Luke 11:41

KJV

But rather give alms of such things as ye have; and, behold, all things are clean unto you.

KJV (with Strong's)

But rather {G4133} give {G1325} alms {G1654} of such things as ye have {G1751}; and {G2532}, behold {G2400}, all things {G3956} are {G2076} clean {G2513} unto you {G5213}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Rather, give as alms what is inside, and then everything will be clean for you!

Berean Standard Bible

But give as alms the things that are within you, and you will see that everything is clean for you.

American Standard Version

But give for alms those things which are within; and behold, all things are clean unto you.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Luke 11:41, Jesus delivers a profound counter-instruction to the Pharisees, shifting the focus from their meticulous external ritual purity to the transformative power of internal righteousness expressed through radical generosity. He asserts that true spiritual cleanliness is not attained by outward washings or adherence to ceremonial laws, but by a heart overflowing with compassion that manifests in giving alms from one's possessions, thereby rendering all things clean to the giver. This statement encapsulates a core principle of Jesus' teaching: genuine piety stems from the heart and is demonstrated through acts of selfless love and mercy, which then sanctify one's entire being and possessions.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within Jesus' sharp critique of the Pharisees and experts in the law, initiated when a Pharisee invited Him to eat but was surprised Jesus did not first wash His hands according to ritual custom ([Luke 11:37-38](/luke/11-37-38 "Luke 11:37-38 - Jesus and the Pharisee's Dinner")). Jesus immediately launches into a scathing rebuke, exposing their hypocrisy. He condemns them for meticulously cleaning the outside of cups and dishes while their inner lives are filled with greed and wickedness ([Luke 11:39-40](/luke/11-39-40 "Luke 11:39-40 - Jesus Rebukes the Pharisees' Hypocrisy")). They prioritize outward appearance and ceremonial purity over the spiritual condition of their hearts. [Luke 11:41](/luke/11-41 "Luke 11:41 - The Command to Give Alms") serves as Jesus' direct, prescriptive antidote to this hypocrisy, offering a radical alternative path to true purity. It marks a pivotal shift from denunciation to instruction, setting the stage for further woes pronounced upon the Pharisees and scribes in the subsequent verses ([Luke 11:42-52](/luke/11-42-52 "Luke 11:42-52 - Woes to the Pharisees and Experts in the Law")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Jewish society, particularly among the Pharisees, placed immense importance on ritual purity laws derived from the Mosaic Law and elaborated upon by oral tradition. These laws governed everything from food preparation to social interactions and personal hygiene, aiming to distinguish the holy from the profane. The act of ceremonial handwashing before meals, though not explicitly commanded in the Torah, was a widely observed tradition among devout Jews, especially the Pharisees, as a mark of their piety and separation. Almsgiving (charity) was also a highly valued practice in Judaism, considered a righteous act. However, Jesus challenges the prevailing understanding of purity, suggesting that the Pharisees' external observances, while perhaps religiously correct, were spiritually bankrupt because they masked internal corruption. His teaching here resonates with Old Testament prophetic calls for justice and mercy over mere ritual ([Isaiah 1:10-17](/isaiah/1-10-17 "Isaiah 1:10-17 - True Worship and Justice"), [Hosea 6:6](/hosea/6-6 "Hosea 6:6 - God Desires Steadfast Love, Not Sacrifice")).

