Luke 11:47
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 11:47
47 Woe unto you! for ye build the sepulchres of the prophets, and your fathers killed them.
Chapter Context
Luke 11 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of grace, fellowship, love. 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 provides essential context for understanding God's covenant relationship with His people. 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 11:47
47 Woe unto you! for ye build the sepulchres of the prophets, and your fathers killed them.
Analysis
Woe unto you! for ye build the sepulchres of the prophets, and your fathers killed them (ὅτι οἰκοδομεῖτε τὰ μνημεῖα τῶν προφητῶν, οἱ δὲ πατέρες ὑμῶν ἀπέκτειναν αὐτούς)—the fifth woe exposes hypocritical prophet-honoring. They oikodomeō (built) elaborate mnēmeia (tombs, monuments) for the prophets their pateres (fathers, ancestors) apekteinan (killed). This appears to honor the prophets, but Jesus sees continuity, not repentance—they're completing their fathers' work by rejecting him, the ultimate Prophet.
Honoring dead prophets while rejecting living ones is safe religion. The lawyers beautified prophets' tombs while preparing to kill the Prophet they announced (Jesus). This pattern continues: every generation honors yesterday's prophets while persecuting today's. True honor would mean heeding prophetic messages, not constructing impressive memorials.
Historical Context
First-century Judaism venerated prophetic burial sites—elaborate tombs in the Kidron Valley commemorated prophets traditionally buried there. This tomb-building demonstrated national repentance for ancestors' prophetic rejection. Yet Jesus exposes this as performative—they claimed to honor prophets while rejecting prophetic authority, precisely their fathers' sin.
Reflection
- How might modern Christians similarly honor dead saints while rejecting living prophetic voices calling for repentance?
- What does it mean to truly honor biblical prophets—building theological memorials or obeying prophetic calls to justice and holiness?
- In what ways do you participate in your spiritual 'fathers' sins while claiming you would never do what they did?
Word Studies
- Prophet: προφήτης (Prophētēs) G4396 - Prophet
Cross-References
- Prophecy: 1 Thessalonians 2:15
- Parallel theme: Acts 7:51