King James Version
What Does Luke 11:41 Mean?
“But rather give alms of such things as ye have; and, behold, all things are clean unto you. of: or, as you are able”
Context
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.
43
Woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye love the uppermost seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(41) **But rather give alms of such things as ye have.**—This, too, is peculiar to St. Luke. In the underlying principle of its teaching it sweeps away the whole fabric of the law of ceremonial purity, as the words of St. Matthew 15:10-20 had, on different grounds, done before. The distinction between the two phases of the truth is that here greater stress is laid on the active purifying power of the love of which alms, if not given for the sake of man’s praise, is the natural expression. That which defiles is selfishness; that which purifies is the unselfishness of love.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 11:41 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 11:41
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge