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 when they had eaten them up, it could not be known that they had eaten them; but they were still ill-favored, as at the beginning. So I awoke.
And thou shalt take all the fat that covereth the inwards, and the caul upon the liver, and the two kidneys, and the fat that is upon them, and burn them upon the altar.
Also thou shalt take of the ram the fat, and the fat tail, and the fat that covereth the inwards, and the caul of the liver, and the two kidneys, and the fat that is upon them, and the right thigh (for it is a ram of consecration),
And he shall offer of the sacrifice of peace-offerings an offering made by fire unto Jehovah; the fat that covereth the inwards, and all the fat that is upon the inwards,
And he shall offer of the sacrifice of peace-offerings an offering made by fire unto Jehovah; the fat thereof, the fat tail entire, he shall take away hard by the backbone; and the fat that covereth the inwards, and all the fat that is upon the inwards,
And he shall offer thereof his oblation, even an offering made by fire unto Jehovah; the fat that covereth the inwards, and all the fat that is upon the inwards,
And all the fat of the bullock of the sin-offering he shall take off from it; the fat that covereth the inwards, and all the fat that is upon the inwards,
And the skin of the bullock, and all its flesh, with its head, and with its legs, and its inwards, and its dung,
And he shall offer of it all the fat thereof: the fat tail, and the fat that covereth the inwards,
And he presented the ram of the burnt-offering: and Aaron and his sons laid their hands upon the head of the ram.
And he washed the inwards and the legs with water; and Moses burnt the whole ram upon the altar: it was a burnt-offering for a sweet savor: it was an offering made by fire unto Jehovah; as Jehovah commanded Moses.
And he stretched himself upon the child three times, and cried unto Jehovah, and said, O Jehovah my God, I pray thee, let this child's soul come into him again.
Who hath put wisdom in the inward parts? Or who hath given understanding to the mind?
For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; Their inward part is very wickedness; Their throat is an open sepulchre; They flatter with their tongue.
O let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end, but establish thou the righteous: For the righteous God trieth the minds and hearts.
Examine me, O Jehovah, and prove me; Try my heart and my mind.
Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts; And in the hidden part thou wilt make me to know wisdom.
They only consult to thrust him down from his dignity; They delight in lies; They bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly. Selah
They search out iniquities; We have accomplished,'say they , a diligent search: And the inward thought and the heart of every one is deep.
The words of a whisperer are as dainty morsels, And they go down into the innermost parts.
The spirit of man is the lamp of Jehovah, Searching all his innermost parts.
Stripes that wound cleanse away evil; And strokes reach the innermost parts.
and if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul: then shall thy light rise in darkness, and thine obscurity be as the noonday;
But, O Jehovah of hosts, who judgest righteously, who triest the heart and the mind, I shall see thy vengeance on them; for unto thee have I revealed my cause.
But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith Jehovah: I will put my law in their inward parts, and in their heart will I write it; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people:
Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves.
Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but inwardly ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.
And he saith unto them, Are ye so without understanding also? Perceive ye not, that whatsoever from without goeth into the man, it cannot defile him;
And the Lord said unto him, Now ye the Pharisees cleanse the outside of the cup and of the platter; but your inward part is full of extortion and wickedness.
But give for alms those things which are within; and behold, all things are clean unto you.
And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends by means of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when it shall fail, they may receive you into the eternal tabernacles.
And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he that searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto each one of you according to your works.