Luke 11:39
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 11:39
39 And the Lord said unto him, Now do ye Pharisees make clean the outside of the cup and the platter; but your inward part is full of ravening and wickedness.
Chapter Context
Luke 11 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of hope, salvation, fellowship. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-85 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christians needed to understand their place in the Roman world.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-54: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it demonstrates God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Luke and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Luke 11:39
39 And the Lord said unto him, Now do ye Pharisees make clean the outside of the cup and the platter; but your inward part is full of ravening and wickedness.
Analysis
Now do ye Pharisees make clean the outside of the cup and the platter; but your inward part is full of ravening and wickedness (τὸ ἔξωθεν τοῦ ποτηρίου καὶ τοῦ πίνακος καθαρίζετε, τὸ δὲ ἔσωθεν ὑμῶν γέμει ἁρπαγῆς καὶ πονηρίας)—Jesus's response escalates from defending his practice to attacking theirs. The contrast between exōthen (outside) and esōthen (inside) structures his critique: external versus internal, appearance versus reality. Their scrupulous vessel-cleaning ritual (katharizō) masks internal corruption.
Full of ravening and wickedness (γέμει ἁρπαγῆς καὶ πονηρίας)—the verb gemō (full, loaded) intensifies the accusation. Harpagē (ravening, greed, extortion) and ponēria (wickedness, malice) describe the Pharisees' actual character beneath religious veneer. They rob widows (20:47), oppress the poor, use religion for financial gain—while obsessing over ritual purity.
Historical Context
Pharisaic purity laws prescribed washing eating vessels to remove ritual contamination from Gentile contact or improper use. Jesus exploits this metaphor: they cleanse ceremonial impurity from cups while their hearts overflow with greed and malice. The accusation of 'extortion' may reference their financial exploitation of common people through Temple taxes and burdensome religious requirements.
Reflection
- What external religious activities might you be using to mask internal corruption?
- How does Jesus's cup metaphor expose the futility of focusing on outward behavior while ignoring heart transformation?
- In what areas might you be 'cleansing the outside' through religious performance while tolerating inner wickedness?
Word Studies
- Lord: Κύριος (Kurios) G2962 - Lord, Master
Cross-References
- Evil: Genesis 6:5, Jeremiah 4:14, Matthew 15:19
- Parallel theme: Psalms 22:13, Proverbs 26:25, 30:12, Matthew 7:15, Acts 5:3, Titus 1:15