Strong’s Greek 1787 spotlights the sphere that is “inside, within,” directing attention from outward forms to inward realities. Its two New Testament appearances frame a penetrating contrast between external religiosity and internal transformation, while anchoring Jesus’ teaching on the present, spiritual nature of the kingdom of God.

Occurrences in Scripture

1. Matthew 23:26 – “Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, so that its outside may become clean as well.”
2. Luke 17:21 – “Nor will people say, ‘Look, here it is,’ or ‘There it is.’ For behold, the kingdom of God is in your midst.”

Interior Versus Exterior Righteousness

• Matthew 23:26 turns a routine act—washing tableware—into a moral parable. The “inside” that must be cleansed represents the hidden motives of the heart. Jesus’ rebuke exposes hypocrisy: elaborate ceremonial washings were meaningless while greed and self-indulgence festered within.
• The verse does not abolish concern for visible conduct (“outside”); instead, it insists that genuine inward purity inevitably reforms outward behavior. This anticipates later apostolic teaching that true holiness flows “from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and a sincere faith” (1 Timothy 1:5).

The Present Reality of the Kingdom

• In Luke 17:21 Jesus corrects expectations of a political spectacle. By affirming the kingdom as ἐντός, He reveals it to be presently operative wherever God reigns in the inner life of believers and in their gathered fellowship (“in your midst”).
• This inward kingdom theme resonates with Jeremiah 31:33, “I will put My law within them,” and Romans 14:17, “the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.”

Historical Context

First-century Judaism placed high value on ritual purity. Pharisaic tradition multiplied washings, yet prophets had long urged heart-level fidelity (Isaiah 29:13; Micah 6:6-8). Jesus stands in that prophetic line, applying ἐντός to expose the gap between appearance and actuality. In Luke, His words answer eschatological speculation simmering under Roman rule; revolutionary expectations are redirected toward spiritual allegiance.

Ministry Implications

• Personal discipleship: Self-examination and repentance must precede any effort to reform external habits.
• Preaching and teaching: Proclaim the kingdom as both present and future, emphasizing transformation of the inner person through the gospel.
• Counseling and pastoral care: Address root issues—idolatry, unbelief, pride—rather than merely surface symptoms.
• Corporate worship: Encourage practices that engage the heart—confession, Scripture meditation, Spirit-led prayer—so that liturgy reflects inner devotion.

Related Biblical Themes

• Heart purity – Psalm 51:10; Matthew 5:8
• Indwelling Spirit – John 14:17; 1 Corinthians 3:16
• Integrity – Proverbs 4:23; James 1:27
• Hypocrisy exposed – Isaiah 1:11-17; Matthew 6:1-6

Summary

Strong’s Greek 1787 serves as a concise reminder that God’s primary concern is the condition of what lies “within.” Whether confronting hypocritical religion or unveiling the hidden kingdom, Scripture consistently moves the focus from mere appearances to authentic, Spirit-wrought holiness that begins inside and flows out in visible righteousness.