Matthew 23:26
New International Version
Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean.

New Living Translation
You blind Pharisee! First wash the inside of the cup and the dish, and then the outside will become clean, too.

English Standard Version
You blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and the plate, that the outside also may be clean.

Berean Standard Bible
Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, so that the outside may become clean as well.

Berean Literal Bible
Blind Pharisee! First cleanse the inside of the cup and of the dish, that their outside might become clean also.

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

New King James Version
Blind Pharisee, first cleanse the inside of the cup and dish, that the outside of them may be clean also.

New American Standard Bible
You blind Pharisee, first clean the inside of the cup and of the dish, so that the outside of it may also become clean.

NASB 1995
“You blind Pharisee, first clean the inside of the cup and of the dish, so that the outside of it may become clean also.

NASB 1977
“You blind Pharisee, first clean the inside of the cup and of the dish, so that the outside of it may become clean also.

Legacy Standard Bible
You blind Pharisee, first clean the inside of the cup and of the dish, so that the outside of it may become clean also.

Amplified Bible
You [spiritually] blind Pharisee, first clean the inside of the cup and of the plate [examine and change your inner self to conform to God’s precepts], so that the outside [your public life and deeds] may be clean also.

Christian Standard Bible
Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup, so that the outside of it may also become clean.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup, so the outside of it may also become clean.

American Standard Version
Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first the inside of the cup and of the platter, that the outside thereof may become clean also.

Contemporary English Version
You blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of a cup, and then the outside will also be clean.

English Revised Version
Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first the inside of the cup and of the platter, that the outside thereof may become clean also.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
You blind Pharisees! First clean the inside of the cups and dishes so that the outside may also be clean.

Good News Translation
Blind Pharisee! Clean what is inside the cup first, and then the outside will be clean too!

International Standard Version
You blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup, so that its outside may also be clean.

Majority Standard Bible
Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, so that the outside may become clean as well.

NET Bible
Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup, so that the outside may become clean too!

New Heart English Bible
You blind Pharisee, first clean the inside of the cup and the plate, so that the outside may become clean also.

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

Weymouth New Testament
Blind Pharisee, first wash clean the inside of the cup or dish, and then the outside will be clean also.

World English Bible
You blind Pharisee, first clean the inside of the cup and of the platter, that its outside may become clean also.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Blind Pharisee! First cleanse the inside of the cup and the plate, that the outside of them may also become clean.

Berean Literal Bible
Blind Pharisee! First cleanse the inside of the cup and of the dish, that their outside might become clean also.

Young's Literal Translation
'Blind Pharisee! cleanse first the inside of the cup and the plate, that the outside of them also may become clean.

Smith's Literal Translation
O blind Pharisee, cleanse first the inside of the cup, and side dish of sweetmeats, that also their outside might be clean.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Thou blind Pharisee, first make clean the inside of the cup and of the dish, that the outside may become clean.

Catholic Public Domain Version
You blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and the dish, and then what is outside becomes clean.

New American Bible
Blind Pharisee, cleanse first the inside of the cup, so that the outside also may be clean.

New Revised Standard Version
You blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup, so that the outside also may become clean.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Blind Pharisees! clean first the inside of the cup and of the dish, so that their outside may also be clean.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Blind Pharisees, wash first the inside of the cup and dish that their outside may also be clean.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Blind Pharisee! first make clean the inside of the cup and the plate, that the outside of them also may be clean.

Godbey New Testament
Ye blind Pharisee, first purify the inside of the cup, in order that its outside may be clean.

Haweis New Testament
Thou blind Pharisee! cleanse first the inside of the cup and dish, that their outside may become clean also.

Mace New Testament
thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first the inside of the cup and plate, that the outside may be likewise clean.

Weymouth New Testament
Blind Pharisee, first wash clean the inside of the cup or dish, and then the outside will be clean also.

Worrell New Testament
Blind Pharisees! cleanse first the inside of the cup and of the dish, that its outside also may become clean.

Worsley New Testament
thou blind pharisee, cleanse first the inside of the cup and of the dish, that the outside of them may be also clean.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Woes to Scribes and Pharisees
25Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. 26Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, so that the outside may become clean as well. 27Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside, but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of impurity.…

Cross References
Luke 11:39-41
Then the Lord said, “Now you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness. / You fools! Did not the One who made the outside make the inside as well? / But give as alms the things that are within you, and behold, everything will be clean for you.

Matthew 15:18-20
But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these things defile a man. / For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, and slander. / These are what defile a man, but eating with unwashed hands does not defile him.”

Mark 7:21-23
For from within the hearts of men come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, / greed, wickedness, deceit, debauchery, envy, slander, arrogance, and foolishness. / All these evils come from within, and these are what defile a man.”

Psalm 51:10
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.

Ezekiel 36:25-27
I will also sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean. I will cleanse you from all your impurities and all your idols. / I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. / And I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes and to carefully observe My ordinances.

Jeremiah 4:14
Wash the evil from your heart, O Jerusalem, so that you may be saved. How long will you harbor wicked thoughts within you?

James 4:8
Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

1 Samuel 16:7
But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him; the LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart.”

Proverbs 4:23
Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life.

Isaiah 1:16-18
Wash and cleanse yourselves. Remove your evil deeds from My sight. Stop doing evil! / Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow.” / “Come now, let us reason together,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they will be as white as snow; though they are as red as crimson, they will become like wool.

1 Peter 3:3-4
Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair or gold jewelry or fine clothes, / but from the inner disposition of your heart, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in God’s sight.

