Luke 20 45

Luke 20:45 kjv

Then in the audience of all the people he said unto his disciples,

Luke 20:45 nkjv

Then, in the hearing of all the people, He said to His disciples,

Luke 20:45 niv

While all the people were listening, Jesus said to his disciples,

Luke 20:45 esv

And in the hearing of all the people he said to his disciples,

Luke 20:45 nlt

Then, with the crowds listening, he turned to his disciples and said,

Luke 20 45 Cross References

VerseText (shortened)Reference (short note)
Mk 12:38Then He said to them in His teaching, “Beware of the scribes...”Direct parallel; same immediate context
Mt 23:1Then Jesus spoke to the multitudes and to His disciples, saying:Direct parallel; same audience focus
Mt 23:2-7"The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat... they love the best places..."Content of the warning in Luke 20:46-47
Mk 12:38-40"Beware of the scribes, who desire to go around in long robes..."Content of the warning, expanded in Mark
Lk 20:19And the chief priests and the scribes that very hour sought to lay hands on Him...Context of their animosity before this verse
Lk 20:41-44And He said to them, “How can they say that the Christ is David’s Son...?"Immediate preceding event, Jesus silences opponents
Jn 7:26But look! He speaks boldly, and they say nothing to Him...Jesus teaching boldly in public, unharmed
Jn 18:20Jesus answered him, "I spoke openly to the world. I always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where the Jews always meet..."Jesus' public, open teaching style
Lk 19:47And He was teaching daily in the temple...Consistent practice of Jesus in the Temple
Lk 21:37And at night He went out and stayed on the mount called Olivet. But early in the morning all the people came to Him in the temple to hear Him.Daily rhythm of teaching in the Temple courts
Pro 11:2When pride comes, then comes shame...Links to the pride of the scribes
Isa 29:13"Therefore the Lord said: 'Inasmuch as these people draw near with their mouths and honor Me with their lips, but have removed their hearts far from Me...'"Foretelling of hypocritical religious leaders
Mt 15:8-9'These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me...'"Jesus' denouncement of outward piety without inner truth
Rom 2:17-24Indeed you are called a Jew, and rest on the law... For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you...Self-righteousness and dishonor by religious elites
1 Cor 1:26-29For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called...God chooses the humble over the proud and outwardly wise
1 Tim 6:3-5If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words... from such withdraw yourself.Warning against teachers motivated by gain
2 Tim 3:1-5For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money... having a form of godliness but denying its power.Description of characteristics of false religious people
Acts 20:29-30For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock...Apostolic warning about dangerous spiritual leaders
Jer 2:28-29"But where are your gods that you have made for yourselves? Let them arise... For what do you contend with Me?"Challenges to corrupt spiritual guides
Eze 34:2-3"Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy and say to them, 'Thus says the Lord God to the shepherds: Woe to the shepherds of Israel who feed themselves! Should not the shepherds feed the flock?'"Judgment on leaders who exploit followers
Mic 3:5, 11Thus says the Lord concerning the prophets who make my people stray... Her priests teach for pay, And her prophets divine for money.Condemnation of corrupt spiritual guidance
2 Pet 2:1-3But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you... bringing destructive heresies.Forewarning against deceitful religious leaders

Luke 20 verses

Luke 20 45 Meaning

Luke 20:45 serves as a crucial transitional verse, signifying a shift in Jesus's address from silencing His various religious opponents to offering a direct, public warning to His disciples regarding the nature and behavior of the scribes, or teachers of the law. This declaration occurs in the full hearing of the common people, emphasizing the transparency and significance of the upcoming teaching. It highlights Jesus's authoritative role as the Divine Teacher who exposes hypocrisy and guides His followers towards genuine godliness.

Luke 20 45 Context

Luke 20:45 is strategically placed within Jesus's final week of ministry in Jerusalem, specifically within the Temple precincts. This verse immediately follows a series of challenging debates initiated by the religious authorities – the chief priests, scribes, Sadducees, and Pharisees. These debates (regarding Caesar's tribute, the resurrection, and David's Son) showcased Jesus's divine wisdom and effectively silenced His opponents, leaving them with no further questions. Having publicly disarmed His challengers, Jesus then pivots to directly address "all the people" and "His disciples." This shift underscores the significance of the impending teaching, moving from theological debate to a pastoral warning against the very leaders who had just tried to trap Him. It's a critical moment for His followers to discern true spiritual leadership from its corrupt imitation, which thrived on public displays and self-interest. The Temple setting ensures a wide audience for this pivotal message.

