Luke 11:42
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 11:42
42 But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.
Chapter Context
Luke 11 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of sacrifice, creation, obedience. 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 provides essential context for understanding God's covenant relationship with His people. 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 11:42
42 But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.
Analysis
Woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone (ἀποδεκατοῦτε τὸ ἡδύοσμον καὶ τὸ πήγανον...καὶ παρέρχεσθε τὴν κρίσιν καὶ τὴν ἀγάπην τοῦ θεοῦ)—the first 'woe' (ouai) condemns misplaced priorities. Pharisees meticulously tithed garden herbs (mint, rue, cumin) not required by Torah while parerchomai (bypassing) justice (krisis) and love of God (agapē tou theou). These ought ye to have done—Jesus doesn't abolish tithing but establishes priorities: justice and love are 'weightier matters' (Matthew 23:23).
Scrupulous religious performance without justice and compassion is worthless. This echoes Micah 6:8: 'do justly, love mercy, walk humbly with thy God.' The Pharisees' error wasn't diligence but distortion—majoring in minors while ignoring essentials.
Historical Context
Pharisaic tithe expansion extended Levitical requirements (Leviticus 27:30) to include every garden herb, creating burdensome regulations. This meticulous observance garnered public admiration but obscured Scripture's central commands: justice for the oppressed, mercy toward the poor, and love for God. Their religious system became performance art divorced from righteousness.
Reflection
- What religious minutiae consume your energy while you neglect weightier matters of justice, mercy, and love?
- How do you determine which biblical commands are central versus peripheral?
- In what ways might religious scrupulosity distract from costly obedience in relationships and social justice?
Word Studies
- Love: ἀγάπη (Agape) G26 - Divine love
Cross-References
- Resurrection: Matthew 23:27
- Judgment: Proverbs 21:3, Matthew 23:23
- References God: Malachi 3:8
- Love: Micah 6:8, 1 John 4:20
- Parallel theme: Luke 18:12, 1 Samuel 15:22