Luke 20 46

Luke 20:46 kjv

Beware of the scribes, which desire to walk in long robes, and love greetings in the markets, and the highest seats in the synagogues, and the chief rooms at feasts;

Luke 20:46 nkjv

"Beware of the scribes, who desire to go around in long robes, love greetings in the marketplaces, the best seats in the synagogues, and the best places at feasts,

Luke 20:46 niv

"Beware of the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and love to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets.

Luke 20:46 esv

"Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and love greetings in the marketplaces and the best seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at feasts,

Luke 20:46 nlt

"Beware of these teachers of religious law! For they like to parade around in flowing robes and love to receive respectful greetings as they walk in the marketplaces. And how they love the seats of honor in the synagogues and the head table at banquets.

Luke 20 verses

Luke 20 46 Meaning

This verse serves as a crucial warning from Jesus to His disciples concerning the religious leaders, specifically the scribes, whom He identifies as exhibiting behaviors rooted in pride and a desire for public recognition. It highlights their fondness for ostentatious displays, seeking social honor through distinct attire, prominent greetings in public places, and preferential seating in both synagogues and at social gatherings. The underlying message exposes hypocrisy, emphasizing that true devotion is not found in outward show or the pursuit of human praise, but in inner humility and service.

Luke 20 46 Context

Luke 20:46 is part of Jesus’ final public teaching in the Temple precincts during the Passion Week, immediately preceding His discourse on the widow's offering and the end times. In the preceding verses (Luke 20:1-45), Jesus has skillfully navigated a series of challenges to His authority and doctrine by various Jewish religious leaders—chief priests, scribes, elders, Pharisees, and Sadducees. He silenced His opponents by answering questions about His authority (Lk 20:1-8), the tenants (Lk 20:9-19), paying taxes to Caesar (Lk 20:20-26), and the resurrection (Lk 20:27-40). He then challenged them with a question about the Messiah (Lk 20:41-44). Having demonstrated their spiritual blindness and hypocrisy through these encounters, Jesus now turns to His disciples, warning them directly about the character and motivations of these religious authorities, thereby protecting His followers from being led astray by superficial piety.

Historically and culturally, Judea in the 1st century AD placed significant emphasis on honor and status. Scribes (γραμματεῖς, grammateis) were respected scholars of the Law, interpreters of Scripture, and often civil officials. They held considerable influence and power, often aligning with the Pharisees. Public spaces like marketplaces (ἀγοραί, agorai) were vital hubs for social interaction, commerce, and public life, where social hierarchy was openly displayed through greetings and respectful address. Similarly, synagogues (συναγωγαί, synagōgai) were not only places of worship but also community centers where seating arrangements often reflected social standing. Prominent positions (πρωτοκαθεδρίας, protokathedrias) were reserved for the most respected members. Feasts (πρωτοκλισίας, protoklisias), being important social events, also followed strict protocols for seating, with the highest-ranking individuals receiving the "best places." Long robes (στολαί, stolais) were formal garments signifying status, wealth, or profession, setting these figures apart from common people. Jesus’ warning is a direct polemic against this prevailing "honor culture" when it infiltrated sacred spaces and the very heart of religious practice, demonstrating that the pursuit of earthly honor was at odds with genuine reverence for God.

