Luke 11:40
What does Luke 11:40 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 11:40 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 11:40 means
Jesus questions the Pharisees' logic regarding purity. He challenges them by asking if the Creator, who made the "outside" of things, did not also create the "inside." This rhetorical question implies that God, the ultimate maker, cares about both the external and internal. Therefore, focusing solely on outward cleanliness while neglecting the heart's condition is foolish and a misunderstanding of true purity, which originates from within.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Ye foolish ones, did not he that made the outside make the inside also?
KJV
King James Version · 1611Ye fools, did not he that made that which is without make that which is within also?
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Ye foolish ones, did not he that made the outside make the inside also?
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949O you foolish ones! did not he who made the outside in the same way make the inside?
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862unthinking! did not He who made the outside also the inside make?
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Ye fools, did not he that made that which is without make also that which is within?
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Fools, has not he who has made the outside made the inside also?
Context
This verse provides a logical follow-up to Jesus' initial rebuke of the Pharisees' external focus. It reinforces the idea that an internal transformation is necessary, building on the previous verse's criticism of their inward corruption. This rhetorical question paves the way for Jesus' call to inward generosity and true cleansing, contrasting with their superficial practices.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 75:4
I said unto the arrogant, Deal not arrogantly; And to the wicked, Lift not up the horn:
- Matthew 23:17
Ye fools and blind: for which is greater, the gold, or the temple that hath sanctified the gold?
- Genesis 2:7
And Jehovah God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.
- 1 Corinthians 15:36
Thou foolish one, that which thou thyself sowest is not quickened except it die:
- Psalms 94:8
Consider, ye brutish among the people; And ye fools, when will ye be wise?
- Hebrews 12:9
Furthermore, we had the fathers of our flesh to chasten us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?
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