Luke 20:46 Meaning and Explanation
“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;”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Beware of the scribes, who love long robes, greetings in the markets, the highest seats in the synagogues, and the chief places at feasts.
What Does Luke 20:46 Mean?
Jesus itemizes the scribes' appetite: the flowing robe that announces rank, the greetings in public squares, the synagogue's front seats facing the congregation, the couch of honor at every banquet. Each item is a stage — religion performed as social theater.
The indicting words are 'desire' and 'love': they crave these things. The robe is not the sin; loving the robe is. A place in worship is not evil; hungering for the seat is. Jesus teaches his disciples to watch for the moment when serving God quietly becomes displaying ourselves, when reverence from people replaces reverence for God. The kingdom's honors run the other way: the greatest is the one who serves (Luke 22:26-27).
Luke 20:46 in the Original Language
stole (στολή), 'long robes' -- the long flowing robe of dignity and office.
Frequently Asked Questions About Luke 20:46
What does Luke 20:46 mean?
Beware of the scribes, who love long robes, greetings in the markets, the highest seats in the synagogues, and the chief places at feasts.