CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Luke 16:15 So He said to them, "You are the ones who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is prized among men is detestable before God.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/luke/16-15.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/5/42_Luk_16_15.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Luke 16:15 - The Law and the Prophets" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="So He said to them, You are the ones who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is prized among men is detestable before God." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/luke/16-15.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/luke/16-15.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/luke/">Luke</a> > <a href="/luke/16.htm">Chapter 16</a> > Verse 15</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad15.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/luke/16-14.htm" title="Luke 16:14">◄</a> Luke 16:15 <a href="/luke/16-16.htm" title="Luke 16:16">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/luke/16.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/luke/16.htm">New International Version</a> He said to them, &#8220You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of others, but God knows your hearts. What people value highly is detestable in God&#8217s sight. <a href="/nlt/luke/16.htm">New Living Translation</a> Then he said to them, “You like to appear righteous in public, but God knows your hearts. What this world honors is detestable in the sight of God. <a href="/esv/luke/16.htm">English Standard Version</a> And he said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God. <a href="/bsb/luke/16.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> So He said to them, “You are the ones who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is prized among men is detestable before God. <a href="/blb/luke/16.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And He said to them, "You are those justifying themselves before men, but God knows your hearts; for that which is exalted among men is an abomination before God. <a href="/kjv/luke/16.htm">King James Bible</a> And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God. <a href="/nkjv/luke/16.htm">New King James Version</a> And He said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God. <a href="/nasb_/luke/16.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> And He said to them, “You are the ones who justify yourselves in the sight of people, but God knows your hearts; because that which is highly esteemed among people is detestable in the sight of God. <a href="/nasb/luke/16.htm">NASB 1995</a> And He said to them, &#8220You are those who justify yourselves in the sight of men, but God knows your hearts; for that which is highly esteemed among men is detestable in the sight of God. <a href="/nasb77/luke/16.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And He said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves in the sight of men, but God knows your hearts; for that which is highly esteemed among men is detestable in the sight of God. <a href="/lsb/luke/16.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And He said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves in the sight of men, but God knows your hearts, for that which is highly esteemed among men is detestable in the sight of God. <a href="/amp/luke/16.htm">Amplified Bible</a> So He said to them, “You are the ones who declare yourselves just and upright in the sight of men, but God knows your hearts [your thoughts, your desires, your secrets]; for that which is highly esteemed among men is detestable in the sight of God. <a href="/csb/luke/16.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> And he told them, “You are the ones who justify yourselves in the sight of others, but God knows your hearts. For what is highly admired by people is revolting in God’s sight. <a href="/hcsb/luke/16.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> And He told them: &#8220You are the ones who justify yourselves in the sight of others, but God knows your hearts. For what is highly admired by people is revolting in God&#8217s sight. <a href="/asv/luke/16.htm">American Standard Version</a> And he said unto them, Ye are they that justify yourselves in the sight of men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God. <a href="/cev/luke/16.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> But Jesus told them: You are always making yourselves look good, but God sees what is in your heart. The things that most people think are important are worthless as far as God is concerned. <a href="/erv/luke/16.htm">English Revised Version</a> And he said unto them, Ye are they that justify yourselves in the sight of men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God. <a href="/gwt/luke/16.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> So Jesus said to them, "You try to justify your actions in front of people. But God knows what's in your hearts. What is important to humans is disgusting to God. <a href="/gnt/luke/16.htm">Good News Translation</a> Jesus said to them, "You are the ones who make yourselves look right in other people's sight, but God knows your hearts. For the things that are considered of great value by people are worth nothing in God's sight. <a href="/isv/luke/16.htm">International Standard Version</a> So he told them, "You try to justify yourselves in front of people, but God knows your hearts, because what is highly valued by people is detestable to God. <a href="/msb/luke/16.