Luke 20:46

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;

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};

“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,

“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.

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

In Luke 20:46, Jesus issues a stern warning against the scribes, highlighting their outward displays of piety and their love for public recognition. This verse appears near the end of Jesus' public ministry, shortly before His crucifixion, and forms part of His broader critique of the religious establishment of His day.

Context

This warning is delivered by Jesus in the Temple courts in Jerusalem, during His final week before His passion. It follows a series of challenging questions posed to Him by the Jewish religious leaders—the chief priests, scribes, and elders—who sought to trap Him in His words (Luke 20:1-8). Having silenced His opponents, Jesus turns to His disciples and the crowds, exposing the spiritual dangers posed by those who outwardly appeared righteous but were inwardly corrupt. This specific warning is also paralleled in Mark 12:38-40 and extensively in Matthew 23, where Jesus pronounces "woes" upon the scribes and Pharisees for their hypocrisy.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Hypocrisy and Pride: Jesus condemns the scribes not for their role, but for their motivation. Their desire for "long robes," "greetings in the markets," "highest seats in the synagogues," and "chief rooms at feasts" reveals a deep-seated pride and a craving for human adulation over divine approval. This focus on outward appearance was a stark contrast to the genuine humility Jesus taught and embodied.
  • Warning Against Misleading Leaders: Jesus warns His followers to "beware" of such individuals. This is a crucial lesson about discerning true spiritual leadership from those who seek self-glory rather than serving God and others. It highlights the danger of leaders who prioritize personal status and recognition over the spiritual well-being of their flock.
  • Inward Character vs. Outward Show: The verse emphasizes the distinction between external religious practices and genuine internal righteousness. The scribes meticulously followed rules and rituals, but their hearts were far from God, as they were driven by vanity and self-exaltation. This theme is central to Jesus' teachings, particularly in the Sermon on the Mount, where He contrasts outward acts with inner purity (Matthew 6:1-6).

Linguistic Insights

The term "scribes" (Greek: grammateis) referred to educated men, often experts in Jewish law, who copied and interpreted the Scriptures. While their role was important, Jesus critiques their conduct. The phrase "desire to walk in long robes" (Greek: stolais) indicates flowing, distinctive garments that signified their esteemed position, which they wore to attract attention and respect. Their love for "greetings in the markets" (agorasmois) and "highest seats" (protokathedrias) or "chief rooms" (protoklisias) speaks to their pursuit of public honor and social preeminence, rather than the humble service expected of true spiritual leaders.

Practical Application

Jesus' warning in Luke 20:46 remains highly relevant. It calls believers to:

  • Discern Leadership: Be wary of those in spiritual authority who seek personal glory, material gain, or public acclaim rather than genuinely serving God and His people. True leadership in the Kingdom of God is characterized by humility and service (Luke 22:26).
  • Examine Motivations: Reflect on our own motivations in religious practice and daily life. Are we seeking validation from others, or are we striving to honor God? Genuine faith is lived out in humility and love, not in outward displays for human approval.
  • Value Inner Character: Prioritize inner transformation and a pure heart over external religiosity or social status. What God truly values is a humble and contrite spirit (Psalm 51:17).

This verse serves as a timeless reminder that true spiritual authority comes from a heart devoted to God and others, not from outward show or the pursuit of prestige.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Mark 12:38 (7 votes)

    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 (7 votes)

    And the chief seats in the synagogues, and the uppermost rooms at feasts:

  • Luke 11:43 (7 votes)

    Woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye love the uppermost seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets.

  • Luke 14:7 (6 votes)

    ¶ 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 (5 votes)

    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 (5 votes)

    And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.

  • Philippians 2:3 (5 votes)

    [Let] nothing [be done] through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.