Luke 11:41

“But rather give alms of such things as ye have, etc.] The phrase ta enonta, is variously rendered, and so furnishes out various senses: the Syriac version renders it, “give that which is”, which is yours; or “which is given to you”, as the Persic version, and agrees with ours, “such things as ye have”; and which carries in it but a very odd sense; for none can give of that which they have not. The Vulgate Latin version reads, “that which is over and above”; superfluous substance, and which may be easily spared without hurting a man, or his family: others, “as much as you can”: according to a man's ability, and as God has prospered him in the world. The Ethiopic version renders it, “that…”

“give alms . . . and . . . all . . . clean--a principle of immense value. As the greed of these hypocrites was one of the most prominent features of their character (Luk 16:14; Mat 23:14), our Lord bids them exemplify the opposite character, and then their outside, ruled by this, would be beautiful in the eye of God, and their meals would be eaten with clean hands, though never so fouled with the business of this worky world. (See Ecc 9:7).”

“Alms - Charity. Benefactions to the poor. Such things as ye have - Your property; though it has been gained unjustly: though you have lived by rapine, and have amassed wealth in an improper manner, yet, since “you have it,” it is your duty to make the best of it and do good. By giving to the poor, you may show your repentance for your crimes in amassing money in this manner. You may show that you disapprove of your former course of life, and are disposed henceforward to live honestly. If this be the meaning of this passage, then it shows what is the duty of those who have by unjust gains become wealthy, and who are “then” converted to God. It may not be possible for them in every case to…”

“Give what is in them - The vessels which ye clean, in alms, and all things are clean to you. As if he had said, By acts directly contrary to rapine and wickedness, show that your hearts are cleansed, and these outward washings are needless. Luke 11:42”

“11:41 by giving gifts to the poor: Acts of love reveal internal righteousness.”

“rather: Luk 12:33, Luk 14:12-14, Luk 16:9, Luk 18:22, Luk 19:8; Deu 15:8-10; Job 13:16-20; Psa 41:1; Psa 112:9; Pro 14:31, Pro 19:17; Ecc 11:1, Ecc 11:2; Isa 58:7-11; Dan 4:27; Mat 5:42; Mat 6:1-4, Mat 25:34-40, Mat 26:11; Act 9:36-39, Act 10:31, Act 10:32, Act 11:29, Act 24:17; Co2 8:7-9, Co2 8:12, Co2 9:6-15; Eph 4:28; Heb 6:10, Heb 13:16; Jam 1:27, Jam 2:14-16; Jo1 3:16, Jo1 3:17 of such things as ye have: or, as you are able all: Act 10:15; Rom 14:14-18; Ti1 4:4, Ti1 4:5; Tit 1:15 Luke 11:42”