Luke 11:40
Ye fools, did not he that made that which is without make that which is within also?
Original Language Analysis
ἄφρονες
Ye fools
G878
ἄφρονες
Ye fools
Strong's:
G878
Word #:
1 of 10
properly, mindless, i.e., stupid, (by implication) ignorant, (specially) egotistic, (practically) rash, or (morally) unbelieving
τὸ
that which
G3588
τὸ
that which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐποίησεν
did
G4160
ἐποίησεν
did
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
4 of 10
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
τὸ
that which
G3588
τὸ
that which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 10
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὸ
that which
G3588
τὸ
that which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Luke 12:20But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?1 Corinthians 15:36Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die:Matthew 23:26Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also.
Historical Context
Ancient dualistic philosophy (Platonism, Gnosticism) separated physical and spiritual, considering matter inferior or evil. While Pharisees weren't Platonists, their obsession with external purity while tolerating internal vice revealed similar compartmentalization. Jesus affirms Jewish monotheistic integration: one Creator made both body and soul, demanding holistic holiness.
Questions for Reflection
- How does recognizing God as Creator of both outward and inward demolish attempts to compartmentalize life?
- What does this passage teach about God's priorities—outward conformity or internal transformation?
- In what ways might you be a 'fool' by emphasizing external religious performance while neglecting heart holiness?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Ye fools, did not he that made that which is without make that which is within also? (ἄφρονες, οὐχ ὁ ποιήσας τὸ ἔξωθεν καὶ τὸ ἔσωθεν ἐποίησεν;)—Jesus calls them aphrōn (fools, senseless), the same word used of the rich man who prioritized wealth over soul (12:20). The rhetorical question asserts God's creative authority over both body and soul, external and internal. Their logic fails: the Creator who established purity laws cares infinitely more about heart purity than ceremonial cleanliness.
This verse demolishes the false dichotomy between physical and spiritual, external and internal. God isn't interested only in outward behavior—he created the inner person and demands heart holiness. The Pharisees' error was thinking God could be satisfied with external compliance while internal corruption festered.