Luke 20:46

KJV

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;

KJV (with Strong's)

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};

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;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In this poignant warning, Jesus cautions His disciples and the crowds against the scribes, highlighting their pervasive desire for public recognition and esteemed positions. He exposes their love for outward displays of piety, such as walking in distinctive robes, receiving public greetings, and occupying places of honor in religious and social settings. This indictment serves as a critical lesson on the dangers of hypocrisy and the pursuit of self-glory over genuine humility and service in the Kingdom of God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This warning is situated within Jesus' final days in Jerusalem, specifically during His teaching in the Temple courts. It immediately follows a series of intense theological and political interrogations by the chief priests, scribes, and elders, whom Jesus masterfully silences (e.g., [Luke 20:1-8](/luke/20-1-8 "Luke 20:1-8 - Questioning Jesus' Authority"), [Luke 20:20-26](/luke/20-20-26 "Luke 20:20-26 - Paying Taxes to Caesar")). Having exposed the insincerity and flawed motives of His religious opponents, Jesus turns to His disciples and the gathered multitude, offering this direct admonition. This passage serves as a bridge, concluding His public debates and setting the stage for His private teachings to His disciples and the subsequent Passion narrative. Parallel accounts are found in [Mark 12:38-40](/mark/12-38-40 "Mark 12:38-40 - Jesus Warns Against the Scribes") and, most extensively, in [Matthew 23](/matthew/23 "Matthew 23 - Jesus' Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees"), where Jesus pronounces seven "woes" against the scribes and Pharisees for their hypocrisy and spiritual blindness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "scribes" (Greek: _grammateís_) were a highly respected and influential class in first-century Jewish society. They were experts in the Mosaic Law, responsible for copying, interpreting, and teaching the Scriptures. Many were Pharisees, though not all. Their role was crucial for preserving and transmitting Jewish tradition. In a society that highly valued public honor and social status, outward displays were significant. "Long robes" (_stolḗ_) were flowing, dignified garments worn by those of high standing, signifying their authority and wisdom. "Markets" (_agorá_) were public squares, centers of commerce and social interaction, where prominent individuals would receive public greetings (_aspasmós_) and salutations, reinforcing their status. "Synagogues" (_synagōgḗ_) were not only places of worship but also community centers where seating arrangements reflected social hierarchy, with "highest seats" (_prōtokathedría_) reserved for the most honored guests or leaders. Similarly, "feasts" (_deîpnon_) were important social gatherings, and "chief rooms" (_prōtoklisía_) referred to the most honored reclining positions at the dinner table, typically closest to the host. Jesus' critique is not of their office, but of their abuse of it for personal glory, a direct challenge to the prevailing cultural norms of honor and shame.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel and Jesus' broader ministry. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **hypocrisy**, contrasting outward religious performance with inward spiritual reality. The scribes' actions were driven by a desire for human praise, diametrically opposed to the genuine humility and service Jesus taught (e.g., [Luke 14:7-11](/luke/14-7-11 "Luke 14:7-11 - Parable of the Wedding Feast")). Secondly, it highlights the theme of **true versus false leadership**. Jesus consistently warns against leaders who burden others while seeking personal gain and glory, in stark contrast to His own servant leadership (e.g., [Luke 22:24-27](/luke/22-24-27 "Luke 22:24-27 - True Greatness is Service")). Thirdly, the passage emphasizes **discernment**, urging followers to "beware" of those whose outward piety masks a corrupt heart. This call to spiritual discernment is vital for navigating religious authority and avoiding spiritual deception, a recurring motif throughout Jesus' teachings on the Kingdom of God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Beware (Greek, _proséchō'_):** This verb means "to hold the mind towards," "to pay attention to," or "to be cautious about." It is a strong imperative, an urgent call to heed a warning. Jesus is not merely observing but actively commanding His audience to be vigilant and guard themselves against the scribes' influence and example. This implies a danger that is not immediately obvious but requires careful discernment.
* **scribes (Greek, _grammateús'_):** Derived from the word for "writing," a _grammateús_ was primarily a writer, a public secretary, or, in the context of Jewish society, an expert in the Law. These individuals were highly educated, responsible for copying and interpreting the Torah. While their role was essential for the preservation and understanding of Scripture, Jesus' use of the term here focuses on their behavior and motivations, not their professional function, highlighting how even a sacred office could be corrupted by pride.
* **highest seats (Greek, _prōtokathedría'_):** This compound word literally means "first sitting" or "preeminence in council." It refers to the most honorable seats in the synagogue, typically at the front facing the congregation, signifying status and authority. The scribes' desire for these seats, along with the "chief rooms at feasts" (_prōtoklisía_, "first reclining place"), reveals their craving for public honor and social distinction, prioritizing visible recognition over humble service or genuine spiritual standing.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Beware of the scribes,"**: Jesus issues a direct and urgent command to "beware" or "take heed" (from _proséchō_), indicating a serious spiritual danger posed by these religious leaders. This is not a call to despise their persons but to guard against their corrupting influence and hypocritical example.
* **"which desire to walk in long robes,"**: The scribes actively "desire" (from _thélō_, indicating a strong preference or choice) to parade in their distinctive, flowing garments (_stolḗ_). These robes were symbols of their esteemed position and learning, and their deliberate "walking in" them suggests a conscious effort to draw attention to their status and command public respect, rather than wearing them simply as part of their office.
* **"and love greetings in the markets,"**: Their "love" (from _philéō_, denoting personal affection or fondness) for "greetings" (_aspasmós_, salutations) in the "markets" (_agorá_, public squares) reveals a craving for public adulation. They enjoyed being acknowledged and honored by the crowds in prominent public spaces, indicating a deep-seated need for external validation and recognition of their perceived importance.
* **"and the highest seats in the synagogues,"**: This clause further specifies their pursuit of preeminence. The "highest seats" (_prōtokathedría_) in the synagogues were reserved for the most honored individuals, often facing the congregation. Their desire for these positions underscores their ambition for visible authority and social hierarchy within religious settings, valuing status over humble participation.
* **"and the chief rooms at feasts;"**: Similarly, they sought the "chief rooms" (_prōtoklisía_), referring to the most prestigious reclining positions at banquets or social gatherings. This desire for the place of honor at social events, whether religious or secular, demonstrates a consistent pattern of seeking preeminence and public recognition in all aspects of their lives, revealing a heart driven by pride and self-exaltation.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 20:46 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey Jesus' powerful critique. The primary device is **Contrast**, setting the scribes' outward show against the true humility and inner righteousness that Jesus consistently taught. Their desire for public display (robes, greetings, seats, rooms) is presented as the antithesis of genuine spiritual devotion. **Symbolism** is also prominent, as the "long robes," "highest seats," and "chief rooms" are not merely literal objects but potent symbols of the scribes' pride, vanity, and craving for social status and power. Jesus uses these tangible examples to represent their internal spiritual corruption. Furthermore, the passage functions as a **Warning** or **Exhortation**, with the imperative "Beware" (from _proséchō_) serving as a direct command to the audience to discern and avoid the spiritual pitfalls exemplified by the scribes. This strong admonition underscores the gravity of their hypocrisy and its potential to mislead others.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 20:46 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of true spiritual authority and the dangers of religious hypocrisy. It highlights that God values inward character and humble service far above outward displays of piety or social status. The scribes' actions reveal a heart that seeks human applause rather than divine approval, a fundamental distortion of true worship and leadership. This passage challenges the notion that religious knowledge or position automatically confers spiritual authority, asserting instead that genuine authority flows from a life lived in humble obedience and selfless service to God and others. It underscores the New Testament emphasis on the heart's condition as paramount, contrasting sharply with the externalism often prevalent in religious practice.

