Luke 20:47

KJV

Which devour widows' houses, and for a shew make long prayers: the same shall receive greater damnation.

KJV (with Strong's)

Which {G3739} devour {G2719} widows {G5503}' houses {G3614}, and {G2532} for a shew {G4392} make {G4336} long {G3117} prayers {G4336}: the same {G3778} shall receive {G2983} greater {G4055} damnation {G2917}.

Complete Jewish Bible

the kind that swallow up widows’ houses while making a show of davvening at great length. Their punishment will be all the worse!”

Berean Standard Bible

They defraud widows of their houses, and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will receive greater condemnation.”

American Standard Version

who devour widows’ houses, and for a pretence make long prayers: these shall receive greater condemnation.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Luke 20:47, Jesus delivers a scathing indictment against certain religious leaders, specifically scribes, condemning their egregious hypocrisy. He exposes their dual sin: the exploitation of vulnerable widows for personal gain, masked by an outward display of piety through ostentatiously long prayers. Jesus unequivocally declares that such deceitful actions, which betray the very essence of true faith and justice, will incur a more severe divine judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the climactic and most severe condemnation in a series of teachings and confrontations Jesus has with the religious authorities during His final week in Jerusalem, leading up to His crucifixion. Immediately preceding this, [Luke 20:46](/luke/20-46 "Luke 20:46 - Jesus Warns Against the Scribes' Pride") describes Jesus warning His disciples and the crowds to "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." While [Luke 20:46](/luke/20-46 "Luke 20:46 - Jesus Warns Against the Scribes' Pride") focuses on their pride and desire for public honor, [Luke 20:47](/luke/20-47 "Luke 20:47 - Jesus Condemns the Scribes' Hypocrisy") penetrates deeper, exposing the predatory actions hidden beneath their pious facade. This sharpens the indictment, moving from a critique of superficiality to a denunciation of profound moral corruption, setting the stage for Jesus' subsequent teachings on the widow's offering in [Luke 21:1-4](/luke/21-1-4 "Luke 21:1-4 - The Widow's Offering"), which beautifully contrasts genuine generosity with the scribes' greed.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The scribes (also known as teachers of the law) were highly respected religious scholars and interpreters of the Mosaic Law in ancient Judaism. They held significant social and religious authority, often serving as legal advisors, judges, and educators. Widows, in this patriarchal society, were among the most vulnerable members, often lacking male protectors and facing severe economic hardship. Mosaic Law and prophetic tradition consistently emphasized the protection and care of widows, orphans, and foreigners (e.g., [Deuteronomy 10:18](/deuteronomy/10-18 "Deuteronomy 10:18 - God Loves the Sojourner, Orphan, and Widow"); [Isaiah 1:17](/isaiah/1-17 "Isaiah 1:17 - Seek Justice, Defend the Oppressed")). The scribes, as guardians of the Law, were expected to uphold these principles. However, some exploited their position of trust, perhaps by offering legal or financial advice to vulnerable widows, then manipulating them into signing over property or assets, or charging exorbitant fees. Their "long prayers" were a public display, often performed in prominent places like the temple courts or synagogues, designed to enhance their reputation for piety and trustworthiness, thereby facilitating their exploitation.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights **Religious Hypocrisy**, a recurring motif in Jesus' ministry, particularly evident in His confrontations with the Pharisees and scribes. Jesus consistently unmasks those who prioritize outward appearance over inner righteousness, as seen in His "Woes" in [Luke 11:37-54](/luke/11-37-54 "Luke 11:37-54 - Woes to the Pharisees and Lawyers") and [Matthew 23](/matthew/23 "Matthew 23 - Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees"). Secondly, it underscores **Social Justice and Care for the Vulnerable**. God's deep concern for the marginalized and oppressed is a foundational biblical principle, and Jesus' condemnation of those who exploit widows aligns perfectly with this divine imperative. Finally, the declaration of "greater damnation" emphasizes **Divine Justice and Accountability**. It reveals that those who abuse spiritual authority and exploit the innocent, especially under the guise of godliness, face a more severe judgment, reflecting the principle that "to whom much is given, of him much will be required" ([Luke 12:48](/luke/12-48 "Luke 12:48 - To Whom Much is Given")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **devour (Greek, _katesthíō'_):** From G2719, meaning "to eat down, i.e. devour (literally or figuratively)." This word conveys a sense of complete consumption or destruction. It's not merely taking a portion but utterly consuming, suggesting the scribes were not just taking advantage but were bankrupting and ruining the lives of these vulnerable women, leaving them destitute.