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> So He said to them, ?You are the ones who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is prized among men is detestable before God. <a href="/net/luke/16.htm">NET Bible</a> But Jesus said to them, "You are the ones who justify yourselves in men's eyes, but God knows your hearts. For what is highly prized among men is utterly detestable in God's sight. <a href="/nheb/luke/16.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> He said to them, "You are those who justify yourselves in the sight of people, but God knows your hearts. For that which is exalted among people is an abomination in the sight of God. <a href="/wbt/luke/16.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And he said to them, Ye are they who justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men, is abomination in the sight of God. <a href="/wey/luke/16.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> "You are they," He said to them, "who boast of their own goodness before men, but God sees your hearts; for that which holds a proud position among men is detestable in God's sight. <a href="/web/luke/16.htm">World English Bible</a> He said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves in the sight of men, but God knows your hearts. For that which is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/luke/16.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and He said to them, “You are those declaring yourselves righteous before men, but God knows your hearts; because that which is high among men [is] abomination before God; <a href="/blb/luke/16.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And He said to them, "You are those justifying themselves before men, but God knows your hearts; for that which is exalted among men is an abomination before God. <a href="/ylt/luke/16.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and he said to them, 'Ye are those declaring yourselves righteous before men, but God doth know your hearts; because that which among men is high, is abomination before God; <a href="/slt/luke/16.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And he said to them, Ye are they justifying yourselves before men; and God knows your hearts: for the high with men is abomination before God.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/luke/16.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And he said to them: You are they who justify yourselves before men, but God knoweth your hearts; for that which is high to men, is an abomination before God. <a href="/cpdv/luke/16.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And he said to them: “You are the ones who justify yourselves in the sight of men. But God knows your hearts. For what is lifted up by men is an abomination in the sight of God. <a href="/nabre/luke/16.htm">New American Bible</a> And he said to them, “You justify yourselves in the sight of others, but God knows your hearts; for what is of human esteem is an abomination in the sight of God. <a href="/nrsvce/luke/16.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> So he said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves in the sight of others; but God knows your hearts; for what is prized by human beings is an abomination in the sight of God.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/luke/16.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> But Jesus said to them, You are the ones who make yourselves righteous before men; but God knows your hearts. For what is highly esteemed among men is disgusting in the presence of God. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/luke/16.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> But Yeshua said to them: “You are those who justify themselves before men, but God knows your hearts, for the thing that is exalted among men is disgusting before God.”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/luke/16.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> And he said to them: You set yourselves forth as righteous before men, but God knows your hearts; for that which is highly esteemed among men, is detestable in the sight of God. <a href="/godbey/luke/16.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> And He said to them, <FR>Ye are those who justify yourselves before the people; but God knows your hearts: because that which is exalted among the people is abomination in the sight of God.<Fr> <a href="/haweis/luke/16.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> And he said unto them, Ye are they who affect to be righteous persons before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men, is an abomination in the sight of God. <a href="/mace/luke/16.htm">Mace New Testament</a> but he said to them, you pretend to piety before men, which, however they may admire, is an abomination to God, who knows your real temper. <a href="/wey/luke/16.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> "You are they," He said to them, "who boast of their own goodness before men, but God sees your hearts; for that which holds a proud position among men is detestable in God's sight. <a href="/worrell/luke/16.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> And He said to them, <FR>"Ye are those who justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts; because that which is exalted among men is an abomination before God.<Fr> <a href="/worsley/luke/16.