out in the messy realities of human interaction. Furthermore, knowing that this invitation leads to a critique of hypocrisy, it implicitly challenges us to examine our own hearts, ensuring that our outward religious practices are rooted in genuine, inward transformation and not merely superficial adherence to rules or traditions.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be tempted to avoid engaging with people who hold different or challenging views?**
* **How does Jesus' willingness to enter the Pharisee's home inspire me to step out of my comfort zone for the sake of the gospel?**
* **Am I more concerned with outward appearances and religious rituals, or with the true condition of my heart before God?**

### FAQ

**Why did Jesus accept the Pharisee's invitation, given the Pharisees' general opposition to Him?**

Answer: Jesus' acceptance of the invitation, as recorded in [Luke 11:37](/luke/11-37 "Luke 11:37 - Jesus Dines with a Pharisee"), demonstrates several key aspects of His ministry. Firstly, it highlights His accessibility and willingness to engage with all people, regardless of their social standing or theological alignment. Jesus consistently sought to reach out to individuals, not just crowds. Secondly, it provided an opportunity for direct teaching and confrontation. While the invitation might have been a subtle attempt to entrap or observe Him, Jesus used it as a platform to expose hypocrisy and call for genuine righteousness, as seen in the "woes" that follow this meal in [Luke 11:38-54](/luke/11-38-54 "Luke 11:38-54 - Woes to the Pharisees and Lawyers"). His presence was not an endorsement of their practices but an act of grace and truth, offering a chance for repentance and transformation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 11:37, though seemingly a simple narrative detail, profoundly foreshadows the Christ-centered mission of reconciliation and confrontation. Jesus' willingness to "go in, and sat down to meat" with a Pharisee, a representative of the very system He would challenge, prefigures His ultimate act of entering into the brokenness of humanity. Just as He entered the Pharisee's home to expose the superficiality of external religion and call for internal purity, so too did Christ "empty himself, by taking the form of a servant" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humility")), entering our fallen world to confront the sin within us. His acceptance of the meal, knowing the scrutiny and conflict it would bring, mirrors His submission to the cross, where He became the ultimate sacrifice, not to endorse sin, but to "take away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). The subsequent challenge to the Pharisee's hypocrisy finds its ultimate resolution in Christ's work, which offers not merely ritual cleansing but a complete transformation of the heart, making us new creations in Him ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")). Through His life, death, and resurrection, Christ fulfills the call for true righteousness, making it possible for all who believe to be justified by faith and to live lives of genuine internal purity, rather than mere outward observance ([Romans 3:21-26](/romans/3-21-26 "Romans 3:21-26 - Righteousness Through Faith")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Luke 7:36

¶ And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee's house, and sat down to meat.

1 Corinthians 9:19

¶ For though I be free from all [men], yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.

1 Corinthians 9:23

And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with [you].

Luke 14:1

¶ And it came to pass, as he went into the house of one of the chief Pharisees to eat bread on the sabbath day, that they watched him.