* **shew (Greek, _próphasis'_):** From G4392, meaning "an outward showing, i.e. pretext." This term is crucial, indicating that their "long prayers" were not genuine acts of devotion but a mere facade, a deceptive display intended to create an impression of piety and trustworthiness. It highlights the calculated and insincere nature of their religious performance.
* **damnation (Greek, _kríma'_):** From G2917, meaning "a decision (the function or the effect, for or against ('crime')):--avenge, condemned, condemnation, damnation, + go to law, judgment." This term denotes a judicial sentence or judgment. In this context, it refers to a divine verdict of condemnation, emphasizing the severe consequence awaiting those who engage in such profound hypocrisy and exploitation. The addition of "greater" (G4055, _perissóteros'_ - "more superabundant") signifies a more intense or severe degree of this judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Which devour widows' houses":** This phrase exposes the primary sin of the scribes: their predatory exploitation of the most defenseless members of society. "Devour" (katesthíō) vividly portrays a complete consumption, suggesting they were not merely taking a portion but utterly ruining the financial and residential security of widows. This likely involved legal manipulation, excessive fees for services, or coercing vulnerable women into transferring property, all under the guise of religious counsel or assistance. It reveals a profound lack of compassion and a direct violation of God's commands to protect the vulnerable.
* **"and for a shew make long prayers":** This clause reveals the deceptive means by which the scribes carried out their exploitation. Their "long prayers" were not expressions of genuine devotion to God but a "shew" (próphasis), a public display or pretext. They used these ostentatious religious performances to cultivate an image of piety, trustworthiness, and spiritual authority, which in turn enabled them to gain the confidence of others, including vulnerable widows, and thus facilitate their fraudulent activities. It highlights the hypocrisy of using religious acts as a cloak for unrighteous deeds.
* **"the same shall receive greater damnation":** This is Jesus' pronouncement of divine judgment. "The same" refers to those scribes who engaged in such practices. The term "damnation" (kríma) signifies a divine judicial condemnation. The addition of "greater" (perissóteros) emphasizes the intensified severity of this judgment. This "greater damnation" is a direct consequence of their specific sins: not only did they exploit the vulnerable, but they did so under the guise of religious authority and piety, thereby bringing disrepute to God's name and betraying the sacred trust placed in them as religious leaders. Their actions were a perversion of justice and a mockery of true worship.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 20:47 is rich in literary devices that amplify Jesus' condemnation. **Hyperbole** is evident in the verb "devour" (_katesthíō_), which goes beyond merely taking or seizing to suggest a complete and destructive consumption of the widows' "houses" (oikía), representing their entire livelihood and security. This vivid imagery underscores the extreme and merciless nature of the scribes' exploitation. There is profound **Irony** in the juxtaposition of "devouring widows' houses" with "making long prayers for a shew." Those who are supposed to be spiritual guides and upholders of God's law, which explicitly protects widows, are instead preying on them, while simultaneously performing public acts of piety. Their outward religious performance is a direct **Contrast** to their inner corruption and predatory actions, creating a stark and damning portrait of hypocrisy. The phrase "greater damnation" serves as a powerful **Climax** to Jesus' indictment, emphasizing the severe divine retribution awaiting those who abuse their spiritual authority and betray sacred trust for selfish gain.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly speaks to the nature of true righteousness versus religious pretense, emphasizing that genuine faith is demonstrated not by outward display but by righteous action, particularly in the treatment of the vulnerable. It highlights God's unwavering concern for justice and His severe condemnation of those who exploit the weak, especially under the cloak of piety. The "greater damnation" signifies that abusing spiritual authority and trust incurs a higher degree of accountability before God, as it not only harms individuals but also brings disrepute to God's name and perverts the very purpose of religious leadership. This passage serves as a timeless warning against spiritual hypocrisy and a call to sincere, compassionate living that prioritizes the welfare of others, particularly the marginalized.

