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.
Original Language Analysis
Φαρισαῖε
Pharisee
G5330
Φαρισαῖε
Pharisee
Strong's:
G5330
Word #:
1 of 18
a separatist, i.e., exclusively religious; a pharisean, i.e., jewish sectary
τυφλέ
Thou blind
G5185
τυφλέ
Thou blind
Strong's:
G5185
Word #:
2 of 18
opaque (as if smoky), i.e., (by analogy) blind (physically or mentally)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ποτηρίου
the cup
G4221
ποτηρίου
the cup
Strong's:
G4221
Word #:
8 of 18
a drinking-vessel; by extension, the contents thereof, i.e., a cupful (draught); figuratively, a lot or fate
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γένηται
may be
G1096
γένηται
may be
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
13 of 18
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐκτὸς
the outside
G1622
ἐκτὸς
the outside
Strong's:
G1622
Word #:
16 of 18
the exterior; figuratively (as a preposition) aside from, besides
Cross References
2 Corinthians 7:1Having 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 4:8Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.Hebrews 10:22Let 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 55:7Let 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.Matthew 12:33Either 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.Ezekiel 18:31Cast 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?Jeremiah 13:27I 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?Jeremiah 4:14O Jerusalem, wash thine heart from wickedness, that thou mayest be saved. How long shall thy vain thoughts lodge within thee?Luke 6:45A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.
Historical Context
Pharisaic purity laws (detailed in Mishnah Kelim) meticulously addressed ritual cleansing of vessels. They would immerse cups in mikveh (ritual baths) while ignoring that the wealth filling those cups came from extortion—foreclosing on widows' homes (23:14), demanding excessive Temple taxes, corrupt business practices. Jesus condemned this divorce between ritual purity and ethical righteousness throughout His ministry.
Questions for Reflection
- What "outside of the cup" religious behaviors do you maintain while tolerating inner greed, lust, or pride?
- How does the gospel's "inside-out" transformation differ from moralistic religion's "outside-in" behavior modification?
- What practices of self-indulgence or extortion might you be rationalizing while maintaining external religious respectability?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Cleanse first that which is within the cup (καθάρισον πρῶτον τὸ ἐντὸς τοῦ ποτηρίου)—Jesus shifts from metaphor (v. 25) to direct command. The word "first" (πρῶτον) establishes priority: internal transformation precedes external conformity. Katharison (cleanse) implies removing defilement, requiring repentance from harpagē (robbery, extortion) and akrasia (self-indulgence, lack of self-control) mentioned in verse 25.
That the outside of them may be clean also—genuine inward purity naturally produces outward righteousness. Jesus reverses Pharisaic methodology: they cleaned the outside hoping it would sanctify the inside. This echoes Ezekiel 36:25-27—God cleanses the heart, then empowers obedience. The gospel works from heart to behavior, never behavior to heart.