Luke 16:15 Meaning: When Being Highly Esteemed Is Abomination
He said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves in the sight of men, but God knows your hearts. For that which is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God.
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, Ye are they that justify yourselves in the sight of men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God.
and he said to them, `Ye are those declaring yourselves righteous before men, but God doth know your hearts; because that which among men is high, is abomination before God;
And he said to them, Ye are they who justify themselves before men, but God knows your hearts; for what amongst men is highly thought of is an abomination before God.
Meaning in one sentence
Jesus warns that self-justification before people means nothing to God, who sees the heart. What people prize may be detestable to Him.
Context
Jesus has just told the parable of the dishonest steward and taught that no one can serve both God and money. The Pharisees, described as lovers of money, heard all this and scoffed at him. They thought their outward piety proved they were right with God. But Jesus turns directly to them and exposes the gap between appearances and reality. Their self-justification worked with human observers, but not with the One who sees straight into the heart. This verse sets up the contrast that runs through the rest of the chapter, including the story of the rich man and Lazarus.
Key Words
The Greek word translated justify (dikaioo) carries the sense of declaring or showing someone to be righteous. Here the Pharisees are doing it to themselves before other people. It is a performance: they manage their reputation rather than let God declare them righteous. The word for heart (kardia) in the New Testament means the whole inner life, thoughts, desires, intentions. The deep place where true character lives. God knows that place. And then comes the word abomination (bdelugma). In the Old Testament this word is used for idols and anything so foul it provokes God's disgust. So the outward holiness that people applaud can be, in God's sight, as repulsive as a pagan idol. That is how serious this self-justification is.
How Christians Read This Verse
Christian readers across traditions have understood this verse as a sober warning about hypocrisy. John Calvin used it to urge ministers not to be intimidated by scoffers, since God sees the hidden vices behind their proud resistance. Matthew Henry and the Geneva Bible point out that the Pharisees trusted in the admiration of others while covetousness ruled their hearts. Adam Clarke notes that they tried to reconcile God and money while claiming to be holy. Though the commentators differ in application, all agree that Jesus is calling us to care more about the verdict of the heart-knowing God than about the applause of people.
A common misunderstanding
Some think Jesus is saying that anything admired by human beings is automatically evil. In fact, as Barnes points out, virtues like honesty, love for family, and hard work are good whether or not people applaud them. The verse targets the specific kind of exaltation that flows from self-justification and hypocrisy, the sins of people who appear religious while their hearts are set on wealth and pride.
Living This Out
Think about a time this week when you wanted someone to think well of you. Maybe you posted something that showed your faith, or you helped out at church. That desire itself is not wrong. But what was underneath? Did you care more about their approval than about being honest before God? The verse asks you to stop and ask: Who am I trying to impress? You can do the same good action, but from a different place. Let God see a heart that wants His approval more than anyone else's.
Main takeaway: God sees past our polished appearances and weighs the true motives of our hearts.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
God sees your heart even when no one else does. When you do something good, He knows if you did it to help or to impress. Let's ask Him to help us be real with Him.
For ages 9, 12
The Pharisees looked holy on the outside, but inside they loved money and wanted people to praise them. Jesus said God knows what is really in our hearts. So when you serve at church or share your faith, check your motive: are you doing it for God or just to look good? God sees the truth, and He loves a humble heart.
Questions People Ask
What does it mean to 'justify yourselves before men'?
It means trying to appear righteous to others. The Pharisees did this by keeping up a show of devotion while their hearts were far from God. It is managing a reputation rather than seeking true righteousness from God.
What kind of exaltation is an abomination to God?
It is the regard that comes from hypocrisy and self-righteousness, especially when it hides covetousness and pride. Not all praise from people is bad, but the kind that is built on pretending to be holy while loving sin is an abomination.
Does this verse mean everything people praise is evil?
No. Honesty, kindness, and hard work are good and often rightly praised. Jesus is targeting the specific sin of wearing a mask of piety while the heart is set on money and status. The problem is the gap between appearance and reality.
How can I know if my heart is right with God?
Ask the One who knows your heart to search it. Look honestly at your motives, especially when no one is watching. If you find yourself more worried about human opinion than about God's approval, that is a place to bring to Him in prayer.
For pastors & researchers
Greek interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study