King James Version

What Does Luke 11:40 Mean?

Luke 11:40 in the King James Version says “Ye fools, did not he that made that which is without make that which is within also? — study this verse from Luke chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Ye fools, did not he that made that which is without make that which is within also?

Luke 11:40 · KJV


Context

38

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

39

And the Lord said unto him, Now do ye Pharisees make clean the outside of the cup and the platter; but your inward part is full of ravening and wickedness.

40

Ye fools, did not he that made that which is without make that which is within also?

41

But rather give alms of such things as ye have; and, behold, all things are clean unto you. of: or, as you are able

42

But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Ye fools, did not he that made that which is without make that which is within also? (ἄφρονες, οὐχ ὁ ποιήσας τὸ ἔξωθεν καὶ τὸ ἔσωθεν ἐποίησεν;)—Jesus calls them aphrōn (fools, senseless), the same word used of the rich man who prioritized wealth over soul (12:20). The rhetorical question asserts God's creative authority over both body and soul, external and internal. Their logic fails: the Creator who established purity laws cares infinitely more about heart purity than ceremonial cleanliness.

This verse demolishes the false dichotomy between physical and spiritual, external and internal. God isn't interested only in outward behavior—he created the inner person and demands heart holiness. The Pharisees' error was thinking God could be satisfied with external compliance while internal corruption festered.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient dualistic philosophy (Platonism, Gnosticism) separated physical and spiritual, considering matter inferior or evil. While Pharisees weren't Platonists, their obsession with external purity while tolerating internal vice revealed similar compartmentalization. Jesus affirms Jewish monotheistic integration: one Creator made both body and soul, demanding holistic holiness.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does recognizing God as Creator of both outward and inward demolish attempts to compartmentalize life?
  2. What does this passage teach about God's priorities—outward conformity or internal transformation?
  3. In what ways might you be a 'fool' by emphasizing external religious performance while neglecting heart holiness?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
ἄφρονες1 of 10

Ye fools

G878

properly, mindless, i.e., stupid, (by implication) ignorant, (specially) egotistic, (practically) rash, or (morally) unbelieving

οὐχ2 of 10

not

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

τὸ3 of 10

that which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἐποίησεν4 of 10

did

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

τὸ5 of 10

that which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἔξωθεν6 of 10

is without

G1855

external(-ly)

καὶ7 of 10

also

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τὸ8 of 10

that which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἔσωθεν9 of 10

is within

G2081

from inside; also used as equivalent to g2080 (inside)

ἐποίησεν10 of 10

did

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 11:40 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 11:40 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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