King James Version

What Does Luke 20:46 Mean?

Luke 20:46 in the King James Version says “Beware of the scribes, which desire to walk in long robes, and love greetings in the markets, and the highest seats in t... — study this verse from Luke chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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;

Luke 20:46 · KJV


Context

44

David therefore calleth him Lord, how is he then his son?

45

Then in the audience of all the people he said unto his disciples,

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;

47

Which devour widows' houses, and for a shew make long prayers: the same shall receive greater damnation.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural 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 Questions

  1. How do religious titles, robes, or symbols risk becoming ends in themselves rather than markers of genuine godliness?
  2. What modern equivalents exist to 'long robes' and 'marketplace greetings'—ways religious people seek visible status?
  3. How can you examine your own motives: Do you serve for God's approval or human recognition?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 25 words
Προσέχετε1 of 25

Beware

G4337

(figuratively) to hold the mind (3563 implied) towards, i.e., pay attention to, be cautious about, apply oneself to, adhere to

ἀπὸ2 of 25

of

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

τοῖς3 of 25

which

G3588

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

γραμματέων4 of 25

the scribes

G1122

a professional writer

τοῖς5 of 25

which

G3588

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

θελόντων6 of 25

desire

G2309

to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),

περιπατεῖν7 of 25

to walk

G4043

to tread all around, i.e., walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow (as a companion or votary)

ἐν8 of 25

at

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

στολαῖς9 of 25

long robes

G4749

equipment, i.e., (specially), a "stole" or long-fitting gown (as a mark of dignity)

καὶ10 of 25

and

G2532

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

φιλούντων11 of 25

love

G5368

to be a friend to (fond of (an individual or an object)), i.e., have affection for (denoting personal attachment, as a matter of sentiment or feeling;

ἀσπασμοὺς12 of 25

greetings

G783

a greeting (in person or by letter)

ἐν13 of 25

at

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τοῖς14 of 25

which

G3588

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

ἀγοραῖς15 of 25

the markets

G58

properly, the town-square (as a place of public resort); by implication, a market or thoroughfare

καὶ16 of 25

and

G2532

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

πρωτοκαθεδρίας17 of 25

the highest seats

G4410

a sitting first (in the front row), i.e., preeminence in council

ἐν18 of 25

at

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τοῖς19 of 25

which

G3588

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

συναγωγαῖς20 of 25

the synagogues

G4864

an assemblage of persons; specially, a jewish "synagogue" (the meeting or the place); by analogy, a christian church

καὶ21 of 25

and

G2532

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

πρωτοκλισίας22 of 25

the chief rooms

G4411

a reclining first (in the place of honor) at the dinner-bed, i.e., preeminence at meals

ἐν23 of 25

at

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τοῖς24 of 25

which

G3588

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

δείπνοις25 of 25

feasts

G1173

dinner, i.e., the chief meal (usually in the evening)


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 20:46 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 20:46 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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