* **Key Themes:** [Luke 11:41](/luke/11-41 "Luke 11:41 - The Command to Give Alms") contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel and Jesus' broader teaching. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **inner purity versus outward religiosity**. Jesus consistently prioritizes the condition of the heart over external performances, as seen in His teachings on what truly defiles a person ([Mark 7:15](/mark/7-15 "Mark 7:15 - What Defiles a Person") and [Matthew 15:11](/matthew/15-11 "Matthew 15:11 - Inner Defilement")). Secondly, the verse highlights the **importance of generosity and compassion**. Almsgiving is presented not merely as a good deed but as a transformative act that reflects a heart aligned with God's justice and mercy, contrasting sharply with the Pharisees' greed ([Luke 11:39](/luke/11-39 "Luke 11:39 - The Pharisees' Inner Greed")). Finally, it speaks to the theme of **spiritual cleanliness and wholeness**. Jesus redefines "cleanliness" from a ceremonial state to a spiritual reality, where a generous and righteous heart makes one's entire life and possessions "clean" in God's sight, emphasizing that God looks at the heart, not merely the outward appearance ([1 Samuel 16:7](/1_samuel/16-7 "1 Samuel 16:7 - God Looks at the Heart")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **rather (Greek, _plḗn'_):** This particle introduces a strong contrast or exception. Here, it functions to emphatically pivot from Jesus' condemnation of the Pharisees' externalism to His radical alternative. It signals a "but on the contrary" or "nevertheless" shift, highlighting that what He is about to say is the true path, in stark opposition to their current practices. It underscores the urgency and absolute nature of His command.
* **alms (Greek, _eleēmosýnē'_):** Derived from the Greek word for "mercy" or "compassion" (ἔλεος), _eleēmosýnē_ signifies not merely a charitable donation but an act of beneficence prompted by genuine compassion and pity towards the poor or needy. It encapsulates the idea of merciful giving, emphasizing the heart's motivation behind the act rather than just the material transfer. This word choice directly counters the Pharisees' greed and self-centeredness, calling for an outflow of mercy.
* **clean (Greek, _katharós'_):** This term denotes purity, both literally (unmixed, free from dirt) and figuratively (morally pure, unblemished). In the context of Jewish ritual law, _katharós_ referred to ceremonial purity, making one fit for worship or interaction with holy things. Jesus redefines this concept, asserting that true _katharós_ is achieved not through external rituals but through internal transformation expressed in acts of mercy. The spiritual state of the giver, manifested through almsgiving, renders their possessions and indeed their entire being spiritually pure.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But rather give alms of such things as ye have;":** This clause presents Jesus' radical counter-command. Instead of focusing on outward washing and meticulous ritual purity, Jesus directs His listeners (and by extension, the Pharisees) to prioritize acts of mercy and generosity. The phrase "of such things as ye have" (literally, "the things within") is critical. It implies giving from one's inner store, from what one possesses, directly contrasting the Pharisees' concern for the "outside" of the cup. It is a call to a practical, tangible expression of inner transformation—to use one's resources, however meager, for the benefit of others, driven by compassion.
* **"and, behold, all things are clean unto you.":** This is the profound consequence and promise of the preceding command. The emphatic "behold" (idoú) draws attention to this astonishing result. When one gives alms from a heart of true compassion, Jesus declares that "all things"—not just the possessions given, but everything associated with the giver, their entire life and material world—become spiritually "clean." This redefines purity: it's not external adherence to rules that cleanses, but internal righteousness expressed through selfless giving. The spiritual state of the individual, purified by genuine charity, sanctifies their interaction with the material world, rendering it acceptable and undefiled in God's eyes.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Contrast** is central, setting up a direct opposition between the Pharisees' superficial external cleanliness and Jesus' call for internal purity expressed through almsgiving. This creates a stark theological and practical dichotomy. There is also an element of **Paradox** or **Irony**: the very things the Pharisees meticulously cleanse externally are declared "clean" by Jesus through an act of relinquishment (giving alms), suggesting that true purity comes not from accumulation or ritual separation, but from generous distribution. Finally, the phrase "and, **behold**, all things are clean unto you" utilizes an **Exclamation** or **Interjection** ("behold") to draw immediate attention to the surprising and counter-intuitive outcome of Jesus' command, emphasizing its significance and the radical nature of His redefinition of purity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 11:41 profoundly reorients the understanding of purity from a ceremonial, external observance to an internal, ethical reality. Jesus challenges the notion that outward rituals can cleanse a heart filled with greed and wickedness, asserting instead that true cleanliness stems from a transformed inner life that expresses itself in tangible acts of compassion and generosity. This teaching aligns with the prophetic tradition of the Old Testament, which consistently emphasized justice, mercy, and righteousness over mere ritual sacrifice. By declaring that "all things are clean" through almsgiving, Jesus elevates the spiritual principle of love and charity above legalistic adherence, implying that a heart genuinely devoted to God's ways—manifested in care for the poor—sanctifies one's entire existence and possessions. This spiritual cleanliness is not about avoiding defilement by contact with the world, but about transforming one's relationship with the world through selfless giving.