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> And He said unto them, <FR>Ye justify yourselves before men, but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.<Fr> <a href="/parallel/luke/16-15.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3-5_0Jtd9Lc?start=6569" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/luke/16.htm">The Law and the Prophets</a> 14The Pharisees, who were lovers of money, heard all of this and were scoffing at Jesus. 15<a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">So</a> <a href="/greek/2036.htm" title="2036: eipen (V-AIA-3S) -- Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.">He said</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autois (PPro-DM3P) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">to them,</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: Hymeis (PPro-N2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">“You</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: este (V-PIA-2P) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">are</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hoi (Art-NMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the ones who</a> <a href="/greek/1344.htm" title="1344: dikaiountes (V-PPA-NMP) -- From dikaios; to render just or innocent.">justify</a> <a href="/greek/1438.htm" title="1438: heautous (RefPro-AM3P) -- Himself, herself, itself. ">yourselves</a> <a href="/greek/1799.htm" title="1799: enōpion (Prep) -- Neuter of a compound of en and a derivative of optanomai; in the face of.">before</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tōn (Art-GMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/444.htm" title="444: anthrōpōn (N-GMP) -- A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being.">men,</a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">but</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theos (N-NMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">God</a> <a href="/greek/1097.htm" title="1097: ginōskei (V-PIA-3S) -- A prolonged form of a primary verb; to know in a great variety of applications and with many implications.">knows</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymōn (PPro-G2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">your</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tas (Art-AFP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2588.htm" title="2588: kardias (N-AFP) -- Prolonged from a primary kar; the heart, i.e. the thoughts or feelings; also the middle.">hearts.</a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.">For</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-NNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">what</a> <a href="/greek/5308.htm" title="5308: hypsēlon (Adj-NNS) -- High, lofty. From hupsos; lofty.">is prized</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">among</a> <a href="/greek/444.htm" title="444: anthrōpois (N-DMP) -- A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being.">men</a> <a href="/greek/946.htm" title="946: bdelygma (N-NNS) -- An abominable thing, an accursed thing. From bdelusso; a detestation, i.e. idolatry.">is detestable</a> <a href="/greek/1799.htm" title="1799: enōpion (Prep) -- Neuter of a compound of en and a derivative of optanomai; in the face of.">before</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theou (N-GMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">God. </a> 16The Law and the Prophets were proclaimed until John. Since that time, the gospel of the kingdom of God is being preached, and everyone is forcing his way into it.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/1_samuel/16-7.htm">1 Samuel 16:7</a> But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him; the LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart.” <a href="/proverbs/21-2.htm">Proverbs 21:2</a> All a man’s ways seem right to him, but the LORD weighs the heart. <a href="/jeremiah/17-10.htm">Jeremiah 17:10</a> I, the LORD, search the heart; I examine the mind to reward a man according to his way, by what his deeds deserve. <a href="/matthew/23-28.htm">Matthew 23:28</a> In the same way, on the outside you appear to be righteous, but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness. <a href="/romans/2-16.htm">Romans 2:16</a> on the day when God will judge men’s secrets through Christ Jesus, as proclaimed by my gospel. <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-4.htm">1 Thessalonians 2:4</a> Instead, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, not in order to please men but God, who examines our hearts. <a href="/galatians/1-10.htm">Galatians 1:10</a> Am I now seeking the approval of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ. <a href="/1_corinthians/4-5.htm">1 Corinthians 4:5</a> Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God. <a href="/proverbs/16-2.htm">Proverbs 16:2</a> All a man’s ways are pure in his own eyes, but his motives are weighed out by the LORD. <a href="/jeremiah/17-9.htm">Jeremiah 17:9</a> The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? <a href="/matthew/6-1.htm">Matthew 6:1-4</a> “Be careful not to perform your righteous acts before men to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. / So when you give to the needy, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. Truly I tell you, they already have their full reward. / But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, ... <a href="/john/5-41.htm">John 5:41-44</a> I do not accept glory from men, / but I know you, that you do not have the love of God within you. / I have come in My Father’s name, and you have not