Luke 20:45 (KJV)

What does Luke 20:45 mean?

Luke 20:45 sets the scene for a warning Jesus is about to give. He addresses his disciples, or learners, while all the people are listening. His words are directed to his followers, but they are spoken openly enough for the crowd to hear.

The KJV phrase “in the audience of” means “within the hearing of.” After the exchange in verse 44, Jesus turns to his disciples. Verse 45 introduces his next words rather than reporting the warning itself.

The Greek behind Luke 20:45

• “audience” — ἀκούω (akouō): This word carries the sense of hearing. The Greek wording places the people in the position of listeners; “audience” here refers to their hearing rather than to a formal gathering.
• “disciples” — μαθητής (mathētēs): This word means a learner or pupil. In Luke 20:45, it identifies the people who follow Jesus and learn from him as the ones he directly addresses.

Why Luke 20:45 matters

• The warning has a specific group in view. Jesus addresses “his disciples,” and his next words tell them to beware of the scribes, who were experts in the written law (verse 46).
• The public setting helps readers understand who could hear the warning. “All the people” are within hearing, so the warning about the scribes is not presented as a private conversation.