Matthew 23:26

[Thou] blind Pharisee, cleanse first that [which is] within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also.

Thou blind {G5185} Pharisee {G5330}, cleanse {G2511} first {G4412} that which is within {G1787} the cup {G4221} and {G2532} platter {G3953}, that {G2443} the outside {G1622} of them {G846} may be {G1096} clean {G2513} also {G2532}.

Blind Parush! First clean the inside of the cup, so that the outside may be clean too.

Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, so that the outside may become clean as well.

Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first the inside of the cup and of the platter, that the outside thereof may become clean also.

Commentary

Context

Matthew 23 records one of Jesus' most scathing public rebukes directed at the Jewish religious leaders of His day: the Scribes and Pharisees. This chapter is a series of "woes," condemning their hypocrisy, pride, and spiritual blindness. Verse 26, "Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also," directly follows a similar condemnation in Matthew 23:25, where Jesus likens them to cups and dishes that are clean on the outside but full of "extortion and excess" within. This particular verse emphasizes the priority of internal spiritual purity over mere outward religious observance.

Key Themes

  • Internal Purity vs. External Show: The central message is that true righteousness and cleanliness before God begin in the heart and mind, not with outward appearances or ritualistic compliance. The "cup and platter" metaphor vividly illustrates that what is truly defiling originates from within (Mark 7:20-23).
  • Hypocrisy Condemned: Jesus exposes the fundamental hypocrisy of the Pharisees, who meticulously observed religious laws and traditions outwardly while neglecting justice, mercy, and faithfulness (Matthew 23:23). Their focus on external validation led them away from genuine transformation.
  • Spiritual Blindness: Jesus' address, "Thou blind Pharisee," underscores their inability to perceive spiritual truth despite their extensive knowledge of the Law. Their self-righteousness had blinded them to their own sin and God's true requirements.

Linguistic Insights

The term "blind Pharisee" highlights a recurring theme in Jesus' teachings, where those who claimed to see were spiritually blind, and those who acknowledged their blindness might receive sight (John 9:39-41). The imperative "cleanse first" (Greek: katharisai prōton) emphasizes the absolute priority of internal purification. It's not that the outside doesn't matter, but that its cleanliness is a natural outflow and consequence of a truly clean inside.

Practical Application

This verse remains profoundly relevant today, serving as a powerful warning against superficial faith and religious performance. It challenges believers to:

  • Prioritize Heart Transformation: We are called to seek genuine change from within, allowing God's Spirit to cleanse our motives, thoughts, and desires, rather than merely conforming to external religious practices or social expectations.
  • Examine Our Motives: This verse prompts self-reflection: Are our actions driven by a desire to please God and serve others, or by a need for human approval and outward show? God looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7).
  • Beware of Hypocrisy: The danger of hypocrisy is not limited to ancient Pharisees. It is a constant temptation to project an image of piety while harboring unconfessed sin or unrighteous attitudes. True faith is integrated, where inner character aligns with outer conduct.

Ultimately, Matthew 23:26 reminds us that true cleanliness and righteousness in God's eyes stem from a purified heart, which then naturally leads to a life that honors Him in all aspects.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Corinthians 7:1

    ΒΆ Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

  • James 4:8

    Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse [your] hands, [ye] sinners; and purify [your] hearts, [ye] double minded.

  • Hebrews 10:22

    Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

  • Isaiah 55:7

    Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

  • Ezekiel 18:31

    Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel?

  • Matthew 12:33

    Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by [his] fruit.

  • Jeremiah 13:27

    I have seen thine adulteries, and thy neighings, the lewdness of thy whoredom, [and] thine abominations on the hills in the fields. Woe unto thee, O Jerusalem! wilt thou not be made clean? when [shall it] once [be]?
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