Luke 11:39 (KJV) states, "And the Lord said unto him, Now do ye Pharisees make clean the outside of the cup and the platter; but your inward part is full of ravening and wickedness."

This verse from the Gospel of Luke is part of a larger discourse in which Jesus rebukes the Pharisees for their hypocrisy and lack of true righteousness. In this specific passage, Jesus is addressing the Pharisees' outward display of religious piety and their neglect of their inner moral and spiritual state.

The term "Pharisees" refers to a Jewish sect that was known for their strict adherence to the Mosaic law and their outward display of religious devotion. They were highly esteemed by the people as religious leaders and teachers of the law. However, Jesus often criticized the Pharisees for their hypocrisy and failure to live up to the true spirit of the law.

In this verse, Jesus uses the metaphor of cleaning the outside of a cup and platter to illustrate the Pharisees' hypocrisy. He acknowledges that they are meticulous in maintaining the outward appearance of righteousness, but their inner being is full of greed and wickedness. This metaphorical language is meant to emphasize the importance of inner purity and moral character, as opposed to mere external observance of religious rituals and traditions.

The context of this verse is important in understanding its significance. In the preceding verses, Jesus condemns the Pharisees for their hypocrisy and lack of true righteousness. He critiques their obsession with externals, such as tithing and ceremonial cleanliness, while neglecting matters of justice, love, and mercy. This passage is part of a broader theme in the Gospel of Luke, in which Jesus challenges the religious leaders of his time and calls for a deeper, more sincere expression of faith.

One of the key themes in this verse is the contrast between outward appearance and inner reality. Jesus is highlighting the danger of focusing solely on external religious practices, while neglecting the state of one's heart and character. This warning is relevant not only to the Pharisees of Jesus' time but to all people who may be tempted to prioritize religious rituals over genuine moral and spiritual transformation.

The verse also addresses the issue of hypocrisy, which is a recurring theme in the teachings of Jesus. By condemning the Pharisees for their outward show of righteousness while harboring wickedness within, Jesus is calling attention to the discrepancy between public image and internal reality. This serves as a powerful reminder for all believers to strive for authenticity and consistency in their faith.

Symbolism plays a significant role in this passage, particularly through the imagery of the cup and platter. The cleansing of these objects serves as a metaphor for the external practices of religion, which can be meticulously maintained while the inner being remains corrupted. The contrast between the outwardly clean vessel and the inward wickedness serves as a powerful symbol of the tension between appearance and reality, a tension that Jesus seeks to address and resolve in his teachings.

In conclusion, Luke 11:39 (KJV) contains a profound message about the importance of inner purity and authenticity in the practice of faith. By critiquing the Pharisees for their hypocrisy and emphasis on external righteousness, Jesus challenges believers to seek a deeper, more sincere expression of devotion to God. This verse serves as a cautionary reminder about the dangers of focusing solely on external appearances and rituals, while neglecting the moral and spiritual state of one's heart. It calls for a consistent and genuine alignment between outward actions and inner character, urging believers to pursue true righteousness in both word and deed.