Luke 20 45 Word analysis

  • Then (Δέ - De): This is a transitional particle. It denotes a natural progression in the narrative, indicating that what follows is a direct consequence or next logical step after the preceding events, particularly Jesus's decisive triumph over His interlocutors.
  • in the hearing (ἀκούοντος - akouontos): From the verb "akouo," meaning "to hear, listen." The participle "akouontos" indicates that the action of hearing is ongoing, emphasizing that "all the people" were actively listening and present as Jesus spoke. It highlights the public and transparent nature of Jesus's discourse.
  • of all (παντὸς - pantos): Adjective meaning "all, every." It emphasizes the entirety and breadth of the assembled "people."
  • the people (τοῦ λαοῦ - tou laou): Refers to the common folk, the general populace, specifically the Jewish multitude present in the Temple courts. Unlike "ochlos" (crowd) which can be less specific, "laos" often carries the connotation of the chosen people, Israel, signifying a broader, national audience. This highlights the widespread witness to Jesus's teaching.
  • he said (εἶπεν - eipen): Simple aorist verb, meaning "he said." It's a straightforward and authoritative declaration, typical of Jesus's manner of teaching. There's no hesitation or question, just a direct statement.
  • to his (πρὸς τοὺς - pros tous): The preposition "pros" indicates direction, "to." It signifies a specific target audience for the message.
  • disciples (μαθητάς - mathētas): Refers to "learners, followers." While "all the people" heard, the teaching was specifically directed towards those who followed Him and sought to learn from Him. This implies a pastoral care, a warning specifically for those He was discipling.

Words-group analysis

  • "Then, in the hearing of all the people": This phrase emphasizes the public nature and authority of Jesus's teaching. Having decisively answered and silenced the challenging religious authorities, Jesus now turns to teach a broad audience. The common people, who often marvelled at His wisdom (Lk 20:26), were witnesses to both His intellectual superiority over the scribes and the subsequent warning about them. It prevents the scribes from later claiming Jesus spoke secretively or dishonestly.
  • "he said to his disciples": This clearly identifies the primary recipients of the message, though the crowd was present. The warning about the scribes that follows is not just general information but a direct instruction and safeguard for His followers. It teaches them discernment, particularly important as they would later face similar deceptive leadership within their own ministry contexts. Jesus prioritized the instruction of His core followers.
  • "in the hearing of all the people, he said to his disciples": This entire clause demonstrates Jesus's unique pedagogical approach. He teaches publicly, with transparent clarity, ensuring that everyone can hear and judge for themselves. Yet, within this public setting, He addresses a crucial warning specifically to His chosen learners. This dual audience indicates the widespread importance of the message for believers (disciples) and non-believers (the people) alike to understand the nature of genuine vs. hypocritical religious authority. It prepares the disciples for future discernment, and the general public for evaluating religious leaders based on character, not just outward appearance.

Luke 20 45 Bonus section

This verse subtly introduces the theme of spiritual discernment, which is critical for all believers. Jesus, by setting the stage for a public denunciation of religious leaders' character, teaches His disciples that true spiritual authority is demonstrated by humility, service, and righteousness, not by outward show, titles, or desire for recognition. The very timing, immediately after silencing His opponents, further amplified the weight and credibility of His upcoming warning, presenting Himself as the definitive spiritual guide against corrupt systems. It serves as a timeless principle: always evaluate spiritual leaders by their fruits and not just by their claims or public facade.

Luke 20 45 Commentary

Luke 20:45 acts as a pivot, transitioning Jesus from debate with His adversaries to pastoral instruction for His followers. After publicly outwitting the religious elite and exposing their spiritual bankruptcy, Jesus seizes the moment to offer a crucial warning. This public address, delivered to His disciples within the hearing of the entire crowd, underscores the authoritative nature of His teaching. The subsequent warning against the scribes' pride, love of public acclaim, and exploitative practices (Lk 20:46-47) is not a private lesson but a visible declaration. It guides His disciples towards true spiritual humility and servant leadership, contrasting it sharply with the self-serving, outward show of the scribes. It served as a call for discernment among believers and an exposure of hypocrisy for all to witness.