Luke 11:43 Meaning and Explanation
“Woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye love the uppermost seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Woe to the Pharisees who love the chief seats in the synagogues and greetings in the marketplaces.
What Does Luke 11:43 Mean?
The second woe names the appetite for honor: the front seats facing the congregation, the deferential greetings in public squares -- religion enjoyed as status.
The danger is subtle because the settings are sacred: it is possible to love the seat more than the worship, the title more than the God. Jesus, who took a towel and washed his disciples' feet (John 13:4-5), measures greatness by service. The woe invites a quiet audit: would I serve as gladly where no one greets me?
Frequently Asked Questions About Luke 11:43
What does Luke 11:43 mean?
Woe to the Pharisees who love the chief seats in the synagogues and greetings in the marketplaces.