Then answered one of the lawyers, and said unto him, Master, thus saying thou reproachest us also.

LUKE 11:45KJV
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Luke 11:45 (KJV)

What does Luke 11:45 mean?

Luke 11:45 shows that one of the lawyers (experts in Jewish religious law) responds to Jesus, pointing out that Jesus’ words are not just criticizing others but also insulting or reproaching the lawyers themselves. The lawyer addresses Jesus as "Master" (teacher) and expresses that the remarks are personally offensive to his group.

In this scene, Jesus has been speaking strongly against the hypocrisy of the Pharisees, and a lawyer realizes that these criticisms also apply to those who interpret and teach the law. The lawyer’s response reveals that Jesus’ rebukes are hitting close to home, making the religious experts feel exposed and uncomfortable.

The Greek behind Luke 11:45

  • "lawyers" (νομικός, nomikos): This word refers to those who were experts in the Mosaic Law, not legal professionals in the modern sense. Their role was to interpret, teach, and apply the Jewish law, so the lawyer’s reaction shows that Jesus’ words cut across religious leadership, not just one group.
  • "reproachest" (ὑβρίζεις, hubrizeis): This Greek word often means to insult, offend, or treat with contempt. The lawyer is not just saying Jesus is criticizing but that he feels personally dishonored or shamed by Jesus’ statements.
  • "Master" (διδάσκαλε, didaskale): The term means "teacher" and is a respectful address, showing that even while feeling insulted, the lawyer still recognizes Jesus’ authority as a teacher.

Why Luke 11:45 matters

  • This verse highlights that Jesus’ criticisms were broad enough to include all religious leaders, not just the Pharisees, making the message more challenging and inclusive.
  • The lawyer’s reaction shows that those in positions of authority recognized the personal relevance of Jesus’ rebukes, which sets up the following verses where Jesus addresses the lawyers directly.
  • Luke 11:45 helps the reader see how Jesus’ teachings often provoked strong reactions from those who felt secure in their religious status, emphasizing the uncomfortable truth-telling at the heart of his ministry.

Where else these words appear

“reproachest” Greek G5195 · used in 5 verses

  • Matthew 22:6 And the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them.
  • Luke 18:32 For he shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on:
  • Acts 14:5 And when there was an assault made both of the Gentiles, and also of the Jews with their rulers, to use them despitefully, and to stone them,

“lawyers” Greek G3544 · used in 9 verses

  • Matthew 22:35 Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying,
  • Luke 10:25 And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?
  • Luke 14:3 And Jesus answering spake unto the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath day?

“Master” Greek G1320 · used in 57 verses

  • Matthew 8:19 And a certain scribe came, and said unto him, Master, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.
  • Mark 12:14 And when they were come, they say unto him, Master, we know that thou art true, and carest for no man: for thou regardest not the person of men, but teachest the way of God in truth: Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not?
  • Luke 22:11 And ye shall say unto the goodman of the house, The Master saith unto thee, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples?