New International VersionWhen Jesus had finished speaking, a Pharisee invited him to eat with him; so he went in and reclined at the table.
New Living TranslationAs Jesus was speaking, one of the Pharisees invited him home for a meal. So he went in and took his place at the table.
English Standard VersionWhile Jesus was speaking, a Pharisee asked him to dine with him, so he went in and reclined at table.
Berean Standard BibleAs Jesus was speaking, a Pharisee invited Him to dine with him; so He went in and reclined at the table.
Berean Literal BibleAnd as He was speaking, a Pharisee asked Him that He would dine with him. And having entered, He reclined.
King James BibleAnd as he spake, a certain Pharisee besought him to dine with him: and he went in, and sat down to meat.
New King James VersionAnd as He spoke, a certain Pharisee asked Him to dine with him. So He went in and sat down to eat.
New American Standard BibleNow when He had spoken, a Pharisee asked Him to have lunch with him; and He went in and reclined at the table.
NASB 1995Now when He had spoken, a Pharisee asked Him to have lunch with him; and He went in, and reclined at the table.
NASB 1977Now when He had spoken, a Pharisee asked Him to have lunch with him; and He went in, and reclined at the table.
Legacy Standard BibleNow when He had spoken, a Pharisee asked Him to have a meal with him. And He went in and reclined at the table.
Amplified BibleNow after Jesus had spoken, a Pharisee asked Him to have lunch with him. He went in [the Pharisee’s home] and reclined at the table [without ceremonially washing His hands].
Christian Standard BibleAs he was speaking, a Pharisee asked him to dine with him. So he went in and reclined at the table.
Holman Christian Standard BibleAs He was speaking, a Pharisee asked Him to dine with him. So He went in and reclined at the table.
American Standard VersionNow as he spake, a Pharisee asketh him to dine with him: and he went in, and sat down to meat.
Contemporary English VersionWhen Jesus finished speaking, a Pharisee invited him home for a meal. Jesus went and sat down to eat.
English Revised VersionNow as he spake, a Pharisee asketh him to dine with him: and he went in, and sat down to meat.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationAfter Jesus spoke, a Pharisee invited him to have lunch at his house. So Jesus accepted the invitation.
Good News TranslationWhen Jesus finished speaking, a Pharisee invited him to eat with him; so he went in and sat down to eat.
International Standard VersionAfter Jesus had said this, a Pharisee invited him to have a meal with him. So Jesus went and took his place at the table.
NET BibleAs he spoke, a Pharisee invited Jesus to have a meal with him, so he went in and took his place at the table.
New Heart English BibleNow as he spoke, a Pharisee asked him to dine with him. He went in, and sat at the table.
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd as he was speaking, a certain Pharisee besought him to dine with him: and he went in, and sat down to eat.
Weymouth New TestamentWhen He had thus spoken, a Pharisee invited Him to breakfast at his house; so He entered and took His place at table. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAs Jesus was speaking, a Pharisee invited Him to dine with him; so He went in and reclined at the table.
World English BibleNow as he spoke, a certain Pharisee asked him to dine with him. He went in and sat at the table. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd in [His] speaking, a certain Pharisee was asking Him that He might dine with him, and having gone in, He reclined,
Berean Literal BibleAnd as He was speaking, a Pharisee asked Him that He would dine with him. And having entered, He reclined.
Young's Literal Translation And in his speaking, a certain Pharisee was asking him that he might dine with him, and having gone in, he reclined (at meat),
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd in the speaking, a certain Pharisee asked him that he would dine with him: and having come in he reclined. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd as he was speaking, a certain Pharisee prayed him, that he would dine with him. And he going in, sat down to eat.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd as he was speaking, a certain Pharisee asked him to eat with him. And going inside, he sat down to eat.
New American BibleAfter he had spoken, a Pharisee invited him to dine at his home. He entered and reclined at table to eat.
New Revised Standard VersionWhile he was speaking, a Pharisee invited him to dine with him; so he went in and took his place at the table. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleWhile he spoke, a Pharisee asked him to dine with him; and he entered and reclined.
Aramaic Bible in Plain English“But while he was speaking, one Pharisee requested of him that he would dine with him, and he entered and reclined.” NT Translations Anderson New TestamentAnd as he spoke, a certain Pharisee asked him to dine with him. And he went in and reclined at table.
