What is the meaning of Luke 11:42?

Woe to you Pharisees!

Jesus opens with a strong word—“Woe”—a warning of coming judgment.

• This echoes earlier prophetic rebukes where “woe” signaled God’s displeasure with hypocrisy (Isaiah 5:20; Amos 5:18).

• By addressing the Pharisees—religious leaders renowned for outward piety—He exposes the danger of hiding sin behind spiritual reputation (Matthew 23:13).

• The warning is loving as well as stern: God disciplines those He loves (Hebrews 12:6).

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For you pay tithes of mint, rue, and every herb

Jesus acknowledges their meticulous tithing—even down to garden spices.

• Tithing was commanded under the Law (Leviticus 27:30; Deuteronomy 14:22), and the Pharisees took it to the smallest detail.

• Such precision looked impressive, yet it became a point of pride (Matthew 6:1).

• Their practice shows that obedience in small things matters; God sees every act of faithfulness (Luke 16:10).

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but you disregard justice and the love of God

Here is the heart of the rebuke.

• “Justice” speaks of fair, compassionate treatment of others (Micah 6:8; Zechariah 7:9-10).

• “Love of God” refers to genuine devotion that flows into loving people (Deuteronomy 6:5; 1 John 4:20-21).

• The Pharisees’ focus on minor rules blinded them to the weightier calls of mercy, fairness, and heartfelt relationship with God (Hosea 6:6).

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You should have practiced the latter without neglecting the former

Jesus balances the equation.

• He affirms the value of tithing—“without neglecting”—so faithful giving remains good (Malachi 3:10).

• Yet He insists that justice and love are indispensable, the “greater matters” (Matthew 23:23).

• Real obedience keeps both: external acts and internal motives, mirroring Christ’s own fulfillment of the Law and Prophets (Matthew 5:17).

• Practical application:

– Give generously, but also treat coworkers, neighbors, and family with fairness.

– Serve at church, yet examine whether love for God and people fuels the service (1 Corinthians 13:1-3).

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summary

Luke 11:42 confronts selective obedience. Jesus honors faithful tithing, yet warns that meticulous religion without justice and love invites judgment. True disciples hold both together—outward acts of obedience and inward devotion that shows up in mercy toward others.