Luke 11:39

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} the Lord {G2962} said {G2036} unto {G4314} him {G846}, Now {G3568} do {G2511} ye {G5210} Pharisees {G5330} make clean {G2511} the outside {G1855} of the cup {G4221} and {G2532} the platter {G4094}; but {G1161} your {G5216} inward part {G2081} is full {G1073} of ravening {G724} and {G2532} wickedness {G4189}.

Complete Jewish Bible

However, the Lord said to him, “Now then, you P’rushim, you clean the outside of the cup and plate; but inside, you are full of robbery and wickedness.

Berean Standard Bible

“Now then,” said the Lord, “you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness.

American Standard Version

And the Lord said unto him, Now ye the Pharisees cleanse the outside of the cup and of the platter; but your inward part is full of extortion and wickedness.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Luke 11:39, Jesus delivers a scathing indictment of the Pharisees' spiritual hypocrisy. Invited to dinner, Jesus observes the Pharisee's surprise at His omission of ceremonial handwashing. Perceiving the deeper issue, Jesus confronts their preoccupation with outward ritualistic purity, symbolized by the clean exterior of cups and platters, while their inner lives are consumed by greed, extortion, and moral depravity. This verse powerfully encapsulates Jesus' consistent challenge to religious leaders who prioritized external appearance and human traditions over genuine heart transformation and true righteousness before God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is part of a series of "Woes" Jesus pronounces against the Pharisees and scribes in Luke 11. The immediate setting is a dinner invitation from a Pharisee, who is inwardly astonished that Jesus does not perform the customary ceremonial washing before the meal. Jesus, discerning his thoughts, immediately launches into a direct confrontation, using the very objects of the meal (cups and platters) as a metaphor for their spiritual condition. This encounter follows Jesus' teaching on the "sign of Jonah" and the "light of the body," setting the stage for a strong critique of those who claim spiritual insight but live in darkness. The subsequent verses in [Luke 11:42-52](/luke/11-42-52 "Luke 11:42-52 - Jesus' Woes Against the Pharisees and Lawyers") continue this theme, condemning their tithing of herbs while neglecting justice and the love of God, their desire for prominent seats, and their burdening of others with heavy loads while refusing to lift a finger themselves. The entire passage underscores Jesus' radical redefinition of true piety.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Jewish society, particularly among the Pharisees, placed immense emphasis on ritual purity, meticulously observing the Mosaic Law and the "traditions of the elders" (oral traditions that expanded upon the written law). Ceremonial handwashing before meals was one such tradition, intended to prevent ritual defilement. While the Old Testament prescribed washings for priests and certain situations, the Pharisees extended these practices to daily life for all Jews, viewing them as essential for holiness. Their concern was with external conformity to these elaborate rules, believing that such adherence demonstrated their righteousness before God and man. This cultural backdrop highlights the radical nature of Jesus' critique: He was not merely neglecting a social custom but challenging the very foundation of their religious identity, which was built on outward performance rather than inward transformation.

