The Pharisees, who were lovers of money, heard all these things, and they ridiculed him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The original Greek word for "derided" isn't just about saying mean things; it vividly paints a picture of someone physically turning up their nose in utter contempt. These Pharisees, exposed for their love of money, responded not with reasoned argument but with a dismissive sneer, showing their pride and unwillingness to face the truth about their hearts.
The Pharisees, who were lovers of money, heard all these things, and they ridiculed him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just finished a parable about a shrewd but dishonest steward, using it to teach his disciples about wisely using earthly riches for eternal gain. The Pharisees, who were known for their love of money, overheard these teachings and reacted with scorn and ridicule, clearly offended by Jesus' critique of their materialistic values. Jesus then directly addresses them, exposing their self-righteousness and revealing that what humans admire, God detests.
Jesus just finished teaching a challenging parable about managing resources wisely. His audience included the Pharisees, and their reaction was… not good.
Luke tells us the Pharisees, who were 'lovers of money,' heard Jesus and 'ridiculed him.' This wasn't just a mild disagreement. The Greek word here, 'philargyros,' literally means 'lover of money.' It points to a deep-seated affection and desire for wealth.
These weren't just people who happened to have money; their identity was tied to it. This passion for possessions blinded them to Jesus' message. For them, wealth was a sign of God's favor, and anyone who spoke against it, especially someone as outwardly humble as Jesus, must be foolish or wrong. Their ridicule was a defense mechanism, a way to dismiss a truth that threatened their entire worldview.
The Pharisees didn't just disagree; they 'ridiculed' Jesus. What does that intense reaction tell us about their spiritual state?
The word Luke uses for 'ridiculed' (exemukterizon) is incredibly strong. It paints a picture of someone turning up their nose in utter contempt, like they're disgusted by a foul smell. It wasn't just a chuckle; it was a deep, visceral rejection.
This scorn came from a place of pride and self-righteousness. They saw themselves as wise managers of their own lives and wealth, perhaps even seeing their riches as proof of God's blessing. Jesus' teachings, especially those challenging their pursuit of money and suggesting a different way to use resources (like making 'friends with the unrighteous mammon'), struck at the core of their identity and their perceived wisdom. They couldn't fathom that their 'cleverness' in accumulating wealth was actually a form of spiritual foolishness. Their ridicule was a shield against facing the uncomfortable truth that their definition of success was an 'abomination in the sight of God.'
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Understand the original words
Pharisaioi · Greek Noun
A Jewish religious sect known for their strict adherence to the Law; often criticized in the New Testament for legalism, hypocrisy, and self-righteousness.
The Pharisees' ridicule stemmed from their deep-seated materialism and hypocrisy, as Jesus' teachings directly challenged their worldly values and exposed their spiritual blindness.
c. 27-30 AD— this verse
Jesus Teaches in Galilee
During Jesus' ministry in Galilee, he frequently taught in synagogues and public places, attracting crowds of followers and also drawing the attention of religious leaders like the Pharisees.
c. 27-30 AD
Jesus' Ministry Challenges Religious Leaders
Jesus' teachings often contrasted with the established interpretations and practices of the Pharisees, particularly concerning wealth, religious observance, and true righteousness. This led to frequent confrontations and criticism.
c. 27-30 AD
Parable of the Unjust Steward
Jesus told the parable of the unjust steward to his disciples, but in the hearing of the Pharisees, addressing themes of stewardship, wealth, and faithfulness.
c. 27-30 AD
Pharisees' Reaction to Jesus' Teachings
The Pharisees, known for their love of money and emphasis on outward piety, heard Jesus' parables and teachings, often reacting with scorn and ridicule when their values were challenged.
This verse directly states that 'the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils,' highlighting the deep-seated danger of avarice that Jesus was addressing, which resonated with the Pharisees' ridicule.
Matthew 6:24Jesus explicitly says, 'No one can serve two masters... You cannot serve God and money,' a core teaching that the Pharisees, with their love of money, were actively defying and thus provoked by.
Luke 18:11The parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector shows the Pharisee boasting in his self-righteousness and adherence to religious law, mirroring the attitude that would lead them to ridicule Jesus for challenging their worldly priorities.
Proverbs 15:13This proverb states, 'A merry heart makes a cheerful face, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is broken,' which contrasts with the Pharisees' outward show of piety while their hearts were filled with greed, leading them to scorn Jesus' genuine message.
calvinLuke 16:1-15: "And he said also unto his disciples, There was a certain rich man, which had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods."
- And he said also to his disciples, There was a certain rich man who had a steward, and he was accused to him that he was wasting his estate. 2. And he called him, and said to him, What is this that I hear of thee? render an account of thy stewardship, for thou shalt no longer have it in thy power to be steward. 3. And the stew…
vincentLuke 16:14: "And the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided him."
Covetous (φιλάργυροι)Rev. renders literally, according to the composition of the word, lover, of money. Only here and 2 Timothy 3:2. Compare the kindred noun, 1 Timothy 6:10. The usual word for covetous is πλεονέκτης (1 Corinthians 5:10, 1 Corinthians 5:11; 1 Corinthians 6:10).Derided (ἐξεμυκτήριζον)Only here and Luke 23:35. Lit., to turn up the nose at. The Romans had a corresponding phra…
The original Greek word for "derided" isn't just about saying mean things; it vividly paints a picture of someone physically turning up their nose in utter contempt. These Pharisees, exposed for their love of money, responded not with reasoned argument but with a dismissive sneer, showing their pride and unwillingness to face the truth about their hearts.
Jesus has just finished a parable about a shrewd but dishonest steward, using it to teach his disciples about wisely using earthly riches for eternal gain. The Pharisees, who were known for their love of money, overheard these teachings and reacted with scorn and ridicule, clearly offended by Jesus' critique of their materialistic values. Jesus then directly addresses them, exposing their self-righteousness and revealing that what humans admire, God detests.
Jesus has just finished a parable about a shrewd but dishonest steward, using it to teach his disciples about wisely using earthly riches for eternal gain. The Pharisees, who were known for their love of money, overheard these teachings and reacted with scorn and ridicule, clearly offended by Jesus' critique of their materialistic values. Jesus then directly addresses them, exposing their self-righteousness and revealing that what humans admire, God detests.
"The Pharisees, who were lovers of money, heard all these things, and they ridiculed him." — The original Greek word for "derided" isn't just about saying mean things; it vividly paints a picture of someone physically turning up their nose in utter contempt. These Pharisees, exposed for thei…
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Last reviewed October 2026