Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also.

MATTHEW 23:26KJV
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Matthew 23:26 (KJV)

What does Matthew 23:26 mean?

Matthew 23:26 records Jesus telling the Pharisees that they should first clean the inside of the cup and dish, so that the outside will also become clean. Jesus is using this image to point out that inner purity is more important than outward appearances.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking directly to the Pharisees, a religious group known for strict observance of laws and traditions. He criticizes them for focusing on external rituals while neglecting the inner attitudes of the heart. The verse uses the example of cleaning a cup and platter to highlight the need for genuine inner change, not just surface-level religious behavior.

The Greek behind Matthew 23:26

  • "cleanse" (καθάρισον, katharison) means to make clean or purify. Here, Jesus is urging the Pharisees to address their inner lives, not just their outward actions.
  • "within" (ἔντος, entos) refers to the inside or inner part. This word makes it clear that Jesus is talking about what is inside a person, not just external behavior.
  • "outside" (ἔξωθεν, exōthen) means the outside or external part. The contrast between "within" and "outside" sharpens Jesus’ point about the difference between inner reality and outer appearance.
  • "Pharisee" (Φαρισαῖε, Pharisaios) identifies the specific group Jesus is addressing, known for their emphasis on ritual purity and religious law.

Why Matthew 23:26 matters

  • Matthew 23:26 helps clear up the misunderstanding that religious observance or outward behavior alone is enough to please God; Jesus highlights the priority of inner transformation.
  • The verse emphasizes that true change starts from within, and only then does it affect what is visible on the outside.
  • This statement fits into a larger section where Jesus criticizes hypocrisy among religious leaders, showing that He values sincerity and integrity over mere appearances.

Where else these words appear

“within” Greek G1787 · used in 2 verses

  • Luke 17:21 Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.

“platter” Greek G3953 · used in 2 verses

  • Matthew 23:25 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess.

“outside” Greek G1622 · used in 9 verses

  • Acts 26:22 Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come:
  • 1 Corinthians 14:5 I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.
  • 2 Corinthians 12:2 I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago,(whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven.

“clean” Greek G2513 · used in 24 verses

  • Matthew 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
  • Acts 20:26 Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men.
  • James 1:27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.