Word Pictures in the New Testament - David Cox

Word Pictures in the NT [Luke: Chapter 16]
nose (the subject of ridicule). These money-loving Pharisees were
quick to see that the words of Jesus about the wise use of money
applied to them. They had stood without comment the three
parables aimed directly at them (the lost sheep, the lost coin,
the lost son). But now they do not remain quiet while they hear
the fourth parable spoken to the disciples. No words were
apparently spoken, but their eyes, noses, faces were eloquent
with a fine disdain.
16:15 {That justify yourselves} (\hoi dikaiountes heautous\).
They were past-masters at that and were doing it now by upturned
noses. {An abomination in the sight of God} (\bdelugma en•pion
tou theou\). See on ¯Mt 24:15; Mr 13:14 for this LXX word for a
detestable thing as when Antiochus Epiphanes set up an altar to
Zeus in place of that to Jehovah. There is withering scorn in the
use of this phrase by Jesus to these pious pretenders.
16:16 {Entereth violently into it} (\eis aut•n biazetai\). A
corresponding saying occurs in Mt 11:12 in a very different
context. In both the verb \biazetai\, occurs also, but nowhere
else in the N.T. It is present middle here and can be middle or
passive in Matthew, which see. It is rare in late prose.
Deissmann (_Bible Studies_, p. 258) cites an inscription where
\biazomai\ is reflexive middle and used absolutely. Here the
meaning clearly is that everyone forces his way into the kingdom
of God, a plea for moral enthusiasm and spiritual passion and
energy that some today affect to despise.
16:17 {One tittle} (\mian kerean\). See on ¯Mt 5:18.
16:18 {Committeth adultery} (\moicheuei\). Another repeated
saying of Christ (Mt 5:32; Mr 10:11f.; Mt 19:9f.). Adultery
remains adultery, divorce or no divorce, remarriage or no
marriage.
16:19 {He was clothed} (\enedidusketo\). Imperfect middle of
\endidusk•\, a late intensive form of \endu•\. He clothed himself
in or with. It was his habit. {Purple} (\porphuran\). This purple
dye was obtained from the purple fish, a species of mussel or
\murex\ (1Macc. 4:23). It was very costly and was used for the
upper garment by the wealthy and princes (royal purple). They had
three shades of purple (deep violet, deep scarlet or crimson,
deep blue). See also Mr 15:17,20; Re 18:12. {Fine linen}
(\busson\). {Byssus} or Egyptian flax (India and Achaia also). It
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