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;

LUKE 20:46KJV
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Luke 20:46 (KJV)

What does Luke 20:46 mean?

Luke 20:46 warns listeners to be cautious of the scribes, describing them as people who enjoy wearing long robes, receiving public greetings, and taking the best seats in synagogues and at feasts. The verse highlights the scribes’ desire for public recognition and status rather than genuine service or humility.

In this passage, Jesus is speaking to the crowd, cautioning them about the religious leaders known as scribes. The scribes were respected experts in Jewish law, but Jesus points out their love for outward displays of honor and privilege. The verse sets the stage for a broader critique of religious hypocrisy, focusing on the difference between outward appearance and true character.

The Greek behind Luke 20:46

  • "Beware" (προσέχετε, prosechete): This Greek word means to pay close attention or be on guard. Jesus is not just giving advice but issuing a strong warning to watch out for the attitudes and behaviors he describes.
  • "Long robes" (στολὰς, stolas): The word refers to special, formal garments that signified status. The scribes’ choice to wear these robes was a visible sign of their desire to be seen as important.
  • "Greetings" (ἀσπασμούς, aspasmous): This term refers to formal salutations in public places. The scribes enjoyed being publicly acknowledged, which was a sign of social standing.
  • "Chief rooms" (πρωτοκλισίας, prōtoklisias): This phrase means the places of honor at banquets. It shows the scribes’ preference for recognition and the best positions at social gatherings.

Why Luke 20:46 matters

  • Luke 20:46 helps clear up any idea that religious leaders are always above reproach, showing that even respected figures can be motivated by pride and a desire for recognition.
  • The verse emphasizes the importance of humility and sincerity in spiritual life, warning against valuing outward appearances over genuine faithfulness.
  • This warning connects to the wider passage, where Jesus continues to challenge the religious leaders’ behavior and calls his listeners to discernment and integrity.

Where else these words appear

“seats” Greek G4410 · used in 4 verses

  • Matthew 23:6 And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues,
  • Mark 12:39 And the chief seats in the synagogues, and the uppermost rooms at feasts:
  • Luke 11:43 Woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye love the uppermost seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets.

“rooms” Greek G4411 · used in 5 verses

  • Matthew 23:6 And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues,
  • Mark 12:39 And the chief seats in the synagogues, and the uppermost rooms at feasts:
  • Luke 14:7 And he put forth a parable to those which were bidden, when he marked how they chose out the chief rooms; saying unto them,

“robes” Greek G4749 · used in 8 verses

  • Mark 12:38 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,
  • Luke 15:22 But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:
  • Revelation 7:9 After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;

“greetings” Greek G783 · used in 10 verses

  • Matthew 23:7 And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.
  • Luke 1:41 And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:
  • 1 Corinthians 16:21 The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand.