Luke 20:46
“Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and love greetings in the marketplaces and the best seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at feasts,
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Jesus warns us to beware not just of what the scribes do, but of their inner desire to be noticed and honored. Their love for outward show and public acclaim reveals a heart seeking glory from people rather than from God, a dangerous trap for anyone.
Jesus has just silenced the Sadducees with a profound teaching on the resurrection, then outsmarted the Pharisees with a question about the Messiah. Now, turning his attention to the religious leaders present, he issues a stark warning about the scribes, describing their outward show and love for public honor, contrasting it with their inner motivations.
Ever felt pressured to look good instead of be good? Jesus calls out a dangerous spiritual trap that prioritizes outward appearance over inner reality.
Jesus warns His followers to 'Beware of the scribes.' Why? He points to their love for outward displays: 'to walk around in long robes,' seeking 'greetings in the marketplaces,' and desiring 'the best seats' and 'places of honor.'
This isn't just about fancy clothes or popularity. The scribes’ core issue, as one ancient commentary puts it, was 'Videri quam esse' – to seem rather than to be. Their focus was on projecting an image of piety and importance, rather than on genuine devotion to God and service to others.
This outward show was a form of spiritual deception. They used religious customs and status to gain admiration, masking a heart that wasn't truly aligned with God's ways. This focus on appearing righteous made them dangerous guides, as they led people astray with their hypocrisy.
What happens when the very people meant to guide you toward God are actually leading you away? Jesus issues a stark warning about this spiritual danger.
Jesus’ command to ‘Beware’ isn't just a suggestion; it’s a critical warning. He identifies the scribes, esteemed religious teachers, as those to be feared.
Why were they so dangerous? Because their outward show of piety masked a spiritual corruption. They were supposed to be guides, pointing people to God’s truth, but their own pride and love for honor had become their focus. This makes their influence a 'subtle poison,' as one commentator notes, especially when it's backed by religious authority and reputation.
When leaders prioritize their own status, recognition, and comfort over genuine service and truth, they become a significant hazard to the spiritual well-being of those who follow them. Their hypocrisy can obscure the path to salvation, making it difficult for people to discern true spirituality.
Understand the original words
prosechete · Greek Verb
In a biblical context, this is a command to be on guard, exercise caution, or watch out for danger, often spiritual or moral in nature. It implies staying alert to avoid being led astray or deceived.
grammateōn · Greek Noun
Refers to the professional class of Jewish scholars who studied, copied, and interpreted the Law of Moses. By the time of Jesus, they were influential religious authorities often associated with legalism and rigid adherence to tradition.
stolais · Greek Noun
Stately garments worn by people of status or religious authority; in this context, they are used as a public display of prestige and outward religious piety to gain recognition from others.
aspasmous · Greek Noun
Jesus is speaking directly to the people in Jerusalem during His final week. He is exposing the pride and hypocrisy of the scribes, who, despite their esteemed position as interpreters of God's Law, were more concerned with their own status and public image than with genuine righteousness.
c. 2nd century BC - 1st century AD
Rise of the Scribes as Religious Authorities
Following the Babylonian Exile and the return of Jewish people to Jerusalem, the scribes (or 'Soferim') emerged as highly respected scholars and interpreters of the Law. They meticulously copied and studied the Torah, gaining significant influence in religious and legal matters.
c. 1st century BC - 1st century AD
Pharisaic Influence and Emphasis on Ritual
During this period, the Pharisaic movement, to which many scribes belonged, grew in prominence. They emphasized strict adherence to the Law, including both written and oral traditions, often setting themselves apart through visible signs of piety and a desire for public recognition.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
Jesus' Ministry and Confrontation with Religious Leaders
Jesus' public ministry frequently brought Him into direct conflict with the established religious authorities, including the scribes and Pharisees, particularly in Jerusalem. His teachings challenged their interpretations of the Law and their outward displays of religious devotion.
This passage directly parallels Jesus' warning, highlighting the scribes' love for outward shows of piety like long robes and public recognition, contrasting it with true humility and service.
Luke 11:43Jesus warns against the Pharisees loving the 'best seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at market'.
1 Samuel 2:3This verse from Hannah's prayer speaks against boastful pride and arrogance, reflecting the attitude Jesus warns against in the scribes who sought honor for themselves rather than God.
Proverbs 14:2This proverb states that anyone who walks in uprightness fears the Lord, but one who is crooked in his ways despises him, which can be seen as the spiritual condition of the scribes Jesus warns about.
Philippians 2:3This New Testament passage calls believers to do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit but in humility count others more significant than themselves, the opposite of the scribes' self-seeking behavior.
pooleLuke 20:46: "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;"
See Poole on "Luke 20:45"
clarkeLuke 20:46: "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;"
Beware of the scribes - Take heed that ye be not seduced by those who should show you the way of salvation. See on Matthew 23:4-14 (note). 1. How it can be supposed that the ancient Jewish Church had no distinct notion of the resurrection of the dead is to me truly surprising. The justice of God, so peculiarly conspic…
Jesus warns us to beware not just of what the scribes do, but of their inner desire to be noticed and honored. Their love for outward show and public acclaim reveals a heart seeking glory from people rather than from God, a dangerous trap for anyone.
Jesus has just silenced the Sadducees with a profound teaching on the resurrection, then outsmarted the Pharisees with a question about the Messiah. Now, turning his attention to the religious leaders present, he issues a stark warning about the scribes, describing their outward show and love for public honor, contrasting it with their inner motivations.
Jesus has just silenced the Sadducees with a profound teaching on the resurrection, then outsmarted the Pharisees with a question about the Messiah. Now, turning his attention to the religious leaders present, he issues a stark warning about the scribes, describing their outward show and love for public honor, contrasting it with their inner motivations.
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In the New Testament, refers to the public acknowledgement and reverence sought by religious leaders. Jesus criticizes this when it is motivated by a desire for human praise rather than humble service.
synagōgais · Greek Noun
The primary centers for Jewish communal worship, scripture reading, and teaching outside the Temple. The "best seats" denoted positions of social prominence and authority.
c. AD 33
Jesus' Teaching in the Temple
In the days leading up to His crucifixion, Jesus taught in the Temple, engaging in debates and pronouncements that exposed the hypocrisy of some religious leaders, including the scribes. This passage from Luke is part of those final confrontations.
"“Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and love greetings in the marketplaces and the best seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at feasts," — Jesus warns us to beware not just of what the scribes do, but of their inner desire to be noticed and honored. Their love for outward show and public acclaim reveals a heart seeking glory from pe…
