Luke 19:47

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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},

Complete Jewish Bible

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;

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 19:47 vividly portrays Jesus' unwavering commitment to His public ministry in the Jerusalem Temple during His final days, where He daily taught the crowds. This steadfast proclamation of truth, however, stood in stark contrast to the escalating and malicious opposition from the Jewish religious authorities—specifically the chief priests, scribes, and leaders of the people—who were actively seeking a way to eliminate Him. The verse encapsulates the profound conflict between divine authority and human resistance, setting the stage for the climactic events of the Passion week.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows two highly provocative acts by Jesus in Jerusalem: His [Triumphal Entry](/luke/19-28-44 "Luke 19:28-44 - Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem") and His dramatic [cleansing of the Temple](/luke/19-45-46 "Luke 19:45-46 - Jesus Cleanses the Temple"). The Triumphal Entry was a messianic claim, publicly acknowledged by the crowds. The Temple cleansing was an assertion of divine authority over the very heart of Jewish worship and commerce, directly challenging the authority of the chief priests who profited from its operations. Against this backdrop of heightened tension and open defiance of the established order, Jesus' decision to teach "daily in the temple" was not merely a continuation of His ministry but a deliberate and sustained confrontation. It solidified His presence and authority in the most sacred and public space, further intensifying the animosity of those whose power and traditions He had so directly challenged.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Jerusalem Temple was far more than a place of worship; it was the epicenter of Jewish religious, economic, and political life. During Passover, the city and Temple courts would have been teeming with pilgrims, making Jesus' daily teachings highly visible and impactful. The "chief priests" (G749, _archiereús_) were primarily Sadducees, aristocrats who controlled the Temple administration, its vast wealth, and held significant political power, often collaborating with the Roman authorities to maintain their status. The "scribes" (G1122, _grammateús_) were experts in Jewish Law, often associated with the Pharisees, who held considerable influence over the common people through their interpretations of the Torah. The "chief of the people" (G4413, _prōtos_ + G2992, _laós_) likely refers to other prominent elders and leaders within the Sanhedrin or local councils. For these groups, Jesus represented an existential threat: He undermined their authority, challenged their interpretations of the Law, disrupted their economic interests in the Temple, and His growing popularity risked provoking Roman intervention, which could lead to the loss of their privileged positions or even their nation's destruction, as voiced by Caiaphas in [John 11:48-50](/john/11-48-50 "John 11:48-50 - Caiaphas' Prophecy").
* **Key Themes:** Luke 19:47 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **unwavering authority and faithfulness of Jesus** in fulfilling His mission, even in the face of mortal danger. His daily teaching underscores His commitment to revealing God's truth to His people. Secondly, the verse starkly illustrates the **escalating opposition to God's Messiah**, a recurring motif throughout the Gospels, exemplified by passages like [John 5:18](/john/5-18 "John 5:18 - The Jews Seek to Kill Jesus") where the Jewish leaders sought to kill Him for making Himself equal with God. This opposition is not merely disagreement but a deep-seated, murderous intent, revealing the spiritual blindness and hardened hearts of those who should have recognized Him. Finally, it underscores the profound **conflict between divine truth and human tradition/power structures**, where the established religious order prioritizes its own authority and self-preservation over the authentic revelation of God. This tension is central to Jesus' ministry, as seen in His critiques of the Pharisees' traditions in [Mark 7:8-13](/mark/7-8-13 "Mark 7:8-13 - Jesus Condemns Human Traditions").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **taught (Greek, _didáskō'_):** From G1321, a prolonged (causative) form of a primary verb (to learn); to teach (in the same broad application). This word emphasizes Jesus' primary activity in the Temple: instruction. The imperfect tense (implied by G2258, _ēn_, "was") combined with "daily" (G2596, _katá_ + G2250, _hēméra_) indicates a continuous, persistent, and habitual action. Jesus was not merely present; He was actively, consistently imparting truth, asserting His role as the authoritative teacher.
* **scribes (Greek, _grammateús'_):** From G1122, a writer, i.e. (professionally) scribe or secretary. In the New Testament context, these were the legal experts and interpreters of the Mosaic Law, often associated with the Pharisees. Their inclusion alongside the chief priests signifies the broad, unified front of opposition from both the religious and legalistic authorities, representing different factions of the Jewish elite who found common cause in their desire to eliminate Jesus.
* **sought to destroy (Greek, _zētéō_ + _apóllymi'_):** G2212 (_zētéō_) means "to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by Hebraism) to worship (God), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)." G622 (_apóllymi_) means "to destroy fully (reflexively, to perish, or lose), literally or figuratively." The combination of these two words reveals the deliberate and ultimate intent of Jesus' adversaries. They were not merely seeking to silence or discredit Him, but actively plotting His complete elimination, a murderous aim that underscores the depth of their hostility and the spiritual battle at play.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he taught daily in the temple."**: This phrase highlights Jesus' unwavering commitment to His mission. Despite the previous day's dramatic cleansing of the Temple and the clear escalation of tension, Jesus did not retreat. His "daily" teaching signifies consistency, public accessibility, and a deliberate assertion of His authority in the very heart of Jewish religious life. The Temple, as the central place of worship and instruction, became the arena for His final, public confrontations and teachings, demonstrating His courage and divine mandate.
* **"But the chief priests and the scribes and the chief of the people sought to destroy him,"**: This clause introduces a stark contrast, marked by the Greek particle "But" (G1161, _dé_). While Jesus taught, the most powerful and influential religious and civic leaders of Israel were united in their malicious intent. The mention of "chief priests" (G749, _archiereús_), "scribes" (G1122, _grammateús_), and "chief of the people" (G4413, _prōtos_ + G2992, _laós_) emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the opposition, representing the Sanhedrin and the broader Jewish elite. Their "seeking to destroy him" (G2212, _zētéō_ + G622, _apóllymi_) indicates a deliberate, organized, and ultimately murderous plot, revealing the depth of their fear and hatred toward Jesus.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 19:47 masterfully employs **Juxtaposition** and **Foreshadowing**. The verse sharply juxtaposes Jesus' peaceable, authoritative act of teaching with the malevolent, destructive intentions of His adversaries. This contrast highlights the spiritual battle between light and darkness, truth and deception. Jesus, the bringer of life and truth, is met with the plotting of those who seek death and the suppression of truth. Furthermore, the phrase "sought to destroy him" serves as potent **Foreshadowing**, signaling the imminent Passion narrative. It prepares the reader for the betrayal, arrest, trial, and crucifixion that will soon follow, making it clear that these events are not random occurrences but the culmination of a deliberate, long-standing conspiracy against the Son of God. The **Irony** is also palpable: those entrusted with guiding God's people were actively plotting against God's own Son.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 19:47 powerfully illustrates the persistent theme of divine authority confronting human rebellion and spiritual blindness. Jesus, as the embodiment of God's truth and the rightful King, continues His mission of teaching and revealing the Father's will, even when faced with mortal threats. This highlights His unwavering commitment to His redemptive purpose. Conversely, the unified opposition of the religious elite underscores humanity's inherent resistance to God's rule and revelation when it challenges established power structures or personal comfort. Their desire "to destroy him" reveals not merely political expediency but a profound spiritual darkness that would rather extinguish the light of truth than submit to its transforming power. This conflict sets the stage for the ultimate demonstration of God's love and justice on the cross, where human evil is paradoxically used to accomplish divine salvation.

