Luke 11:45
Then answered one of the lawyers, and said unto him, Master, thus saying thou reproachest us also.
Original Language Analysis
Ἀποκριθεὶς
answered
G611
Ἀποκριθεὶς
answered
Strong's:
G611
Word #:
1 of 13
to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
νομικῶν
of the lawyers
G3544
νομικῶν
of the lawyers
Strong's:
G3544
Word #:
5 of 13
according (or pertaining) to law, i.e., legal (ceremonially); as noun, an expert in the (mosaic) law
λέγων
and said
G3004
λέγων
and said
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
6 of 13
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
αὐτῷ
unto him
G846
αὐτῷ
unto him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
7 of 13
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
λέγων
and said
G3004
λέγων
and said
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
10 of 13
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Historical Context
Lawyers (scribes) were professional Torah interpreters who copied Scripture, taught in synagogues, and served on the Sanhedrin. Their authority derived from mastery of written and oral law. While Pharisees were a religious party emphasizing Torah observance, lawyers were the scholarly class interpreting Torah. Many belonged to both groups.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you typically respond when convicted of sin—with defensive self-justification or humble repentance?
- What does this lawyer's objection to 'reproach' reveal about prioritizing reputation over righteousness?
- In what ways might you be more concerned about being exposed than about actual transformation?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Then answered one of the lawyers, and said unto him, Master, thus saying thou reproachest us also (Ἀποκριθεὶς δέ τις τῶν νομικῶν λέγει αὐτῷ, Διδάσκαλε, ταῦτα λέγων καὶ ἡμᾶς ὑβρίζεις)—a nomikos (lawyer, Torah scholar) interrupts Jesus's denunciation of Pharisees. The verb hubrizō (reproachest, insult) indicates personal offense. The lawyers (also called scribes) were professional Torah interpreters, often aligned with Pharisees. This lawyer recognizes that Jesus's critique applies equally to them—they share the Pharisees' corruption.
His complaint reveals awareness without repentance—he admits culpability ('us also') but objects to being publicly exposed rather than repenting. This epitomizes religious pride: concerned about reputation, not righteousness. Jesus's response (vv.46-52) proves the lawyer's guilt, pronouncing three additional woes specifically targeting the legal scholars.