* [Matthew 6:1-6](/matthew/6-1-6 "Matthew 6:1-6 - True Righteousness vs. Hypocrisy")
* [Matthew 23:1-12](/matthew/23-1-12 "Matthew 23:1-12 - Jesus Condemns the Scribes and Pharisees")
* [Mark 12:38-40](/mark/12-38-40 "Mark 12:38-40 - Jesus Warns Against the Scribes' Hypocrisy")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jesus' warning against the scribes in [Luke 20:46](/luke/20-46 "Luke 20:46 - A Warning Against Hypocrisy") remains profoundly relevant for believers today, calling us to a deep introspection of our own motivations and a careful discernment of leadership. It challenges us to examine whether our spiritual practices are driven by a genuine desire to honor God and serve others, or by a subtle craving for recognition, praise, or status from people. In a world that often values outward success and public image, this verse reminds us that true spiritual greatness in God's kingdom is found not in seeking the highest seats, but in embracing the lowest place of humble service, just as Jesus Himself taught and exemplified. It compels us to prioritize a pure heart and sincere devotion over any external show or religious performance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life, particularly my spiritual life, might I be seeking human approval or recognition more than God's approval?**
* **How can I cultivate a heart of genuine humility and service, rather than striving for positions of prominence or public acclaim?**
* **What characteristics should I look for in spiritual leaders to ensure they are genuinely serving God and His people, rather than themselves?**
* **How does my daily walk reflect an inward transformation rather than merely an outward adherence to religious practices?**

