And he said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God.
English Standard Version (ESV)
What's easy to miss is the sharp contrast between human and divine judgment: we "justify ourselves before men," appearing righteous outwardly, but God "knows our hearts" and sees beyond our performances, recognizing that what is "lofty" or highly valued by people is often an "abomination" to Him. This means our perceived status or achievements in the eyes of others can be completely opposite to God's assessment of our true inner state.
And he said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Immediately after Jesus tells the parable of the shrewd manager, the Pharisees, who are described as lovers of money, mock him. In response, Jesus turns his attention to them, calling out their hypocrisy: they present themselves as righteous before others, but God knows their true hearts and motivations. He then declares that what is exalted and admired by people is actually detestable to God.
Ever feel like you're putting on a show for others, trying to look good while wrestling with inner doubts? Jesus calls out this very tendency.
The Pharisees, who were listening in, had a habit of presenting a perfect outward appearance. They 'justify yourselves before men,' meaning they made themselves look righteous and acceptable in the eyes of other people.
What's the Danger?
This outward show isn't just a harmless act. It’s a dangerous deception because:
What’s celebrated by the world can sometimes be utterly rejected by God. How can this be?
Jesus drops a bombshell here: 'For what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God.' This isn't a small thing! It speaks to a radical difference between human values and God’s values.
The Abomination:
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Understand the original words
kardia · Greek Noun
The internal seat of human personality, encompassing the mind, will, and emotions. God is described as the one who searches and knows the true condition of this center.
hypsēlos · Greek Adjective
That which is highly esteemed, lifted up, or glorified by human standards. It is often contrasted with the humility required by God.
bdelygma · Greek Noun
Something that is detestable, loathsome, or morally repulsive to God. It specifically refers to things that violate God's holy character.
This verse arises from a direct confrontation between Jesus and the Pharisees, who, despite their outward piety, are revealed by Jesus to be inwardly covetous and self-justifying, a stark contrast to God's internal assessment.
c. 27-30 AD— this verse
Jesus' Ministry and Teaching
Jesus engages in public ministry, teaching, healing, and challenging the religious and political authorities, including the Pharisees.
c. 30 AD
The Pharisees' Opposition
The Pharisees, a prominent religious group known for their strict adherence to the Law and traditions, frequently oppose Jesus, questioning his teachings and actions.
c. 30 AD
Jesus' Parables on Wealth and Stewardship
Jesus tells parables like the Rich Man and Lazarus, and the Unjust Steward, often addressing themes of wealth, possessions, and faithfulness.
c. 30 AD
Jesus' Confrontation with Pharisees
In response to their criticism and a specific instance where the Pharisees, who were known to be covetous, derided him, Jesus directly confronts their hypocrisy.
This passage describes the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, directly illustrating the concept of self-justification before others versus true humility before God, which is the core of Luke 16:15.
Psalm 143:2This verse declares 'Enter not into judgment with your servant, for no living person is righteous before you,' underscoring the theme that human self-justification is insufficient in the sight of God, who knows our true hearts.
Matthew 23:25-26Jesus condemns the scribes and Pharisees for making the outside clean while the inside is full of greed and self-indulgence, mirroring Luke 16:15's contrast between outward appearance and inner reality known by God.
1 Samuel 16:7This verse states, 'The LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart,' which is a direct parallel to God's knowledge of hearts that men cannot see or judge.
Proverbs 16:5The proverb 'Everyone who is arrogant in heart is an abomination to the LORD; be assured that he will not be unpunished' connects the 'highly esteemed' or lofty things among men with God's detestation when pride is involved, echoing Luke 16:15's warning.
calvinLuke 16:1-15: "And he said also unto his disciples, There was a certain rich man, which had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods."
- And he said also to his disciples, There was a certain rich man who had a steward, and he was accused to him that he was wasting his estate. 2. And he called him, and said to him, What is this that I hear of thee? render an account of thy stewardship, for thou shalt no longer have it in thy power to be steward. 3. And the stew…
gillLuke 16:15: "And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God."
And he said unto them,.... That is, Jesus said unto them, as the Syriac and Persic versions express it: "ye are they which justify yourselves before men": from the sins of injustice, unfaithfulness, covetousness, and all others; and would be thought, and appear to be righteous; but it is only in the sig…
What's easy to miss is the sharp contrast between human and divine judgment: we "justify ourselves before men," appearing righteous outwardly, but God "knows our hearts" and sees beyond our performances, recognizing that what is "lofty" or highly valued by people is often an "abomination" to Him. This means our perceived status or achievements in the eyes of others can be completely opposite to God's assessment of our true inner state.
Immediately after Jesus tells the parable of the shrewd manager, the Pharisees, who are described as lovers of money, mock him. In response, Jesus turns his attention to them, calling out their hypocrisy: they present themselves as righteous before others, but God knows their true hearts and motivations. He then declares that what is exalted and admired by people is actually detestable to God.
Immediately after Jesus tells the parable of the shrewd manager, the Pharisees, who are described as lovers of money, mock him. In response, Jesus turns his attention to them, calling out their hypocrisy: they present themselves as righteous before others, but God knows their true hearts and motivations. He then declares that what is exalted and admired by people is actually detestable to God.
"And he said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God." — What's easy to miss is the sharp contrast between human and divine judgment: we "justify ourselves before men," appearing righteous outwardly, but God "knows our hearts" and sees beyond our performan…
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Last reviewed October 2026