What does Luke 11:39 mean?

Explanation

Luke 11:39 is a verse where Jesus criticizes the Pharisees for their hypocritical religious practices.

The Pharisees were a sect known for their strict observance of the law and tradition, and in this verse, Jesus condemns them for their preoccupation with outward purity and cleanliness while neglecting the inner moral and spiritual condition.

The metaphor of cleaning the outside of the cup and platter represents the external rituals and appearances of piety, whereas the "inward part" filled with "ravening and wickedness" implies that their hearts and intentions are corrupt.

Jesus is emphasizing that genuine purity and righteousness should stem from within and that external conformity to religious practices is insufficient without inner transformation.

Historical Context

During the time of Jesus, the Pharisees were a prominent Jewish sect that emphasized strict adherence to the Torah and the traditions of the elders. They were respected in society for their religious devotion.

However, their focus on the letter of the law rather than its spirit often led to legalism and hypocrisy.

The context of this verse is a meal that Jesus shares with a Pharisee who is surprised that Jesus does not perform the ceremonial washing before dining.

Jesus uses this occasion to challenge the Pharisees' understanding of purity and to convey to them that God's concerns go beyond the surface level.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse touches on the concept of genuine righteousness.

From a Christian standpoint, it indicates that God values sincerity and integrity of heart over the observance of religious rituals.

This verse also aligns with the New Testament theme of the New Covenant, where inward transformation through faith in Christ supersedes the Old Covenant, which focused on adherence to the law.

Furthermore, Jesus' teachings align with the prophetic tradition of the Old Testament, which emphasized social justice and true piety over sacrifices and offerings.

Practical Applications

The practical application of Luke 11:39 speaks to the importance of self-examination and fostering inner morality.

It suggests that individuals should strive for authenticity in their spiritual life and not be satisfied with merely appearing religious to others.

It encourages believers to focus on developing virtues such as compassion, mercy, and justice, and to ensure that their outer actions reflect their inner values.

It also warns against the dangers of hypocrisy and judgmental attitudes that can arise from an overemphasis on religious rituals or appearances.

Cross-References

• Matthew 23:25-26: "Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess."
• Isaiah 29:13: "Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men:"
• Jeremiah 17:9-10: "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? I the Lord search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, two key words are worth analyzing:

• "καθαρίζετε" (katharizete) - This verb is translated as "make clean" and is in the present tense, indicative mood, second-person plural.

It comes from the root "καθαρός" (katharos), which means clean or pure and often refers to ritual or moral purity in biblical contexts.

• "ἅρπαγες" (harpages) - Translated as "ravening", it refers to extortion, rapacity, or violent seizure.

This word denotes a strong moral failure, indicating insatiable greed or predatory behavior.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In other ancient religions and cultures, the emphasis on external purity was common.

Practices like ritual washings and sacrifices were often performed to appease deities or to maintain personal or communal cleanliness.

Jesus' message contrasts with these views by prioritizing inward morality over outward ritual.

In some other religious traditions, such as Hinduism, there are similar concepts that distinguish between external ritual purity and internal spiritual purity.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientifically, the cleanliness of objects does not impact one's inner morality or intentions.

However, psychology explores how external behaviors and internal states of mind are connected. Studies in cognitive dissonance, for instance, have shown that there can be a tension between outward actions and inner beliefs, which can affect a person's mental health and behaviors.

While the scientific perspective might not directly address the verse's theological themes, it can offer insights into the human condition's psychological complexities.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians have their interpretations of Luke 11:39.

Many emphasize the theme of hypocrisy within religious practices, taking the view that Jesus is criticizing religious leaders for not practicing what they preach.

Others suggest that the verse shows Jesus' broader social critique, where he challenges the norms and customs that prioritize external observance over internal moral and spiritual health.

Commentators also note that, by using a common and relatable metaphor (cleaning a cup), Jesus effectively communicates that God's standards for purity and righteousness go beyond human traditions and are instead concerned with the heart.