* **Key Themes:** Luke 11:39 powerfully contributes to several key themes prevalent in Jesus' ministry. The primary theme is the stark **contrast between outward appearance and inward reality**, exposing the **hypocrisy** of those who meticulously observe external rituals while their hearts remain corrupt. Jesus consistently teaches that true defilement comes not from what enters a person, but from what comes out of their heart, as articulated in [Mark 7:14-23](/mark/7-14-23 "Mark 7:14-23 - What Truly Defiles a Person"). This verse also emphasizes the theme of **true righteousness versus superficial piety**. The Pharisees' "clean outside" symbolized their public display of religiosity, but Jesus reveals their "inward part" as "full of ravening and wickedness," demonstrating that God looks beyond external acts to the true condition of the heart, a truth echoed in [1 Samuel 16:7](/1_samuel/16-7 "1 Samuel 16:7 - God Looks at the Heart"). Finally, the verse touches on the **nature of sin**, specifically highlighting the insidious presence of greed, extortion, and malice (ravening and wickedness) that can thrive even under a facade of religious devotion.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **cleanse (Greek, _katharízō'_):** This verb signifies to make clean, purge, or purify, either literally or figuratively. In this context, it refers to the Pharisees' meticulous efforts to ritually wash the outside of their eating vessels. Jesus uses this term ironically, highlighting their focus on superficial, external purity while neglecting the far more significant internal cleansing of their hearts and motives.
* **ravening (Greek, _harpagḗ'_):** Derived from a verb meaning "to snatch" or "to seize," this noun denotes plunder, robbery, or extortion. It vividly describes a grasping, greedy, and predatory disposition. Jesus implies that the Pharisees' inner lives were characterized by covetousness, exploitation, and taking advantage of others, often under the guise of religious authority or practice.
* **wickedness (Greek, _ponēría'_):** This term refers to inherent badness, depravity, malice, or moral corruption. It is not merely a passive absence of good but an active inclination towards evil and a delight in causing harm or engaging in sin. Coupled with "ravening," it paints a picture of a heart actively engaged in moral depravity and ill-will, hidden beneath a veneer of piety.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the Lord said unto him,"**: This opening clause establishes the divine authority behind the ensuing rebuke. "The Lord" (κύριος, _kýrios_) emphasizes Jesus' sovereign position and His ability to discern the hidden thoughts and motives of the Pharisee, even before any words were spoken aloud. This is not merely a human observation but a divine pronouncement.
* **"Now do ye Pharisees make clean the outside of the cup and the platter;"**: Jesus directly addresses the Pharisees, using the present tense "do ye make clean" to highlight their ongoing, meticulous practice of external ritual purification. The "cup and the platter" serve as potent metaphors for their lives. They are diligent in ensuring the visible, outward aspects of their religiosity are spotless and conform to tradition, representing their public image and adherence to ceremonial laws.
* **"but your inward part is full of ravening and wickedness."**: The conjunction "but" (δέ, _dé_) introduces a powerful and devastating contrast. While the exterior is clean, the "inward part" (ἔσωθεν, _ésōthen_), referring to their hearts, minds, and true character, is revealed as utterly defiled. The phrase "is full" (γέμω, _gémō_) indicates a complete saturation, leaving no room for goodness or righteousness. Their inner being is overflowing with "ravening" (greed, extortion, plunder) and "wickedness" (malice, depravity, moral corruption), exposing the profound hypocrisy that lies beneath their pious facade.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 11:39 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey Jesus' sharp critique. The most prominent is **Contrast**, setting the "clean outside" of the cup and platter against the "inward part... full of ravening and wickedness." This stark antithesis highlights the profound spiritual disconnect and hypocrisy of the Pharisees. The "cup and platter" function as a powerful **Metaphor** for the Pharisees themselves, symbolizing their external religious practices and public image, which are meticulously maintained, versus their internal spiritual state, which is corrupt and defiled. The phrase "full of ravening and wickedness" can be seen as a form of **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the complete and overwhelming nature of their inner depravity, not merely a slight imperfection but a total saturation of sin. This vivid imagery serves to shock and expose the true spiritual condition that lay hidden beneath their outward show of piety.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 11:39 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of true righteousness and the pervasive danger of hypocrisy. It aligns with the consistent biblical emphasis that God is concerned with the heart above all else, not merely outward performance or ritualistic adherence. Jesus exposes the fundamental flaw in a religious system that prioritizes human traditions and external conformity over genuine internal transformation, justice, mercy, and faithfulness. This passage underscores the truth that sin is not merely a matter of external actions but originates from the deep-seated desires and intentions of the human heart. It challenges all who claim faith to examine their motives and ensure their inner lives align with their outward professions, recognizing that true purity is a matter of the spirit, not just the flesh.

* [Matthew 23:25-28](/matthew/23-25-28 "Matthew 23:25-28 - Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees")
* [Mark 7:18-23](/mark/7-18-23 "Mark 7:18-23 - What Comes from Within Defiles")
* [Jeremiah 17:9-10](/jeremiah/17-9-10 "Jeremiah 17:9-10 - The Deceitfulness of the Heart")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 11:39 serves as a timeless mirror for all who profess faith, compelling us to look beyond the superficial and engage in honest self-examination. It challenges the human tendency to prioritize appearance over authenticity, to focus on what others see rather than what God knows. We are reminded that true spirituality is not about meticulously adhering to external rules or maintaining a flawless public image, but about the genuine condition of our hearts. Are we more concerned with appearing righteous or truly being righteous? This verse calls us to pursue an inner transformation, allowing the Holy Spirit to cleanse our "inward part" from the "ravening and wickedness" of greed, malice, pride, and self-righteousness. It is a call to humility, confession, and a sincere desire for a heart fully devoted to God, where our motives and desires are pure before Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be more concerned with outward appearance than with the true condition of my heart?**
* **What "ravening" (greed, exploitation, covetousness) or "wickedness" (malice, depravity) might be lurking in my "inward part" that I need to confess and surrender to God?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper focus on internal purity and genuine righteousness, rather than merely adhering to external religious practices?**
* **Am I truly seeking to honor God with my whole heart, or am I prone to spiritual hypocrisy?**

