Luke 20:47
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 20:47
47 Which devour widows' houses, and for a shew make long prayers: the same shall receive greater damnation.
Chapter Context
Luke 20 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of grace, righteousness, hope. 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 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 20:47
47 Which devour widows' houses, and for a shew make long prayers: the same shall receive greater damnation.
Analysis
Which devour widows' houses (οἳ κατεσθίουσιν τὰς οἰκίας τῶν χηρῶν, hoi katesthiousin tas oikias tōn chērōn)—Katesthiō (to eat up, devour, consume) is violent, predatory language. These religious leaders devour (present tense: habitual action) the oikias (houses, households, estates) of chērōn (widows)—society's most vulnerable (Exodus 22:22-24, Deuteronomy 24:17, Isaiah 1:17). Methods likely included accepting donations from poor widows (Mark 12:41-44's context), exploiting legal authority as estate executors, or manipulating piety for financial gain.
And for a shew make long prayers (καὶ προφάσει μακρὰ προσεύχονται, kai prophasei makra proseuchontai)—Prophasis (pretext, pretense, outward show) reveals their prayers are performance, not communion. Makra (long, lengthy) describes duration used to impress. Proseuchomai (to pray) in present tense shows habitual practice. Jesus denounced long prayers elsewhere (Matthew 6:5-7), contrasting genuine heart-petition with verbose religious display. The same shall receive greater damnation (οὗτοι λήμψονται περισσότερον κρῖμα, houtoi lēmpsontai perissoteron krima)—future middle lēmpsontai (they will receive) guarantees coming judgment. Perissoteron (greater, more abundant) indicates intensified krima (judgment, condemnation). Greater privilege brings greater accountability (James 3:1).
Historical Context
Widows lacked male protection and were economically vulnerable. Religious leaders who should have defended them instead exploited them—a violation of Torah's core ethics. The following story of the widow's mite (Luke 21:1-4) illustrates this exploitation: she gives her last coins while wealthy leaders prosper. Within a generation, Jerusalem and temple would be destroyed—partial fulfillment of coming judgment.
Reflection
- How does religious leadership that exploits the vulnerable betray the very God it claims to serve?
- What does 'greater damnation' for religious hypocrites teach about accountability proportional to privilege and knowledge?
- Where might modern ministries be 'devouring widows' houses' through manipulative fundraising or exploitation of the vulnerable?
Cross-References
- Prayer: Mark 12:40
- Parallel theme: Luke 12:1, Isaiah 10:2, Ezekiel 33:31, Amos 2:7, Micah 2:8, 3:2