Luke 11:41
What does Luke 11:41 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 11:41 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 11:41 means
Jesus offers a path to true cleansing, instructing them to "give for alms those things which are within." This spiritual command means that if their inner lives (represented by the contents of the cup and platter, acquired through extortion and wickedness) are generously given to the poor out of a transformed heart, then "all things are clean unto you." This emphasizes that true purity comes from internal charity and righteousness, not external rituals.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000But give for alms those things which are within; and behold, all things are clean unto you.
KJV
King James Version · 1611But rather give alms of such things as ye have; and, behold, all things are clean unto you.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901But give for alms those things which are within; and behold, all things are clean unto you.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But if you give to the poor such things as you are able, then all things are clean to you.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862But what ye have give ye <FI>as<Fi> alms, and, lo, all things are clean to you.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But yet that which remaineth, give alms: and behold, all things are clean unto you.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But rather give alms of what ye have, and behold, all things are clean to you.
Context
This verse offers a crucial directive for genuine purity, flowing from Jesus' previous critique of the Pharisees' external focus and rhetorical question about internal creation. It provides a way for them to achieve true cleanliness through inner generosity and righteous acts. This stands in stark contrast to their current practices and sets the stage for Jesus' subsequent woes, highlighting where they consistently fail.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Matthew 25:34
Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
- Romans 14:14
I know, and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean of itself: save that to him who accounteth anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean.
- Matthew 26:11
For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always.
- Ephesians 4:28
Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing that is good, that he may have whereof to give to him that hath need.
- Acts 24:17
Now after some years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings:
- Proverbs 14:31
He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker; But he that hath mercy on the needy honoreth him.
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