Luke 11:41

Rather give alms. Compare ch. 12:33. The meaning of v. 41 is obscure. The expression ta enonta, translated “such things as ye have,” occurs nowhere else in the NT, and what Jesus may have meant by it is uncertain. The KJV reading is interpretative and conjectural, as are all others. The literal Greek seems to favor the RSV rendering, “those things which are within,” that is, “within” either the “cup” and the “platter” or “within” the Pharisees themselves (see v. 39). If Jesus refers to the contents of the “cup” and the “platter,” He is suggesting that generosity toward the poor is a better way of avoiding real defilement than the scrupulous ceremonial cleansing of the containers in which food is kept. If He refers to the Pharisees themselves, He is saying that the spirit of generosity and care for the poor is a better way of attaining to cleanliness of heart than fastidious concern for the minutiae of traditionalism (see on Mark 7:7). Compare the counsel of Jesus to the rich young ruler (see Luke 18:22, 23).

Clean unto you. See on Mark 7:19. The meaning here apparently is, “You will be pure in the sight of God,” and when this condition prevails nothing else need give you concern. However, some consider these words ironical in the sense, “You will be clean [in your own sight]” when you have given alms.