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Luke 20

And it came to pass, that on one of those days, as he taught the people in the temple, and preached the gospel, the chief priests and the scribes came upon him with the elders,

And spake unto him, saying, Tell us, by what authority doest thou these things? or who is he that gave thee this authority?

And he answered and said unto them, I will also ask you one thing; and answer me:

The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men?

And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then believed ye him not?

But and if we say, Of men; all the people will stone us: for they be persuaded that John was a prophet.

And they answered, that they could not tell whence it was.

And Jesus said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.

Then began he to speak to the people this parable; A certain man planted a vineyard, and let it forth to husbandmen, and went into a far country for a long time.

And at the season he sent a servant to the husbandmen, that they should give him of the fruit of the vineyard: but the husbandmen beat him, and sent him away empty.

And again he sent another servant: and they beat him also, and entreated him shamefully, and sent him away empty.

And again he sent a third: and they wounded him also, and cast him out.

Then said the lord of the vineyard, What shall I do? I will send my beloved son: it may be they will reverence him when they see him.

But when the husbandmen saw him, they reasoned among themselves, saying, This is the heir: come, let us kill him, that the inheritance may be ours.

So they cast him out of the vineyard, and killed him. What therefore shall the lord of the vineyard do unto them?

He shall come and destroy these husbandmen, and shall give the vineyard to others. And when they heard it, they said, God forbid.

And he beheld them, and said, What is this then that is written, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner?

Whosoever shall fall upon that stone shall be broken; but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.

And the chief priests and the scribes the same hour sought to lay hands on him; and they feared the people: for they perceived that he had spoken this parable against them.

And they watched him, and sent forth spies, which should feign themselves just men, that they might take hold of his words, that so they might deliver him unto the power and authority of the governor.

And they asked him, saying, Master, we know that thou sayest and teachest rightly, neither acceptest thou the person of any, but teachest the way of God truly:

Is it lawful for us to give tribute unto Caesar, or no?

But he perceived their craftiness, and said unto them, Why tempt ye me?

Shew me a penny. Whose image and superscription hath it? They answered and said, Caesar's.

And he said unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar's, and unto God the things which be God's.

And they could not take hold of his words before the people: and they marvelled at his answer, and held their peace.

Then came to him certain of the Sadducees, which deny that there is any resurrection; and they asked him,

Saying, Master, Moses wrote unto us, If any man's brother die, having a wife, and he die without children, that his brother should take his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother.

There were therefore seven brethren: and the first took a wife, and died without children.

And the second took her to wife, and he died childless.

And the third took her; and in like manner the seven also: and they left no children, and died.

Last of all the woman died also.

Therefore in the resurrection whose wife of them is she? for seven had her to wife.

And Jesus answering said unto them, The children of this world marry, and are given in marriage:

But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage:

Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection.

Now that the dead are raised, even Moses shewed at the bush, when he calleth the Lord the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.

For he is not a God of the dead, but of the living: for all live unto him.

Then certain of the scribes answering said, Master, thou hast well said.

And after that they durst not ask him any question at all.

And he said unto them, How say they that Christ is David's son?

And David himself saith in the book of Psalms, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,

Till I make thine enemies thy footstool.

David therefore calleth him Lord, how is he then his son?

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

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;

Which devour widows' houses, and for a shew make long prayers: the same shall receive greater damnation.

What does Luke 20:46 mean?

Explanation

Luke 20:46 is a verse where Jesus cautions His listeners about the scribes of His time.

This verse underlines Jesus' criticism of the scribes' ostentatious behavior and attitude, examining their actions both in public and spiritual contexts.

The scribes desired to display their importance and social status through their attire, demanding respect in public places and vying for the most prestigious positions in religious and social gatherings.

In essence, Jesus was warning against the pride, hypocrisy, and self-promotion that the scribes embodied.

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Historical Context

During the time when this verse was written, scribes were individuals intricately familiar with Jewish laws and religious texts.

They played a key role in teaching and interpreting the law of Moses.

Being well educated, they often held positions of power and prestige in society.

Their role in drafting legal documents, copying scriptures, and teaching made them influential figures in Jewish religious life.

Their visibility was heightened in various social settings, including the marketplace, synagogues, and feasts.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse illustrates Jesus’ consistent message against pride and hypocrisy, particularly when expressed by religious leaders.

Various teachings call for humility, servant leadership, and authenticity in faith practices rather than public displays of piety for personal gain (Matthew 23:12).

In essence, Jesus' message demonstrated that God values humility and integrity over the outward displays that were characteristic of the scribes' behaviors described in the verse.

Practical Applications

The verse can be mirrored in today's context by examining the attitudes and behaviors of religious and community leaders, as well as individuals.

It serves as a reminder to seek humility and genuine faith expressions rather than positions of honor or the desire for recognition.

The teachings encourage people to avoid being misled by external appearances and to discern the true character and intentions of leaders and those in influential positions.

Cross-References

Matthew 23:5-6: "But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues,"
Mark 12:38-39: "And he said unto them in his doctrine, Beware of the scribes, which love to go in long clothing, and love salutations in the marketplaces, And the chief seats in the synagogues, and the uppermost rooms at feasts:"
James 4:6: "But he giveth more grace.

Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble."

Language Study

The key words in the original Greek text to consider are:

"Scribes" (γραμματεῖς, grammateis): Refers to Jewish legal experts and teachers of the Law.
"Long robes" (στολαὶς, stolais): Connotes long, flowing garments that indicated status and respect.
"Greetings" (ἀσπασμούς, aspasmous): Refers to respectful salutations that were expected in the public spaces by individuals of high social standing.
"Highest seats" (πρωτοκαθεδρίας, protokathedrias): Indicates the prominent seats reserved for honored guests, reflecting status in the synagogue.
"Chief rooms" (πρωτοκλισίας, protoklisias): The places of honor at feasts, representing social hierarchy and honor at banquets.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many ancient cultures, including Greek and Roman societies, there was a preoccupation with social status and public honor.

This can be compared with the scribes' behavior in seeking recognition and admiration through visible symbols of status.

In other religious traditions, leaders and holy men often were ascribed honor due to their spiritual knowledge or ascetic practices.

In contrast, the scribes were criticized not for their knowledge, but for their pride and misuse of their positions.

Scientific Perspectives

While this verse does not directly intersect with scientific understandings, social psychology may offer insights into the human behaviors of seeking status, respect, and recognition.

These are common features of human social structures, and the desire for prestige can be a powerful motivator for behavior, as the scribes exhibit.

From the standpoint of evolutionary psychology, status can influence mate selection, resource acquisition, and social alliances.

Commentaries

Commentaries on Luke 20:46 often emphasize Jesus' rebuke of the scribes' superficial religiosity and their lack of genuine piety.

For instance, the Matthew Henry Commentary decries the hypocrisy of the scribes' actions, contrasting it with what is expected of true followers of God.

The Pulpit Commentary suggests that Jesus is warning His disciples not to mistake outward appearances for true righteousness.

Similarly, John Calvin's Commentary argues that Jesus is calling for humility in His followers and chastising those who seek glory from men rather than God.

Luke 20

Luke 20

What does Luke 20:46 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Luke 20:46 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?