Devine Scripture

Luke 16:15

What does Luke 16:15 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 16:15 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 16:15 means

Jesus confronts the Pharisees directly, exposing their self-justification before men while pointing out that God, who sees the heart, knows their true condition. He declares that what is highly valued and esteemed among human beings—such as their outward displays of piety and their accumulation of wealth—is often an abomination in God's sight. This highlights the stark contrast between human and divine perspectives, condemning their hypocrisy and misplaced priorities.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And he said unto them, Ye are they that justify yourselves in the sight of men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And he said unto them, Ye are they that justify yourselves in the sight of men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And he said, You take care to seem right in the eyes of men, but God sees your hearts: and those things which are important in the opinion of men, are evil in the eyes of God.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and he said to them, `Ye are those declaring yourselves righteous before men, but God doth know your hearts; because that which among men is high, <FI>is<Fi> abomination before God;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And he said to them: you are they who justify yourselves before men, but God knoweth your hearts. For that which is high to men is an abomination before God.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And he said to them, Ye are they who justify themselves before men, butGod knows your hearts; for what amongst men is highly thought of is an abomination beforeGod.

Context

Responding to the Pharisees' scoffing in verse 14, Jesus directly challenges their attempts at self-justification. This verse directly addresses their insincere piety and their love of money, exposing the hypocrisy of judging by outward appearance rather than by the heart. This powerful rebuke sets the stage for Jesus to further contrast their understanding of the Law with the coming of the Kingdom of God in verses 16-18.

v.14And the Pharisees, who were lovers of money, heard all these things; and they scoffed at him.

v.15This passage

v.16The law and the prophets were until John: from that time the gospel of the kingdom of God is preached, and every man entereth violently into it.

Cross references

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

  • Matthew 23:5

    But all their works they do to be seen of men: for they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,

  • Luke 20:47

    who devour widows’ houses, and for a pretence make long prayers: these shall receive greater condemnation.

  • James 2:21

    Was not Abraham our father justified by works, in that he offered up Isaac his son upon the altar?

  • Isaiah 1:10

    Hear the word of Jehovah, ye rulers of Sodom; give ear unto the law of our God, ye people of Gomorrah.

  • 1 Samuel 16:7

    But Jehovah said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have rejected him: for Jehovah seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but Jehovah looketh on the heart.

  • Psalms 49:18

    Though while he lived he blessed his soul (And men praise thee, when thou doest well to thyself),

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