Bible Strands
Luke 11:38
But the Pharisee was surprised to see that Jesus did not first wash before the meal.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — A Pharisee who invited Jesus to dine observes him reclining at the table without performing the customary handwashing before the meal.
The words — The Greek ἰδὼν (idōn) means "having seen," and ἐθαύμασεν (ethaumasen) translates to "marveled" or "was surprised," describing the Pharisee's reaction to Jesus' omission of the ritual.
The thread — This moment echoes disputes over ceremonial washing traditions recorded in Matthew 15:2, Mark 7:2, and John 3:25.
Why it lands — The text states a factual observation of Jesus ignoring a ritual requirement, which directly precedes his declaration that external cleanliness masks internal greed and wickedness.
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The Greek words
King James Version
And when the Pharisee saw it, he marvelled that he had not first washed before dinner.
Cross-references
- Matthew 15:2 “Why do Your disciples break the tradition of the elders? They do not wash their hands before they eat.”
- Mark 7:2 and they saw some of His disciples eating with hands that were defiled—that is, unwashed.
- John 3:25 Then a dispute arose between John’s disciples and a certain Jew over the issue of ceremonial washing.