* [John 1:10-11](/john/1-10-11 "John 1:10-11 - The World Did Not Know Him")
* [Matthew 23:37](/matthew/23-37 "Matthew 23:37 - Jesus Laments Over Jerusalem")
* [Acts 4:27-28](/acts/4-27-28 "Acts 4:27-28 - God's Plan Fulfilled by Opposition")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 19:47 offers profound insights for believers today, particularly regarding the nature of Christian witness and the reality of spiritual opposition. Jesus' daily, public teaching in the Temple, despite the clear and present danger, exemplifies an unwavering commitment to truth and mission. This challenges us to consider the consistency and courage of our own faith. Are we willing to speak and live out God's truth openly, even when it is unpopular or confronts prevailing cultural norms? The verse also reminds us that faithfulness to God's call often invites hostility from those who reject His ways. The "chief priests and scribes" represent systems and individuals resistant to divine authority, and their desire "to destroy" Jesus foreshadows the persecution believers may face. This prepares us to understand that not all will receive the Gospel message with joy; some may actively seek to undermine or even harm those who proclaim it. Such opposition should not deter us but rather deepen our reliance on God, knowing that He is sovereign even over the darkest human intentions.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you called to demonstrate unwavering commitment to God's truth, even when it might be challenging or unpopular?**
* **How does Jesus' example of continuing to teach despite opposition encourage you in your own witness or ministry?**
* **How can understanding the nature of spiritual opposition, as seen in this verse, better prepare you to face difficulties in your faith journey?**
* **What might it mean for you to "teach daily" (metaphorically) in your sphere of influence, consistently proclaiming God's truth through your words and actions?**

