Luke 20:46
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 20:46
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;
Chapter Context
Luke 20 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of discipleship, righteousness, 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 21-47: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it foreshadows Christ's work through typology and prophetic elements. 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 20:46
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;
Analysis
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.
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.
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?
Cross-References
- Love: Luke 11:43, Romans 12:10, 3 John 1:9
- Parallel theme: Luke 12:1, 14:7, Proverbs 29:23, Matthew 16:6, Mark 8:15, 2 Timothy 4:15