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 you shall take all the fat that covers the entrails, and the fat that is above the liver, and the two kidneys, and the fat that is upon them, and burn them upon the altar.
Also you shall take of the ram the fat and the fat tail, and the fat that covers the entrails, and the fat above the liver, and the two kidneys, and the fat that is upon them, and the right shoulder; for it is a ram of consecration:
And he shall offer of the sacrifice of the peace offering an offering made by fire unto the LORD; the fat that covers the entrails, and all the fat that is upon the entrails,
And he shall offer of the sacrifice of the peace offering an offering made by fire unto the LORD; the fat, and the whole fat tail, it shall he take off close to the backbone; and the fat that covers the entrails, and all the fat that is upon the entrails,
And he shall offer his offering, even an offering made by fire unto the LORD; the fat that covers the entrails, and all the fat that is upon the entrails,
And he shall take off from it all the fat of the bullock for the sin offering; the fat that covers the entrails, and all the fat that is upon the entrails,
And the skin of the bullock, and all its flesh, with its head, and with its legs, and its entrails, and its dung,
And he shall offer of it all the fat thereof; the fat tail, and the fat that covers the entrails,
And he brought the ram for the burnt offering: and Aaron and his sons laid their hands upon the head of the ram.
And he washed the entrails and the legs in water; and Moses burned the whole ram upon the altar: it was a burnt sacrifice for a sweet aroma, and an offering made by fire unto the LORD; as the LORD commanded Moses.
And he stretched himself upon the child three times, and cried unto the LORD, and said, O LORD my God, I pray you, let this child's soul come into him again.
Who has put wisdom in the inward parts? or who has given understanding to the heart?
For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part is pure wickedness; their throat is an open sepulcher; they flatter with their tongue.
Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end; but establish the just: for the righteous God tests the minds and hearts.
Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my heart and my mind.
Behold, you desire truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part you shall make me to know wisdom.
They only consult to cast him down from his excellency: they delight in lies: they bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly. Selah.
They search out iniquities; they accomplish a diligent search: both the inward thought of every one of them, and the heart, are deep.
The words of a talebearer are like tasty morsels, and they go down into the innermost parts of the body.
The spirit of man is the lamp of the LORD, searching all the inner depths of the heart.
Blows of a wound cleanse away evil: as do stripes the inner depths of the heart.
And if you draw out your soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall your light rise in the darkness, and your darkness be as the noon day:
But, O LORD of hosts, who judges righteously, who tests the mind and the heart, let me see your vengeance on them: for unto you have I revealed my cause.
But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, says the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.
Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
Even so you also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within you are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.
And he said unto them, Are you so without understanding also? Do you not perceive, that whatsoever thing from outside enters into the man, it cannot defile him;
And the Lord said unto him, Now do you Pharisees make clean the outside of the cup and the platter; but your inward part is full of extortion and wickedness.
But rather give alms of such things as you have; 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 fails, they may receive you into everlasting habitations.
And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he who searches the minds and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.