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.

LUKE 11:42KJV
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Luke 11:42 (KJV)

What does Luke 11:42 mean?

Luke 11:42 describes Jesus warning the Pharisees that, while they are careful to give a tenth (a tithe) of even small herbs like mint and rue, they neglect more important matters like justice and love for God. Jesus says they should practice both—careful giving and the greater priorities—without ignoring either.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking directly to the Pharisees, a religious group known for strict observance of the law. The setting is a conversation where Jesus is criticizing their focus on minor religious details while missing the heart of God's commands. The verse highlights that outward religious actions are not enough if they are not matched by genuine concern for fairness and love for God.

The Greek behind Luke 11:42

  • "τίθημι" (tithe, G586): This word means to give a tenth, and here it emphasizes the Pharisees' meticulousness in religious duties, even down to small garden herbs.
  • "κρίσις" (judgment, G2920): Often understood as justice or fairness, this word points to the deeper moral responsibilities the Pharisees were neglecting.
  • "ἀγάπη" (love, G26): This is the Greek word for selfless, sacrificial love, highlighting that love for God is a central command, not just ritual observance.

Why Luke 11:42 matters

  • Luke 11:42 clears up the misunderstanding that religious rituals or traditions alone are enough to please God; Jesus points to the need for justice and love as well.
  • The verse reveals Jesus' emphasis on the heart and motives behind religious actions, not just the actions themselves.
  • This verse connects to the wider passage where Jesus challenges religious leaders about hypocrisy, showing that true faith involves both outward actions and inward devotion.

Where else these words appear

“mint” Greek G2238 · used in 2 verses

  • Matthew 23:23 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.

“tithe” Greek G586 · used in 4 verses

  • Matthew 23:23 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.
  • Luke 18:12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.
  • Hebrews 7:5 And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham:

“herbs” Greek G3001 · used in 4 verses

  • Matthew 13:32 Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof.
  • Mark 4:32 But when it is sown, it groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs, and shooteth out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it.
  • Romans 14:2 For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs.

“other” Greek G2548 · used in 23 verses

  • Matthew 15:18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.
  • Luke 11:7 And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee.
  • John 17:24 Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.