Luke 11:46
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 11:46
46 And he said, Woe unto you also, ye lawyers! for ye lade men with burdens grievous to be borne, and ye yourselves touch not the burdens with one of your fingers.
Chapter Context
Luke 11 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of faith, discipleship, truth. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-85 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christians needed to understand their place in the Roman world.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-54: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it contributes to the biblical metanarrative of redemption. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Luke and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Luke 11:46
46 And he said, Woe unto you also, ye lawyers! for ye lade men with burdens grievous to be borne, and ye yourselves touch not the burdens with one of your fingers.
Analysis
Woe unto you also, ye lawyers! for ye lade men with burdens grievous to be borne, and ye yourselves touch not the burdens with one of your fingers (ὅτι φορτίζετε τοὺς ἀνθρώπους φορτία δυσβάστακτα, καὶ αὐτοὶ ἑνὶ τῶν δακτύλων ὑμῶν οὐ προσψαύετε τοῖς φορτίοις)—the fourth woe condemns hypocritical burden-bearing. Phortizō (lade, load heavily) describes oppressive loading of phortia (burdens) that are dusbastakta (grievous to bear, unbearable). The lawyers imposed crushing religious regulations while exempting themselves through clever loopholes.
Jesus later contrasted his burden-lifting with Pharisaic burden-imposing: 'My yoke is easy, and my burden is light' (Matthew 11:30). The lawyers' regulations (handwashing, tithing, Sabbath rules) created crushing guilt without providing grace. They wouldn't prospasauō (touch with a finger) the burdens themselves—authority without compassion, law without mercy.
Historical Context
The oral law (later codified in the Mishnah and Talmud) contained thousands of detailed regulations expanding Torah's 613 commandments into all-encompassing life control. Sabbath rules alone included 39 categories of prohibited work, each with multiple subcategories. Common people couldn't possibly observe all requirements, creating permanent guilt and dependence on priestly/Pharisaic mediation.
Reflection
- What 'burdens grievous to be borne' might Christian legalism impose—standards beyond Scripture or cultural preferences presented as biblical mandates?
- How can church leaders avoid the lawyers' error of imposing requirements they don't personally bear?
- What is the difference between Jesus's 'easy yoke' and religious burdens—how does grace lighten rather than increase obligation?
Cross-References
- Word: Luke 11:45, 11:52, Galatians 6:13
- Parallel theme: Isaiah 10:1, 58:6