And he said, Woe unto you also, ye lawyers! for ye lade men with burdens grievous to be borne, and ye yourselves touch not the burdens with one of your fingers.

LUKE 11:46KJV
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Luke 11:46 (KJV)

What does Luke 11:46 mean?

Luke 11:46 describes Jesus warning the "lawyers"—experts in Jewish religious law—that they make life harder for others by piling on strict rules, but do nothing to help carry those burdens themselves. Jesus criticizes them for being harsh and demanding, yet unwilling to share in the difficulties they create.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking directly to the religious legal experts of his day, not just the Pharisees but those who interpreted and taught the law. The situation is tense, as Jesus is pointing out hypocrisy: these leaders add heavy requirements for ordinary people to follow, yet they themselves avoid the hardship. The verse highlights a disconnect between teaching and practice among the religious authorities.

The Greek behind Luke 11:46

  • "Woe" (οὐαί, ouai): This word is an expression of deep sorrow or warning, not just anger. Jesus is not just scolding but warning of serious consequences.
  • "Lawyers" (νομικοί, nomikoi): These were not modern lawyers but experts in interpreting religious law. Their authority shaped daily life for many.
  • "Lade" (φορτίζετε, phortizete): This means to load or burden, often used for loading cargo. Here, it paints a vivid picture of making people carry heavy, unnecessary loads.
  • "Touch" (προσψαύω, prospsauō): This word means to even touch or handle lightly. Jesus is saying the lawyers won’t even lift a finger to help with the burdens they impose.

Why Luke 11:46 matters

  • Luke 11:46 clears up the common misunderstanding that Jesus only criticized the Pharisees; he also confronted other religious leaders, especially those who set the rules.
  • The verse reveals Jesus’s concern for ordinary people weighed down by religious demands, showing his compassion for those struggling under legalism.
  • This warning connects to the wider passage where Jesus exposes hypocrisy among religious leaders, emphasizing the importance of integrity and genuine care for others.

Where else these words appear

“lade” Greek G5412 · used in 2 verses

  • Matthew 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

“borne” Greek G1419 · used in 2 verses

  • Matthew 23:4 For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.

“burdens” Greek G5413 · used in 4 verses

  • Matthew 11:30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
  • Matthew 23:4 For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.
  • Galatians 6:5 For every man shall bear his own burden.

“fingers” Greek G1147 · used in 8 verses

  • Matthew 23:4 For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.
  • Luke 11:20 But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you.
  • John 8:6 This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not.