### FAQ

**Why was Jesus so harsh with the Pharisees in this and other passages?**

Answer: Jesus' harshness towards the Pharisees stemmed from their profound spiritual hypocrisy, which not only corrupted their own relationship with God but also actively misled others. They were religious leaders who, by prioritizing human traditions and external observances over the true spirit of God's law—justice, mercy, and faithfulness—became stumbling blocks to those seeking God. Their outward piety masked an inward corruption of "ravening and wickedness," making them "blind guides" who burdened people with rules while neglecting the weightier matters of the law (as seen in [Matthew 23:23-24](/matthew/23-23-24 "Matthew 23:23-24 - Woe to the Scribes and Pharisees")). Jesus' strong condemnations were not born of malice but of divine zeal for truth and a desire to expose the spiritual danger of their false righteousness, which prevented people from entering the kingdom of heaven ([Matthew 23:13](/matthew/23-13 "Matthew 23:13 - Woe to the Scribes and Pharisees")).

**What does "ravening and wickedness" specifically mean in this context?**

Answer: "Ravening" (Greek: _harpagḗ_) refers to plunder, robbery, or extortion. It denotes a grasping, greedy, and violent disposition, often implying taking what belongs to others, especially through exploitation or unjust means. "Wickedness" (Greek: _ponēría_) signifies inherent badness, depravity, or malice—an active inclination towards evil. Together, these terms paint a picture of inner corruption characterized by covetousness, exploitation of others (perhaps through their religious authority or legalistic interpretations), and an active, harmful moral depravity. It suggests that despite their outward show of piety, their hearts were driven by selfish gain and malicious intent.

**Does this verse mean external cleanliness or good deeds are unimportant?**

Answer: No, this verse does not imply that external cleanliness or good deeds are unimportant. Rather, it emphasizes that they are secondary to, and must flow from, a pure heart. Jesus is not condemning cleanliness itself, but the *prioritization* of external ritual over internal spiritual purity. He critiques the hypocrisy of those who meticulously clean the outside while the inside remains defiled. True righteousness, according to Jesus, begins with a transformed heart, from which genuine good deeds and a life of purity naturally follow. As He states in [Matthew 5:8](/matthew/5-8 "Matthew 5:8 - Blessed are the Pure in Heart"), "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 11:39 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies the internal purity and true righteousness that the Pharisees lacked. Unlike the religious leaders who focused on the "outside of the cup and the platter," Jesus came to cleanse the "inward part" of humanity. His atoning sacrifice on the cross provides the means for true spiritual purification, not through ritualistic washings, but through the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit ([Titus 3:5](/titus/3-5 "Titus 3:5 - Washing of Regeneration")). He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), offering a radical transformation of the heart that no amount of external religious observance could ever achieve. Through faith in Him, believers are given a new heart and a new spirit ([Ezekiel 36:26](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26 - A New Heart and Spirit")), enabling them to live lives of genuine righteousness that flow from an inward purity, rather than a mere outward facade. Jesus' life and teaching consistently expose the futility of self-righteousness and point to His divine power to truly cleanse and transform from the inside out, making us new creations in Him ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")).

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

Proverbs 30:12

[There is] a generation [that are] pure in their own eyes, and [yet] is not washed from their filthiness.

Titus 1:15

Unto the pure all things [are] pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving [is] nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.

Acts 8:21

Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.

Acts 8:23

For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and [in] the bond of iniquity.

Matthew 15:19

For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:

John 12:6

This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein.

Acts 5:3

But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back [part] of the price of the land?