Romans 2:28-29
A man is not a Jew because he is one outwardly, nor is circumcision only outward and physical. / No, a man is a Jew because he is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a man’s praise does not come from men, but from God.

2 Corinthians 7:1
Therefore, beloved, since we have these promises, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that defiles body and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

Titus 1:15
To the pure, all things are pure; but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure. Indeed, both their minds and their consciences are defiled.

Hebrews 10:22
let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.


Treasury of Scripture

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

cleanse.

Matthew 12:33
Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit.

Isaiah 55:7
Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

Jeremiah 4:14
O Jerusalem, wash thine heart from wickedness, that thou mayest be saved. How long shall thy vain thoughts lodge within thee?

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Blind Clean Cleanse Cup Dish Equally First Inside Outside Pharisee Plate Platter Thereof Wash Within
Matthew 23
1. Jesus admonishes the people to follow good doctrine, not bad examples
5. His disciples must beware of their ambition.
13. He denounces eight woes against their hypocrisy and blindness,
34. and prophesies of the destruction of Jerusalem.














Blind Pharisee
The term "Blind Pharisee" is a powerful rebuke from Jesus, highlighting the spiritual blindness of the religious leaders of His time. The Pharisees were known for their strict adherence to the Law and traditions, yet Jesus calls them "blind," indicating their inability to perceive spiritual truths. The Greek word for "blind" is "τυφλός" (typhlos), which can mean both physical and spiritual blindness. This blindness is not due to a lack of knowledge but a refusal to see the truth of Jesus' teachings. Historically, the Pharisees were respected for their piety, but Jesus exposes their hypocrisy, emphasizing that true sight comes from understanding and living out God's commandments with a pure heart.

first clean the inside of the cup and dish
The phrase "first clean the inside of the cup and dish" uses a metaphor to illustrate the importance of inner purity over outward appearances. In the cultural context of first-century Judaism, ritual cleanliness was a significant concern, and the Pharisees meticulously followed these laws. However, Jesus uses this imagery to teach that spiritual cleanliness begins within. The Greek word for "clean" is "καθαρίζω" (katharizo), meaning to purify or cleanse. This cleansing is not merely external but involves a transformation of the heart and mind, aligning one's inner life with God's will. Jesus emphasizes that true righteousness is not about external rituals but about a heart that seeks God sincerely.

so that the outside may become clean as well
The phrase "so that the outside may become clean as well" completes the metaphor, suggesting that when the heart is purified, outward actions will naturally reflect this inner transformation. The Greek word for "outside" is "ἔξωθεν" (exothen), indicating that external behavior is a reflection of internal reality. Jesus teaches that genuine holiness flows from the inside out, and when one's heart is right with God, it will manifest in righteous living. This principle is consistent with the broader biblical teaching that God desires mercy, justice, and humility over mere ritual compliance. The historical context of this teaching challenges the superficial religiosity of the Pharisees, calling all believers to pursue a faith that transforms both heart and life.

(26) That the outside of them may be clean also.--The implied premise is that "uncleanness" in its ethical sense was altogether distinct from the outward uncleanness with which the Pharisees identified it. If the contents of the cup were pure in their source and in their use, they made the outside "clean," irrespective of any process of surface purification.

Verse 26. - Thou blind Pharisee. The address is in the singular number, to give vividness and personal effect, and the epithet accentuates the absurdity censured. Cleanse first that which is within. They must learn to reverse their practice. If you wanted to have your food pure, you would clean the inside of your vessel more carefully than the outside. The external purity should proceed from and be a token of the internal. So in the case of the moral agent, the ceremonial purity is a mockery and hypocrisy unless it be accompanied by holiness of the heart. That the outside of them may be (γένηται, may become) clean also. However fair to see, the man is not pure unless his soul is clean; he cannot be called pure while the higher part of his being is soiled and foul with sin. And inward saintliness cannot be hidden; it shines forth in the countenance; it is known by speech and action; it sheds sunshine wherever it gees. "Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life" (Proverbs 4:23).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Blind
τυφλέ (typhle)
Adjective - Vocative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5185: Blind, physically or mentally. From, tuphoo; opaque, i.e. blind.

Pharisee!
Φαρισαῖε (Pharisaie)
Noun - Vocative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5330: Of Hebrew origin; a separatist, i.e. Exclusively religious; a Pharisean, i.e. Jewish sectary.

First
πρῶτον (prōton)
Adverb - Superlative
Strong's 4412: First, in the first place, before, formerly. Neuter of protos as adverb; firstly.

clean
καθάρισον (katharison)
Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 2511: To cleanse, make clean, literally, ceremonially, or spiritually, according to context. From katharos; to cleanse.

the
τὸ (to)
Article - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

inside
ἐντὸς (entos)
Adverb
Strong's 1787: Within, inside, the inside. From en; inside.

of the
τοῦ (tou)
Article - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

cup
ποτηρίου (potēriou)
Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 4221: A drinking cup, the contents of the cup; fig: the portion which God allots.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

dish,
παροψίδος (paropsidos)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3953: Prop: a dainty side-dish; meton: a plate, dish, platter. From para and the base of opsarion; a side-dish.

so that
ἵνα (hina)
Conjunction
Strong's 2443: In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.

the
τὸ (to)
Article - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

outside
ἐκτὸς (ektos)
Adverb
Strong's 1622: From ek; the exterior; figuratively aside from, besides.

may become
γένηται (genētai)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Middle - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1096: A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.

clean
καθαρόν (katharon)
Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 2513: Clean.

as well.
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.


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NT Gospels: Matthew 23:26 You blind Pharisee first clean the inside (Matt. Mat Mt)
Matthew 23:25
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