Matthew 23:26

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Matthew 23:26, Jesus delivers a sharp rebuke to the "blind Pharisee," instructing them to first cleanse the "within" of the cup and platter so that the "outside" may also become clean. This powerful metaphor exposes the profound hypocrisy of the religious leaders, who meticulously maintained outward appearances of piety while neglecting the internal state of their hearts, which were filled with greed and self-indulgence. Jesus' command prioritizes true spiritual purity, emphasizing that genuine righteousness originates from a transformed inner being, which then naturally manifests in righteous external conduct.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Matthew 23, a chapter almost entirely dedicated to Jesus' severe condemnations of the Scribes and Pharisees. Known as the "Seven Woes," these pronouncements expose the religious leaders' hypocrisy, pride, and spiritual blindness. Verse 26 directly follows [Matthew 23:25](/matthew/23-25 "Matthew 23:25 - Woe to the Hypocrites"), where Jesus first introduces the metaphor of the cup and dish, noting that while their exteriors are clean, their interiors are "full of greed and self-indulgence." Verse 26 then provides the solution—a command to cleanse the inside first—underscoring the priority of internal transformation. This passage serves as a climactic summation of Jesus' ongoing conflict with the religious establishment, highlighting their failure to grasp the true essence of God's law and kingdom.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Pharisees were a prominent Jewish religious sect in the first century, known for their strict adherence to the Mosaic Law and oral traditions. They emphasized ritual purity, often meticulously observing dietary laws, ceremonial washings, and tithing. The imagery of "cups and platters" would have resonated strongly with their daily practices, as these items were central to meals and ritual purity, requiring careful cleansing. However, Jesus critiques their focus on external cleanliness (e.g., washing hands before meals, cleaning vessels) while neglecting the moral and spiritual defilement within their hearts. Their legalistic approach often led to a form of self-righteousness that obscured genuine humility, justice, and mercy, which Jesus frequently highlighted as the "weightier matters of the law" in [Matthew 23:23](/matthew/23-23 "Matthew 23:23 - The Weightier Matters of the Law").
* **Key Themes:** The central theme in [Matthew 23](/matthew/23 "Matthew 23 - Woes to the Pharisees") and specifically in this verse is the stark contrast between **Internal Purity vs. External Show**. Jesus consistently taught that true righteousness emanates from the heart, not from outward religious performance. The "cup and platter" metaphor vividly illustrates that what truly defiles a person originates from within, as further explained in [Mark 7:20-23](/mark/7-20-23 "Mark 7:20-23 - What Defiles a Person"). Another prominent theme is the condemnation of **Hypocrisy**, where Jesus exposes the Pharisees' pretense of piety that masked their inner corruption. Their meticulous observance of rituals was a facade, diverting attention from their neglect of justice, mercy, and faithfulness. Finally, Jesus' address, "Thou **blind Pharisee**," highlights the theme of **Spiritual Blindness**. Despite their extensive knowledge of the Law and their claims to spiritual insight, their self-righteousness and pride had rendered them incapable of perceiving spiritual truth, including their own sin and the true nature of God's requirements. This blindness is a recurring motif in Jesus' teachings, where those who claimed to see were spiritually blind, and those who acknowledged their blindness might receive sight, as seen in [John 9:39-41](/john/9-39-41 "John 9:39-41 - Jesus and Spiritual Blindness").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **blind (Greek, _typhlós'_):** From the root meaning "opaque (as if smoky)," this term signifies physical or, more profoundly in this context, mental or spiritual blindness. Jesus uses it to describe the Pharisees' inability to perceive spiritual truth, their self-righteousness having obscured their understanding of God's true demands for justice, mercy, and faithfulness, despite their extensive knowledge of the Law.
* **cleanse (Greek, _katharízō'_):** Derived from "clean" (_katharós_), this verb means "to cleanse (literally or figuratively), to purge, to purify." Here, it is an imperative, a direct command from Jesus, emphasizing the absolute necessity of internal purification. It points to a deep, transformative work that goes beyond mere ritualistic washing to address the moral and spiritual defilement of the heart.
* **within (Greek, _entós'_):** Meaning "inside," this adverb (or noun) is crucial to the metaphor. It directly contrasts with "outside" (_ektós_) and highlights the location where true defilement, and thus true cleansing, must occur. Jesus' emphasis on "within" underscores that the heart, motives, and inner character are the primary locus of genuine righteousness before God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou blind Pharisee,"**: Jesus begins with a direct, confrontational address. The epithet "blind" is not merely an insult but a profound theological indictment, highlighting their spiritual inability to perceive truth despite their religious authority and claims to insight. It underscores the irony of those who lead others yet are themselves lost in spiritual darkness.
* **"cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter,"**: This is the core command and the central metaphor. The "cup and platter" represent the individual's life, with the "within" symbolizing their inner being—their thoughts, motives, desires, and moral character. Jesus demands that the priority be placed on purifying this internal realm, which he previously identified as full of "extortion and excess" or "greed and self-indulgence" in the preceding verse. The word "first" (_prōton_) is critical, establishing the absolute precedence of internal transformation over external actions.
* **"that the outside of them may be clean also."**: This clause reveals the intended outcome and the proper order of righteousness. It is not that external actions or appearances are unimportant, but their true "cleanliness" and moral integrity are a natural and inevitable overflow of a genuinely purified heart. When the inside is cleansed by God's truth and Spirit, the outside—one's outward conduct, words, and deeds—will naturally align with that inner purity, producing authentic righteousness rather than mere performance.

