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HomeBible CommentaryLukeChapter 11Luke 11:39

Luke 11:39 meaning

In this passage, Jesus takes the opportunity to teach profound truths about spiritual cleanliness in response to criticism from a Pharisee regarding ritualistic practices. The Pharisees, known for their strict adherence to the law, were often more concerned about outward appearances than inward purity. By not washing before the meal, Jesus provoked the Pharisee’s surprise and gave Him a platform to address deeper issues of hypocrisy.

He pointedly critiques the Pharisees for their obsession with external cleanliness while neglecting the internal, which is far more significant to God. This sentiment reflects the broader biblical principle that God desires a heart aligned with His will rather than mere ritual compliance. As elaborated in Luke 11:39-40, Jesus emphasizes that true purity involves both the heart and actions, challenging the Pharisees' conventional wisdom and their focus on minor regulations while overlooking justice, mercy, and love.

The implication for contemporary believers is clear: outward expressions of faith must be rooted in a genuine inner transformation. The danger of ritualistic religion still persists today, as it can easily overshadow the true essence of faith that God desires—a pure heart that seeks after Him.

Other Relevant Commentaries:

  • Luke 1:39-45 meaning. Luke 1:39-45 portrays Mary’s visit to Elizabeth. Mary quickly travels from Nazareth to the hill country of Judah to visit her relative Elizabeth after learning from the angel Gabriel that she, too, is miraculously pregnant. When Mary greets her, Elizabeth’s baby leaps in her womb, and Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit. She then blesses Mary, calling her the mother of her Lord, and praises her for believing that God’s word to her would be fulfilled.
  • John 18:39-40 meaning. "The Passover Pardon": Pilate’s Second Attempt to Release Jesus: Pilate makes an offer to the crowd that he will release Jesus as part of his customary "Passover Pardon" of one prisoner. But to his surprise instead of not only rejecting it, they ask for Barabbas, a robber, to be released by Pilate instead. This event begins John’s account of the third phase of Jesus’s Civil Trial. This phase is called "Pilate’s Judgment." 
  • Luke 23:17 meaning. "The Passover Pardon": Pilate’s Second Attempt to Release Jesus: Luke interrupts his narrative of the third phase of Jesus’s civil trial to mention an obligation the Roman governor had to the people of Judea. Each year the governor of Judea would release one prisoner during the Feast of Unleavened Bread. Pilate will soon make use of this obligation in an attempt to release Jesus.This interjection occurs within Luke’s account of the third phase of Jesus’s Civil Trial. This phase is called: "Pilate’s Judgment."