King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
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;
Complete Jewish Bible:
“Watch out for the kind of Torah-teachers that like to walk around in robes and be greeted deferentially in the marketplaces, the kind that like to have the best seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets,
Berean Standard Bible:
“Beware of the scribes. They like to walk around in long robes, and they love the greetings in the marketplaces, the chief seats in the synagogues, and the places of honor at banquets.
American Standard Version:
Beware of the scribes, who desire to walk in long robes, and love salutations in the marketplaces, and chief seats in the synagogues, and chief places at feasts;
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
Beware{G4337} of{G575} the scribes{G1122}, which{G3588} desire{G2309} to walk{G4043} in{G1722} long robes{G4749}, and{G2532} love{G5368} greetings{G783} in{G1722} the markets{G58}, and{G2532} the highest seats{G4410} in{G1722} the synagogues{G4864}, and{G2532} the chief rooms{G4411} at{G1722} feasts{G1173};
Cross-References (KJV):
Mark 12:38
- And he said unto them in his doctrine, Beware of the scribes, which love to go in long clothing, and [love] salutations in the marketplaces,
Mark 12:39
- And the chief seats in the synagogues, and the uppermost rooms at feasts:
Luke 11:43
- Woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye love the uppermost seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets.
Luke 14:7
- ¶ And he put forth a parable to those which were bidden, when he marked how they chose out the chief rooms; saying unto them,
Matthew 23:5
- But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,
Matthew 23:7
- And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.
Philippians 2:3
- [Let] nothing [be done] through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:
Commentary for Luke 20:46
Luke 20:46 captures a warning issued by Jesus Christ during His ministry in the first century. The verse is part of a broader discourse where Jesus is teaching in the Temple in Jerusalem, just days before His crucifixion. The historical context is set against the backdrop of Jewish society under Roman occupation, where the religious elite held significant influence over the people.
In this verse, Jesus specifically cautions His followers to "Beware of the scribes," who were the expert interpreters and teachers of the Law of Moses. These scribes were highly respected in Jewish society, and Jesus criticizes them for being more concerned with outward appearances and public recognition than with genuine piety and justice. The "long robes" symbolize their desire for distinction and honor; such garments were traditionally worn by those in high religious or academic positions. The scribes' love for "greetings in the markets" reflects their craving for public acknowledgment and respect. They sought "the highest seats in the synagogues," which were places of honor during gatherings, and "the chief rooms at feasts," indicating their pursuit of prestigious positions during social events.
The themes highlighted in this verse include hypocrisy, the dangers of seeking status and recognition, and the importance of authentic spirituality over external shows of piety. Jesus condemns the scribes for their pretentious behavior and warns that true righteousness is not about public recognition but about humility, sincerity, and service to others. This teaching aligns with Jesus' broader message that challenges the values of the contemporary religious establishment and calls for a righteousness that surpasses the superficial observance of religious duties.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: G4337
There are 24 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: προσέχω
Transliteration: proséchō
Pronunciation: pros-ekh'-o
Description: from πρός and ἔχω; (figuratively) to hold the mind (3563 implied) towards, i.e. pay attention to, be cautious about, apply oneself to, adhere to:--(give) attend(-ance, -ance at, -ance to, unto), beware, be given to, give (take) heed (to unto); have regard. - Strong's Number: G575
There are 1465 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ἀπό
Transliteration: apó
Pronunciation: apo'
Description: a primary particle; "off," i.e. away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative):--(X here-)after, ago, at, because of, before, by (the space of), for(-th), from, in, (out) of, off, (up-)on(-ce), since, with. In composition (as a prefix) it usually denotes separation, departure, cessation, completion, reversal, etc. - Strong's Number: G1122
There are 67 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: γραμματεύς
Transliteration: grammateús
Pronunciation: gram-mat-yooce'
Description: from γράμμα. a writer, i.e. (professionally) scribe or secretary:--scribe, town-clerk. - Strong's Number: G3588
There are 498 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ὁ
Transliteration: ho
Pronunciation: to