### FAQ

**Why did the religious leaders specifically seek to "destroy" Jesus, rather than just silence Him?**

Answer: The term "destroy" (G622, _apóllymi_) indicates a desire for Jesus' complete elimination, not merely His incapacitation or discrediting. This extreme animosity stemmed from several factors. Firstly, Jesus' teachings directly challenged their authority and interpretations of the Law, exposing their hypocrisy and legalism (e.g., [Matthew 23](/matthew/23 "Matthew 23 - Jesus Denounces the Scribes and Pharisees")). Secondly, His actions, such as [cleansing the Temple](/luke/19-45-46 "Luke 19:45-46 - Jesus Cleanses the Temple"), disrupted their economic interests and control over the Temple system. Thirdly, His growing popularity and messianic claims were perceived as a political threat that could provoke a Roman crackdown, jeopardizing their precarious power and the nation's stability (as articulated by Caiaphas in [John 11:48-50](/john/11-48-50 "John 11:48-50 - Caiaphas' Prophecy")). Ultimately, their hardened hearts and spiritual blindness prevented them from recognizing God's Son, leading them to view Him as a blasphemer and a dangerous revolutionary who needed to be permanently removed.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 19:47, with its stark portrayal of Jesus' daily teaching contrasted with the leaders' murderous intent, powerfully foreshadows the Christ-centered fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. Jesus, the true Prophet and Teacher, continued to proclaim the kingdom of God even as the forces of darkness conspired against Him. His unwavering presence in the Temple, the very heart of Israel's religious life, underscores His identity as the promised Messiah who came to His own, yet [His own received Him not](/john/1-11 "John 1:11 - Jesus Came to His Own"). The chief priests and scribes, representatives of the Old Covenant system, sought to "destroy" Him, unknowingly fulfilling the prophetic Scriptures that foretold the suffering and rejection of the [Servant of the Lord](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - He Was Despised and Rejected"). This verse sets the stage for the ultimate act of self-giving love: Jesus, the innocent Lamb, willingly submitting to the destructive plans of humanity, knowing that His death would be the means of salvation for all who believe. His teaching in the Temple culminates in His ultimate lesson on the cross, where He, as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), offers Himself as the perfect sacrifice. Thus, the very plot to "destroy him" becomes the divinely ordained path through which Christ triumphs over sin and death, establishing the new covenant and fulfilling the Law and Prophets. His rejection by the religious leaders ultimately paved the way for His resurrection and the establishment of a new spiritual temple, His body, the Church, where He continues to teach and reign as Lord.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.