### FAQ
**Who were the scribes, and why did Jesus warn against them?**

Answer: The scribes (Greek: _grammateús_) were highly educated Jewish experts in the Mosaic Law, responsible for copying, interpreting, and teaching the Scriptures. Jesus warned against them not because of their office, which was important, but because of their corrupt motivations and hypocritical behavior. As highlighted in [Luke 20:46](/luke/20-46 "Luke 20:46 - The Scribes' Hypocrisy"), they sought personal glory, public recognition, and esteemed positions (like "highest seats in the synagogues" and "chief rooms at feasts") rather than humbly serving God and His people. Their outward piety masked an inward pride and desire for human praise, which Jesus condemned as a dangerous example for His followers.

**What is the significance of "long robes," "greetings in the markets," and "highest seats" in this context?**

Answer: These elements were cultural symbols of status and honor in first-century Jewish society. "Long robes" (Greek: _stolḗ_) were distinctive, flowing garments worn by those of high standing, signifying their authority and wisdom. Their desire to "walk in" them indicated a conscious effort to display their importance. "Greetings in the markets" (Greek: _agorá_ for market, _aspasmós_ for greeting) referred to the public salutations and deference they received in prominent public spaces, which they relished as affirmations of their status. "Highest seats in the synagogues" (Greek: _prōtokathedría_) and "chief rooms at feasts" (Greek: _prōtoklisía_) were the most prestigious seating or reclining positions in religious and social gatherings, reserved for the most honored individuals. Jesus points to these specific desires as evidence of their deep-seated pride and craving for human adulation, contrasting sharply with the humility expected of God's true servants.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jesus' warning against the scribes' hypocrisy and love for preeminence in [Luke 20:46](/luke/20-46 "Luke 20:46 - A Contrast to Christ") finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus Himself, who stands as the ultimate antithesis to the scribes' self-exalting behavior. While the scribes sought honor from men, Jesus consistently rejected worldly acclaim, declaring that He did not receive glory from people ([John 5:41](/john/5-41 "John 5:41 - Jesus Seeks God's Glory")). Instead of desiring the "highest seats," He taught that true greatness in His Kingdom is found in humble service, famously stating that "whoever would be great among you must be your servant" ([Matthew 20:26](/matthew/20-26 "Matthew 20:26 - Greatness Through Service")). The scribes paraded in "long robes" to signify their status, but Jesus, the Lord of glory, "emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humiliation")), ultimately demonstrating His humility by washing His disciples' feet ([John 13:1-17](/john/13-1-17 "John 13:1-17 - Jesus Washes His Disciples' Feet")). His life and ministry were a living embodiment of self-giving love, culminating in His ultimate sacrifice on the cross, where He became the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), a stark contrast to those who sought to exalt themselves. Jesus perfectly models the humble, God-glorifying leadership that the scribes so tragically lacked, inviting all who follow Him to walk in His footsteps of selfless devotion rather than self-promotion.

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 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.