* [Mark 7:15](/mark/7-15 "Mark 7:15 - What Defiles a Person"): "There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him: but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man."
* [Matthew 6:3-4](/matthew/6-3-4 "Matthew 6:3-4 - Giving in Secret"): "But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly."
* [1 Samuel 16:7](/1_samuel/16-7 "1 Samuel 16:7 - God Looks at the Heart"): "But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 11:41 serves as a powerful and enduring challenge to believers across all generations. It compels us to look beyond superficial religiosity and examine the true condition of our hearts. Are we more concerned with appearing righteous to others, meticulously adhering to external forms of piety, or are we genuinely transformed from within, allowing God's love and compassion to flow through us into tangible acts of generosity? This verse reminds us that true spiritual health is not measured by our church attendance, our theological knowledge, or our outward moral conduct alone, but by the depth of our love for God and neighbor, particularly as expressed in our willingness to share our resources with those in need. Generosity, especially towards the poor and marginalized, becomes a purifying act, cleansing not only our possessions from the grip of materialism but also our hearts from greed and self-centeredness. It is a profound declaration that when our inner being is aligned with God's compassionate nature, our entire lives, including our material possessions, become consecrated and "clean" in His sight. This challenges us to consider our stewardship: are our resources avenues for God's mercy, or do they merely serve our own desires?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I prioritize outward appearance or ritual over genuine inner transformation and compassion?**
* **How does my current practice of giving reflect the state of my heart? Am I giving out of a sense of duty, or from a deep well of compassion and generosity?**
* **What "things as I have" (my time, talents, resources) can I intentionally offer as "alms" to demonstrate a truly clean heart before God?**
* **How does the concept of "all things are clean unto you" through generosity challenge my understanding of purity and holiness?**

### FAQ

**Does "all things are clean unto you" mean I can do anything I want if I give alms?**

Answer: No, this verse does not grant license for immoral behavior. Jesus' statement is a direct counter-argument to the Pharisees' hypocrisy. They believed that external rituals and meticulous cleaning made them pure, even while their hearts were full of greed and wickedness ([Luke 11:39](/luke/11-39 "Luke 11:39 - The Pharisees' Inner Greed")). Jesus is saying that true purity comes from a transformed heart, demonstrated by genuine acts of charity. When your heart is right and you are generous, then your possessions and your interaction with the material world are "clean" in a spiritual sense, meaning they are not a source of defilement. It's about the sanctification of one's life and possessions through a righteous, compassionate inner state, not a permission slip for sin. The context emphasizes that the *inner* state dictates the *outer* purity.

**What kind of "alms" is Jesus referring to? Is it just money?**

Answer: While "alms" often refers to financial contributions to the poor, the Greek word _eleēmosýnē_ (G1654) carries a broader meaning of "compassionateness" or "beneficence." It implies acts of mercy and charity that flow from a compassionate heart. Therefore, while monetary giving is certainly included and often implied, it can also encompass giving of one's time, skills, resources, or even simply extending mercy and kindness to those in need. The emphasis is on the compassionate motivation and the tangible expression of that compassion, using "such things as ye have" ([Luke 11:41](/luke/11-41 "Luke 11:41 - The Command to Give Alms")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 11:41 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Pharisees sought purity through their own efforts and external adherence to the Law, but Jesus reveals that true cleanliness comes from a radical, self-emptying generosity that mirrors God's own character. Jesus Himself is the ultimate "alms" given by God to a fallen world. In His incarnation, He "emptied himself, taking the form of a servant" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humility")), and on the cross, He gave His very life as a ransom for many ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). His sacrifice is the ultimate act of divine _eleēmosýnē_ (mercy/alms), cleansing us not through ritual washings but through His shed blood, making us truly "clean" before God ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Cleansing by Christ's Blood")). Furthermore, Christ's indwelling Spirit transforms our hearts, enabling us to move beyond superficial religiosity to genuine love and generosity, thereby fulfilling the spirit of the Law. Through Him, our lives and possessions, once tainted by sin and selfishness, can become instruments of God's grace and mercy, truly "clean unto us" as we participate in His mission of self-giving love. He is the one who empowers us to live out the very generosity He commands, making our inner and outer lives truly pure and acceptable to God ([Titus 2:14](/titus/2-14 "Titus 2:14 - Christ Redeemed Us")).

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 12:33

Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.

James 1:27

Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, [and] to keep himself unspotted from the world.

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 10:15

And the voice [spake] unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, [that] call not thou common.

Hebrews 13:16

But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

2 Corinthians 8:7

¶ Therefore, as ye abound in every [thing, in] faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and [in] all diligence, and [in] your love to us, [see] that ye abound in this grace also.

2 Corinthians 8:9

For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.