received Me; but if someone else comes in his own name, you will receive him. ... <a href="/acts/1-24.htm">Acts 1:24</a> And they prayed, “Lord, You know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two You have chosen <a href="/hebrews/4-12.htm">Hebrews 4:12-13</a> For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart. / Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight; everything is uncovered and exposed before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. <a href="/revelation/2-23.htm">Revelation 2:23</a> Then I will strike her children dead, and all the churches will know that I am the One who searches minds and hearts, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And he said to them, You are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knows your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.Ye.<a href="/luke/10-29.htm">Luke 10:29</a> But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour?<a href="/luke/11-39.htm">Luke 11:39</a> 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.<a href="/luke/18-11.htm">Luke 18:11,21</a> The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican… God.<a href="/1_samuel/16-7.htm">1 Samuel 16:7</a> But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.<a href="/1_chronicles/29-17.htm">1 Chronicles 29:17</a> I know also, my God, that thou triest the heart, and hast pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of mine heart I have willingly offered all these things: and now have I seen with joy thy people, which are present here, to offer willingly unto thee.<a href="/2_chronicles/6-30.htm">2 Chronicles 6:30</a> Then hear thou from heaven thy dwelling place, and forgive, and render unto every man according unto all his ways, whose heart thou knowest; (for thou only knowest the hearts of the children of men:)for.<a href="/psalms/10-3.htm">Psalm 10:3</a> For the wicked boasteth of his heart's desire, and blesseth the covetous, whom the LORD abhorreth.<a href="/psalms/49-13.htm">Psalm 49:13,18</a> This their way is their folly: yet their posterity approve their sayings. Selah… <a href="/proverbs/16-5.htm">Proverbs 16:5</a> Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/mark/13-14.htm">Abomination</a> <a href="/matthew/23-30.htm">Boast</a> <a href="/luke/16-12.htm">Care</a> <a href="/mark/14-71.htm">Declaring</a> <a href="/malachi/2-11.htm">Detestable</a> <a href="/mark/10-42.htm">Esteemed</a> <a href="/luke/13-32.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/luke/14-11.htm">Exalted</a> <a href="/luke/15-21.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/luke/14-15.htm">God's</a> <a href="/matthew/5-48.htm">Goodness</a> <a href="/luke/13-5.htm">Hearts</a> <a href="/luke/7-2.htm">Highly</a> <a href="/matthew/10-22.htm">Holds</a> <a href="/luke/14-8.htm">Important</a> <a href="/luke/10-29.htm">Justify</a> <a href="/luke/14-21.htm">Ones</a> <a href="/luke/13-2.htm">Opinion</a> <a href="/luke/16-4.htm">Position</a> <a href="/luke/1-51.htm">Proud</a> <a href="/luke/15-32.htm">Right</a> <a href="/luke/15-7.htm">Righteous</a> <a href="/mark/14-64.htm">Seem</a> <a href="/luke/15-21.htm">Sight</a> <a href="/matthew/27-9.htm">Valued</a> <a href="/luke/16-11.htm">Yourselves</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/revelation/21-27.htm">Abomination</a> <a href="/john/9-41.htm">Boast</a> <a href="/luke/18-4.htm">Care</a> <a href="/acts/2-11.htm">Declaring</a> <a href="/titus/1-16.htm">Detestable</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/6-4.htm">Esteemed</a> <a href="/luke/16-25.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/luke/18-14.htm">Exalted</a> <a href="/luke/16-23.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/luke/18-14.htm">God's</a> <a href="/acts/11-18.htm">Goodness</a> <a href="/luke/16-30.htm">Hearts</a> <a href="/acts/4-2.htm">Highly</a> <a href="/john/4-37.htm">Holds</a> <a href="/luke/20-46.htm">Important</a> <a href="/acts/19-40.htm">Justify</a> <a href="/luke/17-2.htm">Ones</a> <a href="/luke/18-9.htm">Opinion</a> <a href="/luke/18-11.htm">Position</a> <a href="/romans/1-30.htm">Proud</a> <a href="/luke/18-3.htm">Right</a> <a href="/luke/18-9.htm">Righteous</a> <a href="/john/6-62.htm">Seem</a> <a href="/luke/18-41.htm">Sight</a> <a href="/acts/19-19.htm">Valued</a> <a href="/luke/17-3.htm">Yourselves</a><div class="vheading2">Luke 16</div>1. <a href="/luke/16-1.htm">The parable of the unjust steward.</a> 14. <a href="/luke/16-14.htm">Jesus reproves the hypocrisy of the covetous Pharisees.</a> 19. <a href="/luke/16-19.htm">The parable of the rich man and Lazarus the beggar.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/luke/16.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/luke/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/luke/16.