Which devour widows' houses, and for a shew make long prayers: the same shall receive greater damnation.
LUKE 20:47KJVWhat does Luke 20:47 mean?
Luke 20:47 describes people who take advantage of vulnerable widows, taking their property, and then try to look holy by making long, showy prayers; Jesus warns that these people will face even harsher judgment. The verse highlights the seriousness of hypocrisy, especially when it harms those already in need.
In this scene, Jesus is speaking publicly about certain religious leaders, warning his listeners to beware of their behavior. The leaders are accused of "devouring widows' houses," meaning they exploit or take from widows, who were among the most defenseless in society. Their long prayers are described as being for "a show," suggesting their religious acts are more about appearance than genuine faith, and Jesus makes clear that such actions will bring about a greater condemnation.
The Greek behind Luke 20:47
- "devour" (κατεσθίω, katesthiō): This word means to consume or eat up completely, painting a vivid picture of taking everything from someone, not just a small wrong. It emphasizes the total harm done to widows.
- "for a shew" (προφάσει, prophasei): This word is about doing something for appearance or pretense, not from sincerity. It shows that the prayers are meant to impress others, not to communicate with God.
- "greater damnation" (περισσότερον κρίμα, perissoteron krima): The word for "damnation" here means judgment or condemnation, and "greater" intensifies it. Jesus is saying that the punishment for this kind of hypocrisy and exploitation will be especially severe.
Why Luke 20:47 matters
- Luke 20:47 clears up the idea that outward religious behavior can cover up injustice; Jesus directly links false piety with serious wrongdoing.
- The verse highlights that God pays special attention to how vulnerable people, like widows, are treated, and that exploiting them is especially serious.
- This warning fits into a larger section where Jesus criticizes religious leaders for hypocrisy, making it clear that God sees through appearances and judges the heart and actions.