King James Version

What Does Luke 11:52 Mean?

Luke 11:52 in the King James Version says “Woe unto you, lawyers! for ye have taken away the key of knowledge: ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were ent... — study this verse from Luke chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Woe unto you, lawyers! for ye have taken away the key of knowledge: ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered. hindered: or, forbad

Luke 11:52 · KJV


Context

50

That the blood of all the prophets, which was shed from the foundation of the world, may be required of this generation;

51

From the blood of Abel unto the blood of Zacharias, which perished between the altar and the temple: verily I say unto you, It shall be required of this generation.

52

Woe unto you, lawyers! for ye have taken away the key of knowledge: ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered. hindered: or, forbad

53

And as he said these things unto them, the scribes and the Pharisees began to urge him vehemently, and to provoke him to speak of many things:

54

Laying wait for him, and seeking to catch something out of his mouth, that they might accuse him.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Woe unto you, lawyers! for ye have taken away the key of knowledge: ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered (ὅτι ἤρατε τὴν κλεῖδα τῆς γνώσεως· αὐτοὶ οὐκ εἰσήλθατε καὶ τοὺς εἰσερχομένους ἐκωλύσατε)—the sixth woe condemns removing the kleida tēs gnōseōs (key of knowledge). The 'key' represents correct biblical interpretation that unlocks salvific knowledge. The lawyers' distorted hermeneutic both prevented their own entry and ekōlusate (hindered, prevented) others eiserchomai (entering) God's kingdom.

They possessed Scripture yet missed its message—the Law and Prophets testified to Christ (Luke 24:44), but their interpretive tradition obscured this testimony. They 'searched the scriptures' yet refused to 'come to Christ' for life (John 5:39-40). This represents ultimate intellectual bankruptcy: custodians of God's Word who use it to prevent salvation. Their traditions made God's Word 'of none effect' (Mark 7:13).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The lawyers' role was biblical interpretation and teaching—they held 'the key' to understanding Scripture. Yet their interpretive framework (Pharisaic tradition, scribal glosses, oral law) obscured rather than illuminated biblical meaning. They approached Scripture seeking validation for their system rather than submission to God's revelation, becoming gatekeepers preventing access to truth.

Reflection Questions

  1. How might wrong interpretive frameworks ('keys') unlock wrong meanings and lock people out of genuine biblical understanding?
  2. In what ways do Christian traditions sometimes obscure rather than illuminate Scripture's testimony to Christ?
  3. What is your responsibility as a Bible reader to ensure you're not hindering others' access to scriptural knowledge and salvation?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
οὐαὶ1 of 17

Woe

G3759

woe

ὑμῖν2 of 17

unto you

G5213

to (with or by) you

τοῖς3 of 17
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

νομικοῖς4 of 17

lawyers

G3544

according (or pertaining) to law, i.e., legal (ceremonially); as noun, an expert in the (mosaic) law

ὅτι5 of 17

! for

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἤρατε6 of 17

ye have taken away

G142

to lift up; by implication, to take up or away; figuratively, to raise (the voice), keep in suspense (the mind), specially, to sail away (i.e., weigh

τὴν7 of 17
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κλεῖδα8 of 17

the key

G2807

a key (as shutting a lock), literally or figuratively

τῆς9 of 17
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

γνώσεως·10 of 17

of knowledge

G1108

knowing (the act), i.e., (by implication) knowledge

αὐτοὶ11 of 17

yourselves

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

οὐκ12 of 17

not

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

εἰσερχομένους13 of 17

in

G1525

to enter (literally or figuratively)

καὶ14 of 17

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τοὺς15 of 17
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

εἰσερχομένους16 of 17

in

G1525

to enter (literally or figuratively)

ἐκωλύσατε17 of 17

ye hindered

G2967

to estop, i.e., prevent (by word or act)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 11:52 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 11:52 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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