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>So He said to them Jesus is addressing the Pharisees, a group known for their strict adherence to the Law and traditions. This interaction occurs after the parable of the shrewd manager, highlighting the tension between Jesus and the religious leaders. The setting is likely in Judea, where Jesus often taught in parables to convey deeper spiritual truths.You are the ones who justify yourselves before men The Pharisees were known for their outward displays of piety and righteousness, seeking approval and admiration from others. This behavior is reminiscent of <a href="/isaiah/29-13.htm">Isaiah 29:13</a>, where God criticizes those who honor Him with their lips while their hearts are far from Him. The Pharisees' self-justification contrasts with the biblical teaching that true righteousness comes from God alone (<a href="/romans/3-22.htm">Romans 3:22</a>).but God knows your hearts This statement underscores God's omniscience and the biblical truth that He looks beyond outward appearances to the heart (<a href="/1_samuel/16-7.htm">1 Samuel 16:7</a>). It serves as a warning that human judgment is limited and often flawed, while God's judgment is perfect and all-knowing. This theme is echoed in <a href="/jeremiah/17-10.htm">Jeremiah 17:10</a>, where God searches the heart and examines the mind.For what is prized among men Worldly values often prioritize wealth, status, and power, which the Pharisees sought. This reflects the broader cultural context of the time, where social standing and public honor were highly esteemed. The pursuit of these values can lead to idolatry, as seen in the rich young ruler's story (<a href="/matthew/19-16.htm">Matthew 19:16-22</a>).is detestable before God God's values are often the opposite of human values, emphasizing humility, love, and obedience. This statement aligns with the teachings of the Beatitudes (<a href="/matthew/5-3.htm">Matthew 5:3-12</a>), where Jesus blesses the poor in spirit and the meek. It also reflects the prophetic tradition, where God calls for justice and mercy over ritualistic observance (<a href="/micah/6-8.htm">Micah 6:8</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a> The speaker of this verse, addressing the Pharisees and teaching His disciples about the dangers of hypocrisy and the true nature of righteousness. 2. <a href="/topical/p/pharisees.htm">Pharisees</a> A religious group in Israel known for their strict adherence to the Law and traditions. They are often depicted in the Gospels as being self-righteous and hypocritical. 3. <a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a> The omniscient deity who knows the true intentions and conditions of human hearts, contrasting human judgment with divine insight. 4. <a href="/topical/h/hearts_of_men.htm">Hearts of Men</a> Represents the inner thoughts, intentions, and motivations of individuals, which are fully known to God. 5. <a href="/topical/w/worldly_values.htm">Worldly Values</a> The societal standards and values that are often contrary to God's values, highlighting the tension between human approval and divine approval.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/g/god's_omniscience.htm">God's Omniscience</a> God knows our hearts and intentions. We cannot hide our true selves from Him, and our actions should reflect genuine faith and righteousness. <a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_self-justification.htm">The Danger of Self-Justification</a> Justifying ourselves before others can lead to pride and hypocrisy. True justification comes from God through faith in Christ. <a href="/topical/w/worldly_values_vs._god's_values.htm">Worldly Values vs. God's Values</a> What the world values—such as wealth, status, and outward appearances—can be detestable to God. We should seek to align our values with God's. <a href="/topical/a/authentic_faith.htm">Authentic Faith</a> Our faith should be authentic and not just for show. We should strive to live in a way that pleases God, not just to gain approval from others. <a href="/topical/i/introspection_and_repentance.htm">Introspection and Repentance</a> Regularly examine your heart and motives. Repent of any hypocrisy or self-righteousness and seek to cultivate a heart that is pure and pleasing to God.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_luke_16.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Luke 16</a> <a href="/q/bible's_view_on_chronic_pain.htm">What does it mean God sees the heart?</a> <a href="/q/is_human_will_free_or_predetermined.htm">Why do you justify yourself before others?</a> <a href="/q/why_justify_yourself_to_others.htm">Why do you justify yourself before others?</a> <a href="/q/what_defines_a_reprobate_mind.htm">What defines a reprobate mind?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/luke/16.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(15) Ye are they which justify yourselves before men.--The character described is portrayed afterwards more fully in the parable of <a href="/context/luke/18-9.htm" title="And he spoke this parable to certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:">Luke 18:9-14</a>. The word there used, "this man went down to his house justified rather than the other," is obviously a reference to what is reported here. They forgot, in their self-righteousness and self-vindication, that they stood before God as the Searcher of all hearts.That which is highly esteemed among men . . .--Literally, that which is high, or lifted up, among men. The word is at once wider and more vivid than the English.Abomination . . .--The word is the same as in "the abomination of desolation" (<a href="/matthew/24-15.htm" title="When you therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoever reads, let him understand:)">Matthew 24:15</a>), that which causes physically nausea and loathing. The word seems chosen as the expression of a divine scorn and indignation, which answered, in part, to their "derision," and was its natural result. (Comp. the bold language of <a href="/psalms/2-4.htm" title="He that sits in the heavens shall laugh: the LORD shall have them in derision.">Psalm 2:4</a>, <a href="/proverbs/1-26.htm" title="I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear comes;">Proverbs 1:26</a>, <a href="/revelation/3-16.htm" title="So then because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew you out of my mouth.">Revelation 3:16</a>.) . