Devine Scripture

Luke 11:38

What does Luke 11:38 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 11:38 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 11:38 means

The Pharisee observes Jesus' actions and is surprised, even "marvelled," that Jesus did not perform the customary ritual washing before dinner. This was not a matter of hygiene but a strict religious tradition for ceremonial purity, particularly important for Pharisees. His marvel indicates a judgment of Jesus' perceived lack of adherence to their established customs.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And when the Pharisee saw it, he marvelled that he had not first bathed himself before dinner.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And when the Pharisee saw it, he marvelled that he had not first washed before dinner.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And when the Pharisee saw it, he marvelled that he had not first bathed himself before dinner.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And when the Pharisee saw it, he was surprised because he came to the meal without first washing himself.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and the Pharisee having seen, did wonder that he did not first baptize himself before the dinner.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And the Pharisee began to say, thinking within himself, why he was not washed before dinner.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But the Pharisee seeing [it] wondered that he had not first washed before dinner.

Context

This verse highlights the Pharisee's critical observation of Jesus' actions, immediately following Jesus' acceptance of the dinner invitation. It reveals the Pharisee's focus on external religious traditions. This observation by the Pharisee directly triggers Jesus' pointed critique of the Pharisees' hypocrisy in the verses that follow, using their ceremonial practices as a launching point for a deeper spiritual rebuke.

v.37Now as he spake, a Pharisee asketh him to dine with him: and he went in, and sat down to meat.

v.38This passage

v.39And the Lord said unto him, Now ye the Pharisees cleanse the outside of the cup and of the platter; but your inward part is full of extortion and wickedness.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • John 3:25

    There arose therefore a questioning on the part of John’s disciples with a Jew about purifying.

  • Matthew 15:2

    Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread.

  • Mark 7:2

    and had seen that some of his disciples ate their bread with defiled, that is, unwashen, hands.

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