Luke 11:45

Then answered one of the lawyers, and said unto him, Master, thus saying thou reproachest us also.

Then {G1161} answered {G611} one {G5100} of the lawyers {G3544}, and said {G3004} unto him {G846}, Master {G1320}, thus {G5023} saying {G3004} thou reproachest {G5195} us {G2248} also {G2532}.

One of the experts in Torah answered him, “Rabbi, by saying these things you are insulting us also.”

One of the experts in the law told Him, “Teacher, when You say these things, You insult us as well.”

And one of the lawyers answering saith unto him, Teacher, in saying this thou reproachest us also.

In Luke 11:45, we find a direct and revealing reaction to Jesus' pointed criticisms of the Pharisees and experts in the Mosaic Law. This verse highlights the immediate impact of Jesus' truth-telling on those who felt personally implicated by His words.

Context

This verse follows a series of "woes" pronounced by Jesus against the Pharisees (starting in Luke 11:37) and subsequently, the lawyers or legal experts. Jesus had just condemned them for their outward show of piety while neglecting justice and the love of God, and for placing heavy burdens on people without lifting a finger themselves (Luke 11:42-44). These "lawyers" (Greek: nomodidaskaloi, meaning "teachers of the law") were specialists in the Mosaic Law, often synonymous with scribes, and they were present during Jesus' discourse.

Key Themes

  • The Discomfort of Truth: Jesus' words were not sugar-coated; they were piercing and exposed the hypocrisy of the religious elite. The lawyer's response indicates that the truth of Jesus' accusations hit home, causing offense rather than repentance.
  • Self-Identification with Condemnation: The lawyer's statement, "thus saying thou reproachest us also," reveals that they saw themselves as part of the group being condemned. They understood that Jesus' criticisms of the Pharisees applied equally to their own practices and teachings.
  • The Burden of Legalism: A core criticism Jesus levied was the practice of laying heavy, unbearable burdens on people (Luke 11:46). The lawyers, as interpreters and enforcers of the Law, were complicit in creating and upholding these burdensome regulations, contrasting sharply with Jesus' invitation to take His light yoke.

Linguistic Insights

The term "lawyers" translates the Greek word nomodidaskaloi (νομοδιδάσκαλοι), which literally means "teachers of the law." These were learned individuals highly respected for their knowledge of the Old Testament Scriptures and their interpretations. The word "reproachest" comes from the Greek atimazeis (ἀτιμάζεις), meaning to dishonor, insult, or treat with contempt. It conveys a strong sense of being shamed or publicly condemned, which the lawyer clearly felt.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a powerful reminder that genuine spiritual leadership should not be about outward appearances, self-exaltation, or placing unnecessary burdens on others. It challenges believers to:

  • Examine Our Hearts: Do we prioritize outward religious practices over inward transformation and genuine love for God and neighbor?
  • Receive Correction Humbly: When confronted with truth, even if uncomfortable, our response should be one of introspection and humility, not defensiveness or offense.
  • Lead with Grace, Not Legalism: Leaders within the church are called to guide and serve, not to impose heavy rules that Christ Himself did not intend.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Jeremiah 6:10

    To whom shall I speak, and give warning, that they may hear? behold, their ear [is] uncircumcised, and they cannot hearken: behold, the word of the LORD is unto them a reproach; they have no delight in it.

  • John 9:40

    And [some] of the Pharisees which were with him heard these words, and said unto him, Are we blind also?

  • Matthew 22:35

    Then one of them, [which was] a lawyer, asked [him a question], tempting him, and saying,

  • Jeremiah 20:8

    For since I spake, I cried out, I cried violence and spoil; because the word of the LORD was made a reproach unto me, and a derision, daily.

  • John 7:48

    Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed on him?

  • Luke 11:46

    And he said, Woe unto you also, [ye] lawyers! for ye lade men with burdens grievous to be borne, and ye yourselves touch not the burdens with one of your fingers.

  • John 7:7

    The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil.

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back