Description: the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom):--the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc. - Strong's Number: G2309
There are 201 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: θέλω
Transliteration: thélō
Pronunciation: eth-el-eh'-o
Description: apparently strengthened from the alternate form of αἱρέομαι; to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas βούλομαι properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations), i.e. choose or prefer (literally or figuratively); by implication, to wish, i.e. be inclined to (sometimes adverbially, gladly); impersonally for the future tense, to be about to; by Hebraism, to delight in:--desire, be disposed (forward), intend, list, love, mean, please, have rather, (be) will (have, -ling, - ling(-ly)). - Strong's Number: G4043
There are 90 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: περιπατέω
Transliteration: peripatéō
Pronunciation: per-ee-pat-eh'-o
Description: from περί and πατέω; 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):--go, be occupied with, walk (about). - Strong's Number: G1722
There are 2129 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ἐν
Transliteration: en
Pronunciation: en
Description: a primary preposition denoting (fixed) position (in place, time or state), and (by implication) instrumentality (medially or constructively), i.e. a relation of rest (intermediate between εἰς and ἐκ); "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc.:--about, after, against, + almost, X altogether, among, X as, at, before, between, (here-)by (+ all means), for (… sake of), + give self wholly to, (here-)in(-to, -wardly), X mightily, (because) of, (up-)on, (open-)ly, X outwardly, one, X quickly, X shortly, (speedi-)ly, X that, X there(-in, -on), through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), under, when, where(-with), while, with(-in). Often used in compounds, with substantially the same import; rarely with verbs of motion, and then not to indicate direction, except (elliptically) by a separate (and different) preposition. - Strong's Number: G4749
There are 8 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: στολή
Transliteration: stolḗ
Pronunciation: stol-ay'
Description: from στέλλω; equipment, i.e. (specially), a "stole" or long-fitting gown (as a mark of dignity):--long clothing (garment), (long) robe. - Strong's Number: G2532
There are 5212 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: καί
Transliteration: kaí
Pronunciation: kahee
Description: apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words:--and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet. - Strong's Number: G5368
There are 21 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: φιλέω
Transliteration: philéō
Pronunciation: fil-eh'-o
Description: from φίλος; 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; while ἀγαπάω is wider, embracing especially the judgment and the deliberate assent of the will as a matter of principle, duty and propriety: the two thus stand related very much as θέλω and βούλομαι, or as θυμός and νοῦς respectively; the former being chiefly of the heart and the latter of the head); specially, to kiss (as a mark of tenderness):--kiss, love. - Strong's Number: G783
There are 10 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ἀσπασμός
Transliteration: aspasmós
Pronunciation: as-pas-mos'
Description: from ἀσπάζομαι; a greeting (in person or by letter):--greeting, salutation. - Strong's Number: G58
There are 43 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ἀγορά
Transliteration: agorá
Pronunciation: ag-or-ah'
Description: from (to gather; probably akin to ἐγείρω); properly, the town-square (as a place of public resort); by implication, a market or thoroughfare:--market(-place), street. - Strong's Number: G4410
There are 4 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: πρωτοκαθεδρία
Transliteration: prōtokathedría
Pronunciation: pro-tok-ath-ed-ree'-ah
Description: from πρῶτος and καθέδρα; a sitting first (in the front row), i.e. preeminence in council:--chief (highest, uppermost) seat. - Strong's Number: G4864
There are 57 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: συναγωγή
Transliteration: synagōgḗ
Pronunciation: soon-ag-o-gay'
Description: from (the reduplicated form of) συνάγω; an assemblage of persons; specially, a Jewish "synagogue" (the meeting or the place); by analogy, a Christian church:--assembly, congregation, synagogue. - Strong's Number: G4411
There are 5 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: πρωτοκλισία
Transliteration: prōtoklisía
Pronunciation: pro-tok-lis-ee'-ah
Description: from πρῶτος and κλισία; a reclining first (in the place of honor) at the dinner-bed, i.e. preeminence at meals:--chief (highest, uppermost) room. - Strong's Number: G1173
There are 16 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: δεῖπνον
Transliteration: deîpnon
Pronunciation: dipe'-non
Description: from the same as δαπάνη; dinner, i.e. the chief meal (usually in the evening):--feast, supper.