Luke 11:47

Commentary on Luke 11:47 (KJV)

In Luke 11:47, Jesus delivers a sharp rebuke to the religious leaders of His day, specifically the lawyers and scribes, exposing their profound hypocrisy. This verse is part of a series of "woes" (condemnations) that Jesus pronounces against those who outwardly appear righteous but inwardly oppose God's truth and His messengers.

Context

This verse is situated within a larger discourse in Luke chapter 11, where Jesus has been invited to dinner by a Pharisee. After Jesus critiques their ceremonial washings, a lawyer (expert in the Mosaic Law) is offended, prompting Jesus to extend His condemnation to them as well. The religious leaders were meticulously observant of external religious practices but neglected the weightier matters of the Law, such as justice, mercy, and faithfulness. Their building and beautifying of the tombs of past prophets, while seemingly an act of reverence, was a stark contrast to their contemporary persecution of God's living prophets, including Jesus Himself.

Key Themes

• Hypocrisy Unveiled: The central theme is the exposure of deep spiritual hypocrisy. The leaders honored dead prophets with monuments while actively rejecting and persecuting the living ones, demonstrating a fundamental disconnect between their outward show of piety and their inward spiritual state. This mirrors the "whitewashed tombs" analogy found in Matthew 23.
• Continuity of Rejection: Jesus highlights a grim continuity: "your fathers killed them." The current generation of leaders inherited and perpetuated the same spirit of rebellion against God's messengers that their ancestors displayed. They effectively endorsed the actions of their fathers by continuing to reject God's truth in their own time.
• Divine Judgment: The pronouncement "Woe unto you!" is a solemn declaration of impending judgment. It signifies God's severe condemnation of their spiritual blindness, their opposition to His will, and their leading others astray through their false piety.

Linguistic Insights

The word "Woe" (Greek: ouai) is a powerful interjection used in the Bible to express sorrow, grief, or severe condemnation. It is not merely an expression of pity but a pronouncement of impending doom or misfortune upon those addressed. "Sepulchres" refers to tombs or monuments, often elaborate structures built to honor the deceased. The act of building or maintaining these tombs was seen as an act of veneration.

Related Scriptures

• This passage finds a strong parallel in Matthew 23:29-36, where Jesus similarly condemns the scribes and Pharisees for building tombs of prophets while being "sons of those who murdered the prophets."
• The history of Israel's rejection of prophets is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, culminating in Stephen's speech in Acts 7:52, where he asks, "Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted?"
• Jesus' lament over Jerusalem in Matthew 23:37 also echoes this theme of a city that "kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her."

Practical Application

This verse serves as a timeless warning against hypocrisy and outward religiosity that lacks genuine inner transformation.

• Examine Our Hearts: We must guard against the temptation to honor God or His servants in word or outward display, while our actions or attitudes contradict that honor. True faith is demonstrated by obedience and a receptive heart to God's living Word.
• Beware of Superficial Piety: It's easy to engage in religious activities or traditions that appear righteous but are devoid of true spiritual substance. Jesus calls for authenticity, not just outward conformity.
• Receive God's Messengers: Just as the leaders rejected the prophets, we must be careful not to dismiss or persecute those whom God sends to speak truth, even if their message challenges our comfort zones or established norms.