#### Literary Devices
Jesus masterfully employs several **literary devices** in this concise verse. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, where the "cup and platter" serve as a vivid representation of a person's life and character. The "within" signifies the inner self (thoughts, motives, heart), while the "outside" represents outward conduct and religious observance. This metaphor effectively communicates that true purity must originate from the core of one's being. Furthermore, Jesus uses pointed **Irony** by addressing the Pharisee as "blind." The Pharisees prided themselves on their spiritual insight and ability to guide others, yet Jesus declares them spiritually sightless, unable to perceive the very truth they claimed to uphold. The verse also contains a powerful **Imperative Mood** ("cleanse first"), which functions as a direct, authoritative command, underscoring the urgency and non-negotiable nature of internal transformation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 23:26 powerfully articulates a foundational biblical truth: God's primary concern is the state of the human heart, not merely outward conformity to religious rules. This aligns with the prophetic tradition that often critiqued Israel's ritualism when divorced from justice and righteousness. Jesus' teaching here foreshadows the New Covenant emphasis on internal transformation, where God's law is written on the heart, and true worship is in spirit and truth. It challenges any form of superficial religiosity, asserting that genuine holiness flows from a purified inner life, impacting all external actions.

* [Mark 7:20-23](/mark/7-20-23 "Mark 7:20-23 - What Truly Defiles a Person")
* [Luke 11:39-41](/luke/11-39-41 "Luke 11:39-41 - Jesus Condemns the Pharisees' Hypocrisy")
* [1 Samuel 16:7](/1_samuel/16-7 "1 Samuel 16:7 - God Looks at the Heart")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse serves as a timeless and profound challenge to all who claim to follow God, urging us to look beyond superficial religious performance to the true condition of our hearts. It compels us to prioritize genuine internal transformation over mere outward conformity or the desire for human approval. We are called to allow the Spirit of God to expose and cleanse the hidden areas of our lives—our motives, desires, thoughts, and attitudes—for it is from this inner wellspring that our actions truly flow. This means cultivating a deep, authentic relationship with God that impacts our character at its core, rather than simply adhering to external practices or projecting an image of piety. True faith is integrated, where inner integrity and outer conduct are in harmonious alignment, reflecting the righteousness of Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be prioritizing outward appearance or religious performance over genuine heart transformation?**
* **What "inside of the cup" (hidden motives, thoughts, desires) might God be calling me to cleanse today?**
* **How does focusing on internal purity change my approach to external actions and service?**
* **Am I truly seeking to please God with my heart, or am I more concerned with what others think of my spiritual walk?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the "cup and platter" metaphor?**

Answer: The "cup and platter" metaphor is a powerful symbol of a person's entire life, encompassing both their inner being and their outward conduct. The "within" of the cup and platter represents the unseen, internal aspects of a person—their thoughts, motives, desires, and the true condition of their heart. The "outside" represents their visible actions, religious practices, and public persona. Jesus uses this common household imagery to illustrate that true purity and righteousness originate from the inside. Just as a clean cup must be clean on the inside to be truly fit for use, so a person must be pure in heart for their external actions to be genuinely righteous and pleasing to God. The metaphor condemns the hypocrisy of those who meticulously clean the "outside" (outward religious observance) while neglecting the "inside" (inner corruption), emphasizing that God looks at the heart, as stated in [1 Samuel 16:7](/1_samuel/16-7 "1 Samuel 16:7 - God Looks at the Heart").

**Why does Jesus call them "blind"?**

Answer: Jesus calls the Pharisee "blind" not in a literal, physical sense, but in a profound spiritual and intellectual sense. Despite their extensive knowledge of the Law and their position as religious teachers, they were unable to perceive spiritual truth, particularly concerning God's true nature and the requirements of His kingdom. Their self-righteousness, pride, and legalistic interpretations had obscured their vision, preventing them from recognizing their own sin, the true meaning of the Scriptures, and even the Messiah standing before them. This "blindness" is a recurring theme in Jesus' teachings (e.g., [John 9:39-41](/john/9-39-41 "John 9:39-41 - Jesus and Spiritual Blindness")), highlighting the irony that those who claimed to see were spiritually lost, while many who acknowledged their spiritual need found sight in Him.

**Does this verse mean that external actions don't matter?**

Answer: No, this verse does not imply that external actions don't matter. Rather, it establishes the correct priority and relationship between internal purity and external conduct. Jesus' command to "cleanse first that which is within" indicates that genuine righteousness must originate from a transformed heart. The phrase "that the outside of them may be clean also" clearly shows that the goal is for both the inside and the outside to be clean. When the heart is purified by God's grace, it naturally leads to righteous actions and a life that honors Him in all aspects. External actions, when they flow from a clean heart, become authentic expressions of faith and love, rather than mere performances or attempts to gain human approval. The verse warns against the danger of focusing solely on outward appearances while neglecting the crucial inner work of sanctification.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 23:26, with its piercing call for internal purity, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Pharisees sought to cleanse themselves through meticulous adherence to the Law, but Jesus reveals the impossibility of true inner cleansing apart from divine intervention. He is the only one who perfectly fulfilled the Law, not just externally, but from a perfectly pure heart, demonstrating what true righteousness looks like. Furthermore, Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross provides the means for the radical inner cleansing that the Law could not achieve. His blood purifies our consciences from dead works to serve the living God, as declared in [Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Cleansing by Christ's Blood"). Through faith in Him, believers are not merely given a new set of rules, but a new heart and a new spirit, as promised in [Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-26-27 "Ezekiel 36:26-27 - A New Heart and Spirit"). The Holy Spirit, sent by Christ, indwells believers, enabling the ongoing process of sanctification where the "inside of the cup" is progressively cleansed, leading to a life that genuinely reflects Christ's righteousness on the "outside." Thus, what was an impossible command under the old covenant becomes a Spirit-empowered reality for those united to Christ, who is our righteousness and sanctification, as articulated in [1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Our Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification, and Redemption").

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

2 Corinthians 7:1

¶ 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]?