King James Version

What Does Luke 20:47 Mean?

Luke 20:47 in the King James Version says “Which devour widows' houses, and for a shew make long prayers: the same shall receive greater damnation.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Luke 20:47 · KJV

Context

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.

Read Luke 20 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural 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 Questions

  1. How does religious leadership that exploits the vulnerable betray the very God it claims to serve?
  2. What does 'greater damnation' for religious hypocrites teach about accountability proportional to privilege and knowledge?
  3. Where might modern ministries be 'devouring widows' houses' through manipulative fundraising or exploitation of the vulnerable?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
οἳ1 of 14

“Which”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

κατεσθίουσιν2 of 14

“devour”

G2719

to eat up, i.e., devour (literally or figuratively)

τὰς3 of 14
G3588

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

οἰκίας4 of 14

“houses”

G3614

properly, residence (abstractly), but usually (concretely) an abode (literally or figuratively); by implication, a family (especially domestics)

τῶν5 of 14
G3588

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

χηρῶν6 of 14

“widows”

G5503

a widow (as lacking a husband), literally or figuratively

καὶ7 of 14

“and”

G2532

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

προφάσει8 of 14

“for a shew”

G4392

an outward showing, i.e., pretext

μακρὰ9 of 14

“long”

G3117

long (in place (distant) or time (neuter plural))

προσεύχονται·10 of 14

“make”

G4336

to pray to god, i.e., supplicate, worship

οὗτοι11 of 14

“the same”

G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

λήψονται12 of 14

“shall receive”

G2983

while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))

περισσότερον13 of 14
G4053

superabundant (in quantity) or superior (in quality); by implication, excessive; adverbially (with g1537) violently; neuter (as noun) preeminence

κρίμα14 of 14

“damnation”

G2917

a decision (the function or the effect, for or against ("crime"))

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 20:47 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 20:47 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Mark 12:40James 3:1Luke 12:1Luke 12:47-48Titus 1:16Isaiah 10:2

Test Your Knowledge

Luke 20 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterLuke Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Luke 20 with CommentaryAll Luke ChaptersComplete Luke QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes