Luke 19:47

And he taught daily in the temple. But the chief priests and the scribes and the chief of the people sought to destroy him,

And {G2532} he taught {G2258}{G1321} daily {G2596}{G2250} in {G1722} the temple {G2411}. But {G1161} the chief priests {G749} and {G2532} the scribes {G1122} and {G2532} the chief {G4413} of the people {G2992} sought {G2212} to destroy {G622} him {G846},

Every day he taught at the Temple. The head cohanim, the Torah-teachers and the leaders of the people tried to find a way of putting an end to him;

Jesus was teaching at the temple every day, but the chief priests, scribes, and leaders of the people were intent on killing Him.

And he was teaching daily in the temple. But the chief priests and the scribes and the principal men of the people sought to destroy him:

Luke 19:47 describes Jesus' continued public ministry in the Temple during His final days in Jerusalem, juxtaposed with the escalating and deadly opposition from the Jewish religious leaders.

Historical and Cultural Context

This verse immediately follows Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem (Luke 19:28-44) and His dramatic cleansing of the Temple (Luke 19:45-46). By teaching "daily in the temple," Jesus was asserting His authority in the most sacred and public space in Jewish life. This was a direct challenge to the established religious order, particularly the chief priests who oversaw temple operations and the scribes who were the legal experts of the Law. Their desire "to destroy him" was not just about silencing a troublesome preacher but eliminating a perceived threat to their power, traditions, and possibly their precarious relationship with Roman authorities. The Temple was a hub of religious and political activity, making Jesus' actions and teachings highly visible and provocative.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Unwavering Authority and Ministry: Despite the clear and present danger, Jesus continued His mission of teaching God's truth openly. His daily presence in the Temple underscored His divine authority and His commitment to revealing God's will.
  • Escalating Opposition: The verse starkly reveals the growing animosity towards Jesus. The phrase "sought to destroy him" indicates a deliberate, organized effort by the powerful religious elite to eliminate Him, setting the stage for His eventual betrayal and crucifixion. This opposition is a recurring theme throughout the Gospels, often rooted in their inability to accept Jesus' claims and teachings (e.g., John 5:18).
  • Conflict Between Truth and Tradition: Jesus' teachings often challenged the interpretations and traditions of the religious leaders, exposing their hypocrisy and legalism. This conflict highlights the tension between genuine spiritual truth and rigid religious systems that prioritize human rules over divine revelation.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "taught daily" translates the Greek edidasken kath' hemeran (ἐδίδασκεν καθ' ἡμέραν), emphasizing the continuous and persistent nature of Jesus' ministry. He was not teaching sporadically but consistently, making Himself available to the people. The intent of His adversaries is conveyed by "sought to destroy him" (Greek: ezetoun auton apolesai - ἐζήτουν αὐτὸν ἀπολέσαι). The verb apolesai means "to destroy," "to perish," or "to kill," indicating their ultimate, murderous aim, not just to discredit or imprison Him.

Practical Application

Luke 19:47 serves as a powerful reminder of the cost of discipleship and the reality of spiritual opposition. For believers today, it encourages:

  • Courage in Conviction: Like Jesus, we are called to stand firm in truth and live out our faith, even when faced with opposition or ridicule.
  • Commitment to God's Work: Jesus' daily teaching, despite the threat, exemplifies unwavering dedication to His Father's will. This challenges us to be consistent in our own spiritual disciplines and ministry.
  • Understanding Spiritual Conflict: This verse illustrates that faithfulness to God can provoke hostility from those who reject His ways. It prepares us to understand that not all will accept the message of the Gospel, and some may even actively seek to undermine it. This echoes the warning Jesus gave His disciples about persecution (John 15:20).
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.

  • Mark 11:18

    And the scribes and chief priests heard [it], and sought how they might destroy him: for they feared him, because all the people was astonished at his doctrine.

  • Matthew 26:55

    In that same hour said Jesus to the multitudes, Are ye come out as against a thief with swords and staves for to take me? I sat daily with you teaching in the temple, and ye laid no hold on me.

  • Mark 11:27

    ¶ And they come again to Jerusalem: and as he was walking in the temple, there come to him the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders,

  • Mark 11:33

    And they answered and said unto Jesus, We cannot tell. And Jesus answering saith unto them, Neither do I tell you by what authority I do these things.

  • Luke 21:37

    And in the day time he was teaching in the temple; and at night he went out, and abode in the mount that is called [the mount] of Olives.

  • Luke 21:38

    And all the people came early in the morning to him in the temple, for to hear him.

  • John 7:44

    And some of them would have taken him; but no man laid hands on him.

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