Godbey New TestamentAnd while He was speaking, a Pharisee asked Him, that He would dine with him: and having come in, He sat up at the table.
Haweis New TestamentNow as he was speaking, a certain Pharisee invited him to dine with him; and going in with him, he sat down.
Mace New TestamentWhile he was speaking, a Pharisee invited him to dine his house, where he went, and sat down at table.
Weymouth New TestamentWhen He had thus spoken, a Pharisee invited Him to breakfast at his house; so He entered and took His place at table.
Worrell New TestamentNow, as He spake, a Pharisee asks Him to dine with him; and, entering, He reclined at table.
Worsley New TestamentAnd as He spake, a certain pharisee asked Him to dine with him: and He went in and sat down at table.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Woes to Religious Leaders36So if your whole body is full of light, with no part of it in darkness, you will be radiant, as though a lamp were shining on you.” 37AsJesus was speaking,a PhariseeinvitedHimtodinewithhim;soHe went inand reclined at the table.38But the Pharisee was surprised to see that Jesus did not first wash before the meal.…
Cross References Matthew 23:25-26Woe 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. / Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, so that the outside may become clean as well.
Mark 7:1-5Then the Pharisees and some of the scribes who had come from Jerusalem gathered around Jesus, / and they saw some of His disciples eating with hands that were defiled—that is, unwashed. / Now in holding to the tradition of the elders, the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat until they wash their hands ceremonially. ...
Isaiah 29:13Therefore the Lord said: “These people draw near to Me with their mouths and honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. Their worship of Me is but rules taught by men.
Matthew 15:1-2Then some Pharisees and scribes came to Jesus from Jerusalem and asked, / “Why do Your disciples break the tradition of the elders? They do not wash their hands before they eat.”
Matthew 23:27-28Woe 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. / In the same way, on the outside you appear to be righteous, but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.
1 Samuel 16:7But 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.”
Matthew 23:23Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You pay tithes of mint, dill, and cumin. But you have disregarded the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.
Mark 12:38-40In His teaching Jesus also said, “Watch out for the scribes. They like to walk around in long robes, to receive greetings in the marketplaces, / and to have the chief seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. / They defraud widows of their houses, and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will receive greater condemnation.”
Matthew 23:5-7All their deeds are done for men to see. They broaden their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels. / They love the places of honor at banquets, the chief seats in the synagogues, / the greetings in the marketplaces, and the title of ‘Rabbi’ by which they are addressed.
Ezekiel 33:31So My people come to you as usual, sit before you, and hear your words; but they do not put them into practice. Although they express love with their mouths, their hearts pursue dishonest gain.
Matthew 6:1-2“Be careful not to perform your righteous acts before men to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. / So when you give to the needy, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. Truly I tell you, they already have their full reward.
Amos 5:21-24“I hate, I despise your feasts! I cannot stand the stench of your solemn assemblies. / Even though you offer Me burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them; for your peace offerings of fattened cattle I will have no regard. / Take away from Me the noise of your songs! I will not listen to the music of your harps. ...
Matthew 9:10-11Later, as Jesus was dining at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with Him and His disciples. / When the Pharisees saw this, they asked His disciples, “Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”
Hosea 6:6For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.
Matthew 12:38-39Then some of the scribes and Pharisees said to Him, “Teacher, we want to see a sign from You.” / Jesus replied, “A wicked and adulterous generation demands a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah.