* [Isaiah 1:17](/isaiah/1-17 "Isaiah 1:17 - Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.")
* [Matthew 6:5](/matthew/6-5 "Matthew 6:5 - And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.")
* [James 1:27](/james/1-27 "James 1:27 - Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 20:47 is a piercing mirror for all who claim spiritual authority or engage in religious practice. It compels us to scrutinize our own motives, asking whether our acts of piety are truly for God's glory and the good of others, or if they are subtly (or overtly) designed to enhance our own reputation, influence, or material gain. The condemnation of exploiting widows serves as a powerful reminder of God's profound heart for the marginalized and defenseless. It challenges us to actively identify and protect the vulnerable in our own communities, ensuring that our faith translates into tangible acts of justice and compassion, rather than becoming a tool for self-enrichment or a mask for indifference. For those in positions of leadership, whether in the church, community, or family, this verse is a sobering call to integrity, humility, and selfless service, recognizing that greater authority carries with it a greater responsibility and a more stringent divine accountability.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be tempted to use religious practice or outward displays of piety to gain personal advantage or recognition?**
* **How can I actively identify and advocate for the vulnerable and marginalized in my community, ensuring I am not inadvertently contributing to their exploitation?**
* **If I am in a position of leadership, how can I ensure my actions are consistently motivated by genuine service and integrity, rather than self-interest or the abuse of trust?**
* **What does "greater damnation" imply about God's view of hypocrisy and the betrayal of sacred trust?**

### FAQ
**What does "devour widows' houses" specifically mean in this context?**

Answer: "Devour widows' houses" refers to the scribes' exploitation of vulnerable widows, likely through legal or financial manipulation. In ancient society, widows were often without male protectors and thus susceptible to economic hardship. Scribes, as legal experts and religious authorities, might have offered to manage their affairs, handle inheritances, or provide legal counsel. However, instead of protecting them, they would use their position of trust to defraud the widows, perhaps by charging exorbitant fees, coercing them into unfavorable contracts, or even manipulating them into signing over their property or assets. The word "devour" (Greek _katesthíō_) suggests a complete consumption, implying that the scribes were not just taking a portion but were ruining the widows' entire livelihoods, leaving them destitute. This was a grave injustice, directly contrary to the numerous Old Testament commands to care for and protect widows (e.g., [Exodus 22:22-24](/exodus/22-22-24 "Exodus 22:22-24 - Do not afflict any widow or orphan")).

**Why would making "long prayers" lead to "greater damnation"?**

Answer: The "long prayers" themselves were not the sin, but rather the motive behind them. Jesus states they made these prayers "for a shew" (Greek _próphasis_), meaning as a pretext or outward display. These prayers were not genuine acts of devotion to God but were performed publicly and ostentatiously to impress others, enhance their reputation for piety, and cultivate trust. This facade of godliness then served as a cover for their underlying greed and exploitation of the vulnerable. The "greater damnation" comes from the profound hypocrisy of using sacred religious acts to facilitate unrighteous deeds. It's a severe condemnation because it involves not only harming the innocent but also desecrating true worship and bringing disrepute to God's name by betraying the trust associated with spiritual leadership. It signifies a more severe judgment for those who knowingly pervert righteousness and abuse their influence (compare [Romans 2:6](/romans/2-6 "Romans 2:6 - God will render to every man according to his deeds")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 20:47, while a stark condemnation of religious hypocrisy, finds its ultimate fulfillment and contrast in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Unlike the scribes who devoured widows' houses and prayed for show, Jesus consistently demonstrated genuine compassion for the vulnerable and practiced authentic, humble prayer. He did not come to exploit but to serve, declaring that the [Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve"). Jesus Himself exemplified true piety, praying in private and teaching His disciples to do the same, emphasizing sincerity over public display ([Matthew 6:5-6](/matthew/6-5 "Matthew 6:5-6 - Pray in Secret")). He is the true [Good Shepherd](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd") who lays down His life for the sheep, protecting them from those who would "devour" or scatter them, unlike the false shepherds condemned here. Ultimately, Jesus is the righteous Judge who will execute the "greater damnation" upon those who reject true righteousness and exploit others, for He is the one before whom [all nations will be gathered, and He will separate them as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats](/matthew/25-31-46 "Matthew 25:31-46 - The Judgment of the Nations"). His life and teachings stand as the perfect embodiment of the justice, compassion, and authentic worship that the scribes so tragically lacked, ultimately offering salvation and true righteousness to all who believe in Him.

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 12:40

Which devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayers: these shall receive greater damnation.

James 3:1

¶ My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.

Luke 12:1

¶ In the mean time, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trode one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.

Titus 1:16

They profess that they know God; but in works they deny [him], being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.

Luke 12:47

And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not [himself], neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many [stripes].

Luke 12:48

But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few [stripes]. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.

Matthew 11:22

But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you.