Luke 20:46
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;
Original Language Analysis
Προσέχετε
Beware
G4337
Προσέχετε
Beware
Strong's:
G4337
Word #:
1 of 25
(figuratively) to hold the mind (3563 implied) towards, i.e., pay attention to, be cautious about, apply oneself to, adhere to
ἀπὸ
of
G575
ἀπὸ
of
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
2 of 25
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
τοῖς
which
G3588
τοῖς
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῖς
which
G3588
τοῖς
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θελόντων
desire
G2309
θελόντων
desire
Strong's:
G2309
Word #:
6 of 25
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
περιπατεῖν
to walk
G4043
περιπατεῖν
to walk
Strong's:
G4043
Word #:
7 of 25
to tread all around, i.e., walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow (as a companion or votary)
στολαῖς
long robes
G4749
στολαῖς
long robes
Strong's:
G4749
Word #:
9 of 25
equipment, i.e., (specially), a "stole" or long-fitting gown (as a mark of dignity)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
φιλούντων
love
G5368
φιλούντων
love
Strong's:
G5368
Word #:
11 of 25
to be a friend to (fond of (an individual or an object)), i.e., have affection for (denoting personal attachment, as a matter of sentiment or feeling;
τοῖς
which
G3588
τοῖς
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀγοραῖς
the markets
G58
ἀγοραῖς
the markets
Strong's:
G58
Word #:
15 of 25
properly, the town-square (as a place of public resort); by implication, a market or thoroughfare
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
16 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πρωτοκαθεδρίας
the highest seats
G4410
πρωτοκαθεδρίας
the highest seats
Strong's:
G4410
Word #:
17 of 25
a sitting first (in the front row), i.e., preeminence in council
τοῖς
which
G3588
τοῖς
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
συναγωγαῖς
the synagogues
G4864
συναγωγαῖς
the synagogues
Strong's:
G4864
Word #:
20 of 25
an assemblage of persons; specially, a jewish "synagogue" (the meeting or the place); by analogy, a christian church
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
21 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πρωτοκλισίας
the chief rooms
G4411
πρωτοκλισίας
the chief rooms
Strong's:
G4411
Word #:
22 of 25
a reclining first (in the place of honor) at the dinner-bed, i.e., preeminence at meals
Cross References
Luke 11:43Woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye love the uppermost seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets.Luke 14:7And he put forth a parable to those which were bidden, when he marked how they chose out the chief rooms; saying unto them,Matthew 16:6Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.Luke 12:1In the mean time, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trode one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.Proverbs 29:23A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.Romans 12:10Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;2 Timothy 4:15Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words.3 John 1:9I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.Mark 8:15And he charged them, saying, Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, and of the leaven of Herod.
Historical Context
Scribes wore distinctive fringed robes (cf. Numbers 15:38-39) that set them apart visually. Marketplace greetings included titles like 'Rabbi,' 'Master,' or 'Father'—Jesus would later tell disciples not to seek such titles (Matthew 23:7-10). The scribes' religious identity was externalized, validated by visible symbols and public deference.
Questions for Reflection
- How do religious titles, robes, or symbols risk becoming ends in themselves rather than markers of genuine godliness?
- What modern equivalents exist to 'long robes' and 'marketplace greetings'—ways religious people seek visible status?
- How can you examine your own motives: Do you serve for God's approval or human recognition?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Beware of the scribes (Προσέχετε ἀπὸ τῶν γραμματέων, Prosechete apo tōn grammateōn)—Prosechō (to watch out, pay attention, guard against) in present imperative commands continuous vigilance. The preposition apo (from, away from) suggests keeping distance. Scribes were Scripture experts, Torah copyists, legal interpreters—the most educated, respected religious professionals. Yet Jesus warns against them, demonstrating that theological education without heart transformation produces dangerous religion.
Which desire to walk in long robes (τῶν θελόντων περιπατεῖν ἐν στολαῖς, tōn thelontōn peripatein en stolais)—Thelō (to desire, wish) reveals motivation: they want recognition. Stolai (long robes) were distinctive garments signaling religious status. Their peripateo (walking, conduct) is literally about robes but metaphorically about conspicuous piety. And love greetings in the markets (καὶ φιλούντων ἀσπασμοὺς ἐν ταῖς ἀγοραῖς, kai philountōn aspasmous en tais agorais)—Phileō (to love) shows affection for public aspasmous (salutations) that acknowledged status. Religion becomes performance for human applause rather than service to God.