Treasury of Scripture And as he spoke, a certain Pharisee sought him to dine with him: and he went in, and sat down to meat. Luke 7:36 And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee's house, and sat down to meat. Luke 14:1 And it came to pass, as he went into the house of one of the chief Pharisees to eat bread on the sabbath day, that they watched him. 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 For though I be free from allmen, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more… Jump to Previous BesoughtBreakfastDineEatEnteredEnteringFinishedHouseInvitedJesusMealMeatPhariseePlacedReclinedRequestSatSeatSpeakingTableTalkingJump to Next BesoughtBreakfastDineEatEnteredEnteringFinishedHouseInvitedJesusMealMeatPhariseePlacedReclinedRequestSatSeatSpeakingTableTalkingLuke 11 1.Jesus teaches us to pray, and that instantly;11.assuring us that God will give all good things to those who ask him.14.He, casting out a demon, rebukes the blasphemous Pharisees;27.and shows who are blessed;29.preaches to the people;37.and reprimands the outward show of holiness.As Jesus was speakingThis phrase indicates that Jesus was actively engaged in teaching or addressing a crowd. The context of His speaking often involved parables, teachings on the Kingdom of God, or rebukes of the religious leaders. This setting underscores the public nature of His ministry and His role as a teacher and prophet. a Pharisee invited Him to dine with him
Pharisees were a prominent religious group in Judaism known for their strict adherence to the Law and traditions. Inviting Jesus to dine was significant, as meals were important social and religious events. This invitation could have been an attempt to scrutinize Jesus or to engage Him in theological discussion. The Pharisees often opposed Jesus, but some were curious about His teachings. so He went in
Jesus' acceptance of the invitation demonstrates His willingness to engage with all people, including those who were often His critics. This action reflects His mission to reach out to sinners and those in need of spiritual guidance, as seen in His interactions with tax collectors and other marginalized groups. and reclined at the table
In the cultural context of the time, reclining at the table was a common practice during meals, especially formal ones. This posture indicates a level of intimacy and acceptance of the host's hospitality. It also sets the stage for the ensuing dialogue and teaching moments that often occurred during meals in Jesus' ministry, as seen in other Gospel accounts. Persons / Places / Events 1. JesusThe central figure of the New Testament, the Son of God, who is teaching and performing miracles throughout His ministry. 2. PhariseeA member of an influential religious sect in Judaism known for strict adherence to the Law and traditions. They often clashed with Jesus over interpretations of the Law and issues of the heart. 3. Dining EventA social gathering where Jesus is invited to share a meal, which was a common practice for fellowship and discussion in Jewish culture. Teaching Points Invitation to FellowshipJesus accepts invitations from all, including those who may oppose Him, demonstrating His openness to dialogue and relationship. Challenge of HypocrisyThe Pharisee's invitation sets the stage for Jesus to address the issue of hypocrisy, reminding us to examine our own hearts and motives. Cultural Context of MealsIn Jewish culture, sharing a meal was significant for building relationships. We should consider how we use our own meal times for fellowship and ministry. Openness to CorrectionJesus' willingness to dine with a Pharisee shows His readiness to engage with those who need correction. We should be open to receiving and giving correction in love. Focus on the HeartThe emphasis is on internal purity and righteousness rather than mere external compliance with religious norms. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Luke 11:37?
2.Why did Jesus dine with Pharisees despite their criticism of His practices?
3.How does Luke 11:37 challenge our understanding of outward religious rituals?
4.What Old Testament laws relate to the Pharisees' focus on ceremonial washing?
5.How can we ensure our faith prioritizes inner purity over external appearances?
6.In what ways can we practice hospitality without compromising our Christian values?
7.Why did Jesus dine with a Pharisee in Luke 11:37 despite their opposition to Him?
8.What does Luke 11:37 reveal about Jesus' approach to religious customs and traditions?
9.How does Luke 11:37 challenge our understanding of purity and cleanliness?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Luke 11?
11.In Luke 11:24–26, does the description of evil spirits roaming and returning contradict current psychological or medical understanding of mental disorders?
12.In Luke 11:42-52, how do we reconcile Jesus' strict criticism of religious leaders with other passages that affirm the divine origin and authority of the Law?
13.In Luke 11:31, is there credible historical evidence affirming that the Queen of the South recognized a divine wisdom comparable to, or foreshadowing, that of Jesus?
14.How many animals did Jesus ride into Jerusalem? One (Mark 11:7, Luke 19:35) or two (Matthew 21:7)?What Does Luke 11:37 Mean As Jesus was speaking“While Jesus was speaking…” (Luke 11:37) • Jesus is in mid-message, fresh from warning the crowds about seeking signs and calling them to the light (Luke 11:29-36). His words carry prophetic urgency. • Scripture pictures Him constantly teaching—truth flows from His mouth wherever He goes (Mark 10:1;Matthew 7:28-29). • The setting reminds us that divine opportunities often arise in the middle of everyday ministry moments.
