King James Version

What Does Luke 11:41 Mean?

Luke 11:41 in the King James Version says “But rather give alms of such things as ye have; and, behold, all things are clean unto you. of: or, as you are able — study this verse from Luke chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Luke 11:41 · KJV


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

KJV Study Commentary
But rather give alms of such things as ye have; and, behold, all things are clean unto you (πλὴν τὰ ἐνόντα δότε ἐλεημοσύνην, καὶ ἰδοὺ πάντα καθαρὰ ὑμῖν ἐστιν)—Jesus prescribes the remedy: eleēmosunē (alms, charitable giving) from 'that which is within' (ta enonta). True purity flows from a transformed heart expressing itself in compassion, not ritual compliance. All things are clean unto you—comprehensive cleanness comes through inner generosity, not outer ceremony.

This radically reorients purity: it's relational (toward the poor) not ceremonial (ritual washing). The Pharisees hoarded wealth while obsessing over vessel-cleaning; Jesus commands generosity as evidence of heart transformation. Internal purity transforms how one engages all of life, including material possessions.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Almsgiving was central to Jewish piety (alongside prayer and fasting), but Pharisees often publicized their charity for honor (Matthew 6:2). Jesus calls for sincere generosity flowing from inner transformation. The Talmud later taught 'charity equals all the commandments,' reflecting Judaism's recognition of compassion's centrality—yet many religious leaders gave minimally while extracting maximum tithes from the poor.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does your use of money reveal your heart's true priorities?
  2. Why might generous compassion toward the poor accomplish what ritual purity practices cannot?
  3. What 'internal cleanness' are you neglecting while maintaining external religious performance?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 11 words
πλὴν1 of 11

But rather

G4133

moreover (besides), i.e., albeit, save that, rather, yet

τὰ2 of 11
G3588

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

ἐνόντα3 of 11

of such things as ye have

G1751

to be within (neuter participle plural)

δότε4 of 11

give

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

ἐλεημοσύνην5 of 11

alms

G1654

compassionateness, i.e., (as exercised towards the poor) beneficence, or (concretely) a benefaction

καὶ6 of 11

and

G2532

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

ἰδού,7 of 11

behold

G2400

used as imperative lo!

πάντα8 of 11

all things

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

καθαρὰ9 of 11

clean

G2513

clean (literally or figuratively)

ὑμῖν10 of 11

unto you

G5213

to (with or by) you

ἐστιν11 of 11

are

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are


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 11:41 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 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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