Luke 16:15
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 16:15
15 And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.
Chapter Context
Luke 16 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of prayer, discipleship, covenant. 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 21-31: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. 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 16:15
15 And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.
Analysis
And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God. Jesus exposes the Pharisees' fatal error: self-justification. The phrase 'justify yourselves' (δικαιοῦντες ἑαυτούς, dikaiountes heautous) means they declared themselves righteous based on external conformity to law and human standards. They performed righteousness 'before men' (ἐνώπιον τῶν ἀνθρώπων, enōpion tōn anthrōpōn) to gain human approval and admiration.
But Jesus pronounces devastating truth: 'God knoweth your hearts' (ὁ θεὸς γινώσκει τὰς καρδίας ὑμῶν, ho theos ginōskei tas kardias hymōn). The verb ginōskei (γινώσκει) indicates thorough, experiential knowledge—God sees past external appearance to internal reality. Human estimation means nothing; divine knowledge exposes everything. The climax is shocking: 'that which is highly esteemed among men' (τὸ ἐν ἀνθρώποις ὑψηλόν, to en anthrōpois hypsēlon)—what culture exalts, like wealth, status, and religious performance—'is abomination in the sight of God' (βδέλυγμα ἐνώπιον τοῦ θεοῦ, bdelygma enōpion tou theou). The term bdelygma (βδέλυγμα) means something detestable, disgusting, worthy of God's revulsion.
This reversal of values demolishes human pride. What impresses people—wealth, religious credentials, social status—disgusts God when pursued for self-glory. God values the humble heart, contrite spirit, and genuine faith (Isaiah 57:15, 66:2). Self-justification is the essence of false religion; justification by grace through faith alone is the gospel.
Historical Context
The Pharisees epitomized self-justification. They fasted, tithed meticulously, prayed publicly, and maintained ritual purity (Luke 18:11-12). These practices earned widespread respect—Pharisees were honored as the most righteous people in society. Yet Jesus consistently condemned them as hypocrites (Matthew 23), whitewashed tombs beautiful outside but full of death inside (Matthew 23:27).
The Greek word for 'abomination' (bdelygma) appears in the Septuagint for idolatry and sexual immorality—the grossest sins in Jewish theology. Jesus uses this extreme term for self-righteous religion that seeks human approval while harboring covetousness, pride, and hardness toward the poor. This teaching challenges every form of performance-based religion that trusts external conformity rather than internal transformation. Paul later developed this theology extensively in Romans and Galatians, insisting justification comes by faith, not works.
Reflection
- How do Christians today 'justify themselves before men' through religious performance while God sees covetous or proud hearts?
- What things highly esteemed in modern culture might be abomination to God—wealth, success, fame, power, physical beauty?
- How does God's knowledge of your heart (not just external behavior) either comfort or challenge you?
Word Studies
- Justify: δικαιόω (Dikaioo) G1344 - To justify, declare righteous
Cross-References
- References God: 1 Chronicles 29:17, Acts 15:8, 1 Corinthians 4:5, 1 Peter 3:4
- Righteousness: Luke 10:29
- Parallel theme: Luke 11:39, 1 Samuel 16:7, Proverbs 16:5, 21:2, Jeremiah 17:10