a Pharisee invited Him“…a Pharisee invited Him…” • Pharisees were devoted to the Law, yet many opposed Jesus (Matthew 23:13). Still, individuals among them were curious (John 3:1-2;Luke 7:36). • An invitation from a Pharisee shows that Christ’s message reaches every social and religious group. No one is beyond His engagement (Acts 6:7). • Accepting such an invite demonstrates His fearless willingness to confront error face-to-face rather than avoid uncomfortable settings (Luke 14:1).
to dine with him“…to dine with him…” • Sharing a meal in biblical culture signified fellowship and acceptance (Genesis 18:1-8;Acts 10:28). • Jesus often used table fellowship to reveal hearts—calling sinners to repentance (Luke 5:29-32) and exposing hypocrisy among religious leaders (Luke 7:44-47). • By entering this Pharisee’s dining room, He turns an ordinary supper into a living classroom (Revelation 3:20).
so He went in“…so He went in…” • Christ’s response is immediate obedience to an open door (Colossians 4:3). • He models neighbor-love toward those who may later oppose Him, echoing His teaching to “do good to those who hate you” (Luke 6:27). • The Lord’s feet carry the gospel into any space where hearts can be reached—whether tax collector’s house (Matthew 9:10) or Pharisee’s home.
and reclined at the table“…and reclined at the table.” • Reclining was the customary posture for formal meals, symbolizing rest and intimacy (John 13:23;Luke 22:14). • Jesus is comfortable enough to lean back, indicating He intends to stay, speak, and listen; nothing about Him is hurried. • This posture foreshadows the searching conversation that will follow about inner purity versus outward ritual (Luke 11:38-44). The scene is set for truth to pierce polite religion.
summaryLuke 11:37 shows Jesus pausing His public teaching to accept a Pharisee’s dinner invitation. His willingness to sit at any table illustrates God’s open pursuit of every heart. The verse underscores Christ’s fearless ministry: He walks through any door, meets people where they are, and turns ordinary moments into opportunities for eternal truth. (37) A certain Pharisee besought him to dine with him.--On the act, and the feeling which it implied, see Note on Luke 7:36. The word translated "dine" implies a morning or noon-tide meal, as distinct from the supper of the evening. Verses 37-54. - In the Pharisee's house. The Lord's stern denunciation of the Pharisee teaching and life. The day was not far advanced, and the Master was probably weary and faint after the long and exciting discussion just related; taking advantage, probably, of this evident weariness, some of the Pharisee emissaries from the capital, to whose presence we have before alluded, suggested to one of their friends, who had a residence in the town where the events just related had taken place, that he should invite the Master to come in and rest awhile and partake of a repast. They wished, no doubt, to get him away from the fast increasing crowd, and, when alone with him, they hoped to entangle him in a fresh discussion, and entrap him into some statement which they would be enabled subsequently to make use of, when they formally accused him of heretical, blasphemous teaching. There is no doubt that at this period of his ministry a deep-laid plot had been formed to compass in some way or other the death of this Teacher, whose words and acts were beginning so deeply to compromise their position and influence in the nation.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek AsἘν(En)Preposition
Strong's 1722:In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.[Jesus] was speaking,λαλῆσαι(lalēsai)Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 2980:A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words.a PhariseeΦαρισαῖος(Pharisaios)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5330:Of Hebrew origin; a separatist, i.e. Exclusively religious; a Pharisean, i.e. Jewish sectary.invitedἐρωτᾷ(erōta)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2065:Apparently from ereo; to interrogate; by implication, to request.Himαὐτὸν(auton)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.toὅπως(hopōs)Conjunction
Strong's 3704:From hos and pos; what(-ever) how, i.e. In the manner that (as adverb or conjunction of coincidence, intentional or actual).dineἀριστήσῃ(aristēsē)Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 709:To breakfast, dine. From ariston; to take the principle meal.withπαρ’(par’)Preposition
Strong's 3844:Gen: from; dat: beside, in the presence of; acc: alongside of.him;αὐτῷ(autō)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.[so]δὲ(de)Conjunction
Strong's 1161:A primary particle; but, and, etc.He went inεἰσελθὼν(eiselthōn)Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1525:To go in, come in, enter. From eis and erchomai; to enter.[and] reclined at the table.ἀνέπεσεν(anepesen)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 377:From ana and pipto; to fall back, i.e. Lie down, lean back.
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NT Gospels: Luke 11:37 Now as he spoke a certain Pharisee (Luke Lu Lk) |
