Inwards, Inward Parts
Inwards, Inward Parts
INWARDS, INWARD PARTS.1. The former of these expressions is frequently found in EV [Note: English Version.] (Ex. and Lv.), meaning the entrails or bowels of the animals to be sacrificed according to the Levitical institutions (Exo 29:13; Exo 29:22, Lev 3:3; Lev 3:9; Lev 3:14; Lev 4:8; Lev 4:11; Lev 7:3; Lev 8:18; Lev 8:21 etc.). The same idea is found in Gen 41:21, where EV [Note: English Version.] has had eaten them up, and LXX [Note: Septuagint.] renders came into their belly (see AVm [Note: Authorized Version margin.] which gives the alternative had come to the inward parts of them; cf. also 1Ki 17:21 AVm [Note: Authorized Version margin.] ). For the most part, however, the expression inward parts is used in a metaphorical sense, to denote the contrast between the inward reality and the outward clothing of human character. Situated within the inward parts is the capacity for wisdom (Job 38:36, see nevertheless EVm), truth (Psa 51:6), ethical knowledge, and moral renovation (Jer 31:33, where inward parts is almost synonymous with heart, cf. Pro 20:30). Here, too, lie hidden the springs of active wickedness (Psa 5:9), and deceitful language (Psa 62:4 AVm [Note: Authorized Version margin.] ). The power of deceiving as to character and motives comes from mans inherent ability to secrete, within the profound depths of the innermost parts, his daily thoughts (Pro 18:8; cf. Psa 64:6). At the same time, these hidden designs are as an open book, beneath the bright light of a lamp, to the Lord (Pro 20:27; cf., for a similar thought, Psa 26:2; Psa 7:9, Jer 11:20, Rev 2:23 etc.).
2. In the NT the expression is used only to denote the power of the hypocrites to deceive their fellow-men (Luk 11:39; cf. Mat 7:15; Mat 23:28). The curious phrase give for alms those things which are within (Luk 11:41) may be taken as an incidental reference by Jesus to the necessity and the possibility of mans inmost life being renewed and restored to a right relationship with God and men (cf. Isa 58:10). At least it is permissible to take the word rendered the things which are within as equivalent to the inward man, or the inward parts (see Plummer, ICC [Note: CC International Critical Commentary.] , in loc.; cf. Mar 7:18 f., Luk 16:9). It is not enough to give alms mechanically; the gift must be accompanied by the spontaneous bestowal of the givers self, as it were, to the receiver.
J. R. Willis.