Reference: Inwards, Inward Parts
Hastings
1. The former of these expressions is frequently found in English Version (Ex. and Lv.), meaning the entrails or bowels of the animals to be sacrificed according to the Levitical institutions (Ex 29:13,22; Le 3:3,9,14; 4:8,11; 7:3; 8:18,21 etc.). The same idea is found in Ge 41:21, where English Version has 'had eaten them up,' and Septuagint renders 'came into their belly' (see Authorized Version margin which gives the alternative 'had come to the inward parts of them'; cf. also 1Ki 17:21 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 (Ps 51:6), ethical knowledge, and moral renovation (Jer 31:33, where 'inward parts' is almost synonymous with 'heart,' cf. Pr 20:30). Here, too, lie hidden the springs of active wickedness (Ps 5:9), and deceitful language (Ps 62:4 Authorized Version margin). The power of deceiving as to character and motives comes from man's inherent ability to secrete, within the profound depths of the 'innermost parts,' his daily thoughts (Pr 18:8; cf. Ps 64:6). At the same time, these hidden designs are as an open book, beneath the bright light of a lamp, to the Lord (Pr 20:27; cf., for a similar thought, Ps 26:2; 7:9; Jer 11:20; Re 2:23 etc.).
2. In the NT the expression is used only to denote the power of the hypocrites to deceive their fellow-men (Lu 11:39; cf. Mt 7:15; 23:28). The curious phrase 'give for alms those things which are within' (Lu 11:41) may be taken as an incidental reference by Jesus to the necessity and the possibility of man's 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, CC International Critical Commentary, in loc.; cf. Mr 7:18 f., Lu 16:9). It is not enough to give alms mechanically; the gift must be accompanied by the spontaneous bestowal of the giver's self, as it were, to the receiver.
J. R. Willis.
See Verses Found in Dictionary
And they shall come into their belly, and they shall not know that they came into their belly; and evil of form as that in the beginning. And I shall awake.
And take all the fat of the covering upon the bowels, and the lobes upon the liver, and the two kidneys, and the fat that is upon them, and burn upon the altar.
And take from the ram the fat and the fat tail, and the fat covering the bowels, and the lobe of the liver, and the two kidneys, and the fat which is upon them, and the right leg, for it is a ram of fulness.
And he brought from the sacrifice of peace a sacrifice to Jehovah; the fat covering the bowels, and all the fat which is upon the bowels,
And he brought from the sacrifice of peace a sacrifice to Jehovah: its fat of, the whole fat tail, with the back bone, shall he take it away; and the fat covering the bowels, and all the fat which is upon the bowels,
And he brought from it his offering, a sacrifice to Jehovah; the fat covering the bowels, and all the fat which is upon the bowels,
And all the fat of the bullock of the sin, he shall lift up from it: the fat covering over the bowels, and all the fat which is upon the bowels.
And the skin of the bullock and all its flesh with its head and with its legs, and its bowels and its dung,
And he shall bring from it all its fat; the fat tail, and the fat covering the bowels,
And he will bring the ram of the burnt-offering: and Aaron and his sons will place their hands upon the head of the ram.
And the bowels and the legs he washed in water; and Moses will burn all the ram upon the altar: it is a burnt-offering for an odor of sweetness; it is a sacrifice to Jehovah; as Jehovah commanded Moses.
And he will measure upon the child three times, and he will call to Jehovah, and say, Jehovah my God wilt thou turn back now the soul of this child within his inner part?
Who put wisdom in the reins? or who gave understanding to the mind?
Not steadfast in his mouth; the midst of them mischiefs; their throat a grave opened; they will be smooth with their tongue,
Now shall the evil of the unjust come to an end; and thou wilt direct the just one: for the just God tried hearts and reins.
Prove me, O Jehovah, and try me; refine my reins and my heart
Behold, thou didst delight in truth in the reins, and in bidden things thou wilt cause me to know wisdom.
Surely they counseled to thrust down his lifting up: they will delight in falsehood: with their mouth they will praise, and in their inward parts they will curse. Silence.
They will search out iniquities; they completed a search searched out: and a man drew near, and a deep heart.
The words of the tale-bearer as dainty morsels, and they will go down to the chambers of the belly.
The light of Jehovah is the breath of man, searching all the chambers of the belly.
The joining of a wound will cleanse against evil: and blows the chambers of the belly.
And thou shalt give out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the humble soul; and thy light rising in darkness,, and thy thick darkness as the noon.
O Jehovah of armies, judging justice and trying the reins and the heart, I shall see thy vengeance from them, for to thee I uncovered my cause.
For this the covenant that I will cut out with the house of Israel: After those days, says Jehovah; I gave my law in the midst of them, and upon their heart will I write it; and I was to them for God, and they shall be to me for a people.
And hold from false prophets which come in to you in sheep's dresses, but within they are rapacious wolves.
So also ye without truly appear just to men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.
And he says, So are ye also without understanding? Do ye not perceive, that anything from without entering into a man, cannot pollute him
And the Lord said to him, Now ye Pharisees cleanse the outside of the cup and trencher; and your inside is full of plunder and wickedness.
But of the things being, give alms; and, behold, all things are clean to you.
And I say to you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of injustice; that, when ye fail, they might receive you into lasting tents.
And her children will I kill in death; and all the churches shall know that I am he searching the reins and hearts: and I will give to you each according to our works.