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, a man could not perceive that they had eaten them: for they were still as evil favored as they were at the beginning. And I awoke.
and take all the fat that covereth the inwards, and the caul that is on the liver, and the two kidneys with the fat that is upon them: and burn them upon the altar.
Then take the fat of the ram and his rump 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 shoulder - for that ram is a full offering -
And they shall offer of the peace offering, to be a sacrifice unto the LORD: the fat that covereth the inwards and all the fat that is upon the inwards;
And of the peace offering they shall bring a sacrifice unto the LORD: the fat thereof, and the rump altogether, which they shall take off hard by the back bone: and the fat that covereth the inwards and all the fat that is upon the inwards,
And he shall bring thereof his offering unto the LORD's sacrifice: the fat that covereth the inwards and all the fat that is upon the inwards,
And he shall take away all the fat of the ox that is the sin offering: the fat that covereth the inwards and all the fat that is about them,
But the skin of the ox and all his flesh with his head, his legs, his inwards with his dung,
And all the fat thereof shall be offered: the rump and the fat that covered the inwards,
And he brought the ram of the burnt offering, and Aaron and his sons put their hands upon the head of the ram,
and washed the inwards and the legs in water, and burnt the ram every whit upon the altar. That was a burnt sacrifice of a sweet savour, and an offering unto the LORD, as the LORD commanded Moses.
And he stretched himself upon the lad three times, and called unto the LORD and said, "O LORD my God, let the lad's soul come into him again."
Who giveth sure wisdom or steadfast understanding?
For there is no faithfulness in their mouths; they dissemble in their hearts. Their throat is an open sepulchre; they flatter with their tongue.
O let the wickedness of the ungodly come to an end; but guide thou the just. For the righteous God trieth the very hearts and reins.
Examine me, O LORD, and prove me: try out my reins and my heart.
But lo, thou hast a pleasure in the truth, and hast showed me secret wisdom.
Their device is only how to put him out, whom God will exalt; their delight is in lies. They give good words with their mouth, but curse with their heart. Selah.
They imagine wickedness, and keep it secret among themselves; every man in the deep of his heart.
The words of a slanderer are very wounds, and go through unto the inmost parts of the body.
The lantern of the LORD is the breath of man; and goeth through all the inward parts of the body.
Wounds drive away evil; and so do stripes the inward parts of the body.
Yea If thou layest away thy burdens, and holdest thy fingers, and ceasest from blasphemous talking; if thou hast compassion upon the hungry, and refreshest the troubled soul: Then shall thy light spring out in the darkness, and thy darkness shall be as the noon day.
Therefore I will beseech thee now, O LORD of Hosts, thou righteous judge, thou that tryest the reins and the hearts: let me see the avenged of them, for unto thee have I committed my cause.
But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, sayeth the LORD: I will plant my law in the inward parts of them, and write it in their hearts, and will be their God, and they shall be my people.
"Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
So are ye, for outward ye appear righteous unto men, when within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.
and he said unto them, "Are ye so without understanding? Do ye not yet perceive, that whatsoever thing from without entereth into a man, it cannot defile him,
And the Lord said to him, "Now do ye, O Pharisees, make clean the outside of the cup, and of the platter: but your inward parts are full of ravening and wickedness.
Nevertheless, ye give alms of that ye have, and behold: all is clean to you.
And I say also unto you, Make you friends of the wicked mammon, that when ye shall have need they may receive you into everlasting habitations.
And I will kill her children with death. And all the congregations shall know that I am he which searches the reins and hearts. And I will give unto everyone of you according to your works.