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/luke/16.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 15. - And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts. The part the Pharisees played in public imposed upon the people. The great influence which they exercised was in great measure due to the respect generally felt for their strict and religious lives. The hypocrisy of this famous sect - it was probably in many cases unconscious hypocrisy - and the false colouring which it gave religion, contributed not a little to the state of things which led to the final disruption of the Jewish nation as a nation some forty years after these words were spoken. It is only a student of the Talmud who can form any notion of the Pharisee mind; a superficial study even of parts of this strange, mighty collection will show why our Lord was so seemingly hard in his rebukes of these often earnest and religious men; it will show, too, why the same Divine Master at times seemed to change his words of bitter wrath into accents of the tenderest sympathy and love. For that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God. Especially alluding to that haughty pride of men in wealth and money, which, after all, is not theirs. <a href="/commentaries/luke/16-15.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>So καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. He said εἶπεν (eipen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2036.htm">Strong's 2036: </a> Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say. to them, αὐτοῖς (autois) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. “You Ὑμεῖς (Hymeis) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. are ἐστε (este) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. the [ones who] οἱ (hoi) Article - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. justify δικαιοῦντες (dikaiountes) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1344.htm">Strong's 1344: </a> From dikaios; to render just or innocent. [yourselves] ἑαυτοὺς (heautous) Reflexive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1438.htm">Strong's 1438: </a> Himself, herself, itself. before ἐνώπιον (enōpion) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1799.htm">Strong's 1799: </a> Neuter of a compound of en and a derivative of optanomai; in the face of. men, ἀνθρώπων (anthrōpōn) Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_444.htm">Strong's 444: </a> A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being. but δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. God Θεὸς (Theos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. knows γινώσκει (ginōskei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1097.htm">Strong's 1097: </a> A prolonged form of a primary verb; to 'know' in a great variety of applications and with many implications. your ὑμῶν (hymōn) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. hearts. καρδίας (kardias) Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2588.htm">Strong's 2588: </a> Prolonged from a primary kar; the heart, i.e. the thoughts or feelings; also the middle. For ὅτι (hoti) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3754.htm">Strong's 3754: </a> Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because. what τὸ (to) Article - Nominative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. [is] prized ὑψηλὸν (hypsēlon) Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5308.htm">Strong's 5308: </a> High, lofty. From hupsos; lofty. among ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. men ἀνθρώποις (anthrōpois) Noun - Dative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_444.htm">Strong's 444: </a> A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being. [is] detestable βδέλυγμα (bdelygma) Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_946.htm">Strong's 946: </a> An abominable thing, an accursed thing. From bdelusso; a detestation, i.e. idolatry. before ἐνώπιον (enōpion) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1799.htm">Strong's 1799: </a> Neuter of a compound of en and a derivative of optanomai; in the face of. God. Θεοῦ (Theou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/luke/16-15.htm">Luke 16:15 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/luke/16-15.htm">Luke 16:15 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/luke/16-15.htm">Luke 16:15 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/luke/16-15.htm">Luke 16:15 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/luke/16-15.htm">Luke 16:15 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/luke/16-15.htm">Luke 16:15 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/luke/16-15.htm">Luke 16:15 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/luke/16-15.htm">Luke 16:15 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/luke/16-15.htm">Luke 16:15 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/luke/16-15.htm">Luke 16:15 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/luke/16-15.htm">NT Gospels: Luke 16:15 He said to them You are those (Luke Lu Lk) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/luke/16-14.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Luke 16:14"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Luke 16:14" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/luke/16-16.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Luke 16:16"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Luke 16:16" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>