Luke 11:42

“But woe unto you Pharisees, etc.] Though these words, with several other passages in this chapter, are much alike with those in Matthew 23 yet it is clear that they were spoken at different times, these in the house of a Pharisee, and they in the temple at Jerusalem: for ye tithe mint and rue; (see Gill on “<402323>Matthew 23:23”) the Persic version here reads, “mint and anise”, as there; and the Ethiopic version only “hyssop”: and all manner of herbs; or “every herb”; that is, all sorts of herbs that grow in the garden, and were not common to all; and pass over judgment, and the love of God: by “judgment” may be meant justice, or doing that which is right between man and man, both publicly…”

“mint . . . rue, &c.--rounding on Lev 27:30, which they interpreted rigidly. Our Lord purposely names the most trifling products of the earth, as examples of what they punctiliously exacted the tenth of. judgment and the love of God--in Mat 23:25, "judgment, mercy, and faith." The reference is to Mic 6:6-8, whose third element of all acceptable religion, "walking humbly with God," comprehends both "love" and "faith." (See on Mar 12:29; Mar 12:32-33). The same tendency to merge greater duties in less besets us still, but it is the characteristic of hypocrites. these ought ye, &c.--There is no need for one set of duties to jostle out another; but of the greater, our Lord says, "Ye ought to have…”

“See Matthew 23:23. Rue - This is a small garden plant, and is used as a medicine. It has a rosy flower, a bitter, penetrating taste, and a strong smell. return to 'Top of Page'”

“Wo to you - That is, miserable are you. In the same manner is the phrase to be understood throughout the chapter. Luke 11:44”

“11:42-52 What sorrow awaits you Pharisees! Woes are the opposite of blessings (see study note on 6:24-26). Jesus pronounced six woes, three against the Pharisees (11:42, 43, 44) and three against the teachers of religious law (11:46, 47, 52). 11:42 tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens: Tithing was required by the law (Lev 27:30-33; Num 18:21-32; Deut 14:22-29; 2 Chr 31:5-12). The Pharisees were meticulous in making sure that everything was properly tithed, but they ignored the more important issues—justice and the love of God.”

“woe: Mat 23:13, Mat 23:23, Mat 23:27 for: Luk 18:12 and pass: Deu 10:12, Deu 10:13; Sa1 15:22; Pro 21:3; Isa 1:10-17, Isa 58:2-6; Jer 7:2-10; Jer 7:21, Jer 7:22; Mic 6:8; Mal 1:6, Mal 2:17; Joh 5:42; Tit 2:11, Tit 2:12; Jo1 4:20 and not: Lev 27:30-33; Ch2 31:5-10; Neh 10:37; Ecc 7:18; Mal 3:8 Luke 11:43”