Luke 20 46 Word analysis

• Beware (προσέχετε, prosechete): An imperative verb meaning "pay attention," "take heed," or "be on your guard." It implies a necessary vigilance and caution against potential harm or deception, highlighting the spiritual danger posed by the scribes' conduct.
• of the scribes (τῶν γραμματέων, tōn grammateōn): Refers to a professional class of educated Jewish men who served as interpreters, copyists, and teachers of the Torah. They were revered for their knowledge of the Law and often held positions of influence, acting as legal experts and judges. Jesus' criticism is not of their office per se, but of the specific behavior and heart attitude displayed by many within this group.
• who desire (τῶν θελόντων, tōn thelontōn): Indicates a conscious preference, a deliberate liking, or a strong inclination. It's not accidental behavior but a cherished ambition.
• to walk (περιπατεῖν, peripatein): Literally "to walk," but often used metaphorically in the New Testament to mean "to conduct one's life," "to live," or "to behave." Here, it describes their lifestyle and demeanor.
• in long robes (ἐν στολαῖς, en stolais): Stolai (singular stolē) were elaborate, flowing outer garments, often worn by people of high status, particularly scholars, priests, or nobility, for formal occasions. They conveyed authority, dignity, and religious piety, serving as a visual marker of their esteemed position. The desire to "walk in" them highlights a concern for public appearance and the honor associated with their attire.
• love (ἀγαπώντων, agapontōn): A participle of agapaō, "to love." In this context, it denotes a deep fondness for and pursuit of these things, revealing a misdirected heart. Their "love" is for worldly recognition, not for God or true righteousness.
• greetings (ἀσπασμοὺς, aspasmous): Formal public salutations, signs of respect, and recognition exchanged in marketplaces or other public forums. To be publicly greeted by others was a mark of honor and social standing.
• in the marketplaces (ἐν ταῖς ἀγοραῖς, en tais agorais): Public squares or forums, which were the centers of community life, trade, and social interaction. Seeking greetings here meant seeking recognition in the most visible and bustling public spaces.
• the best seats (πρωτοκαθεδρίας, protokathedrias): Literally "first seats." These were the seats of honor or prominence in a formal setting, particularly in the synagogue, usually closest to the Torah ark or the front of the congregation, where esteemed teachers or leaders would sit.
• in the synagogues (ἐν ταῖς συναγωγαῖς, en tais synagōgais): The Jewish places of worship, study, and community gathering. The desire for prominent seating here points to seeking spiritual or religious prestige rather than humbly worshipping God.
• and the best places at feasts (καὶ τὰς πρωτοκλισίας ἐν τοῖς δείπνοις, kai tas protoklisias en tois deipnois): Protoklisias are the "first places for reclining" at a formal dinner or banquet. Diners reclined on couches arranged in a U-shape, and the "best place" was the most honored position, signifying the highest guest or host. The scribes' desire for such positions at social events underscores their consistent pursuit of honor across all societal interactions, both sacred and secular.

Luke 20 46 Bonus section

This warning is not a condemnation of scribes or religious leaders as a whole, but specifically targets their specific prideful attitudes and hypocritical behaviors. Jesus repeatedly taught against this type of spiritual narcissism throughout His ministry, contrasting it with the true nature of God's Kingdom, where greatness is found in humble service (Mk 9:35; Mt 20:26-28). The phrase "beware of" (προσέχετε, prosechete) implies not only observing their actions but guarding oneself against their negative influence and avoiding their pitfalls, even within one's own heart. This verse therefore carries both a judgmental tone toward the scribes and a pastoral caution for Jesus' disciples to cultivate a spirit of humility and inner righteousness rather than outward display. It underlines the importance of internal spiritual condition over external religious adherence or social standing.

Luke 20 46 Commentary

Luke 20:46 serves as a powerful and timeless indictment by Jesus against religious hypocrisy and superficiality. It reveals that the danger is not in wearing certain clothes or receiving respect, but in the heart's intention: actively desiring and loving human recognition and prestige. The scribes, as learned religious leaders, should have exemplified humility and genuine devotion to God; instead, many used their sacred office to inflate their social status. Their "long robes" were not simply attire but symbols leveraged for public display; "greetings in the marketplaces" became a performance of reverence rather than genuine respect; and "best seats" in both synagogues and at feasts betrayed a craving for prominence over piety.

This verse lays bare the human tendency to seek praise from men rather than from God, turning religious practice into a means of self-exaltation. It foreshadows Jesus' ultimate rejection by these same authorities, whose values of power and external show fundamentally clashed with His message of servant leadership and internal transformation. The warning remains pertinent: any form of spiritual performance driven by a desire for personal glory or public acclaim is antithetical to the Kingdom of God and is a perilous path for leaders and followers alike.

For practical usage, one might reflect on:

• Do our acts of charity or prayer seek an audience or commendation?
• Do we subtly choose visible roles in ministry for the recognition it brings?
• Are we more concerned with our reputation within the church or community than with our character before God?