“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)
Jesus highlights that the scribes’ love for outward show and public recognition reveals a dangerous heart condition. Their desire for status in their clothing and seating arrangements isn't just vanity; it points to a deep internal corruption that leads them to exploit others and obscure the truth. This isn't about specific garments or seats, but the underlying human longing to be seen and honored by people rather than by God.
“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)
Jesus has just skillfully answered the Sadducees' tricky question about the resurrection, showing His divine wisdom, and now He turns His attention to the scribes. He warns His listeners to be wary of these religious leaders, exposing their love for outward show, public recognition, and positions of honor, which contrasts sharply with genuine humility and service. This warning comes immediately after His discourse on the resurrection and before He denounces their exploitative practices, highlighting that their outward piety often masks a corrupted heart.
Ever notice how some people seem to crave the spotlight, making sure everyone knows who they are? Jesus calls out the scribes for a similar tendency.
Jesus warns His listeners to "Beware of the scribes." Why? Because they had a deep-seated love for outward show and public recognition.
The Long Robes:
They enjoyed walking around in elaborate robes, likely adorned with special fringes, making them conspicuous. This wasn't just about clothing; it was a public declaration of their status.
Market Greetings:
They relished being greeted with respect and deference in the public squares. These greetings affirmed their importance in the eyes of others.
Places of Honor:
Their desire extended to the most respected spots: the prime seats in the synagogue and the most prominent places at banquets. These weren't accidental choices; they were actively sought after to elevate their own standing.
Jesus's warning isn't just about disliking flashy people. It points to a profound spiritual danger lurking beneath the surface.
The scribes' outward show wasn't just a personal quirk; it was a sign of a deeper spiritual issue: hypocrisy. Jesus warns against being "seduced" by these leaders.
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Appearance vs. Reality:
Their love for long robes and public greetings suggested they valued being seen as righteous more than actually being righteous. Their focus was on outward piety rather than inner transformation.
Misleading the People:
As religious leaders, they were supposed to guide people toward salvation. However, their self-serving ambition meant they could easily lead others astray with their example. This disconnect between their role and their actions is a dangerous form of deception.
True Honor:
Jesus contrasts their pursuit of human honor with the true honor that comes from God. Their actions revealed a heart not centered on pleasing God, but on gaining the approval of people.
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
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.
Jesus' warning directly addressed the corrupting influence of seeking status and public acclaim, a danger heightened by the intense religious and political climate of Roman-occupied Judea.
c. 200 BC - AD 70
Dominance of Scribes and Religious Leaders
During the Second Temple period, scribes and Pharisees held significant influence in Jewish society. They interpreted and taught the Law, shaping religious and social life.
Early 1st century AD
Growth of Rival Sects and Interpretations
Various Jewish groups like the Sadducees, Pharisees, and Essenes offered different interpretations of the Law and religious practices, leading to public debate and tension.
c. AD 27-30— this verse
Jesus' Public Ministry in Judea
Jesus traveled and taught throughout Judea, challenging established religious authorities and their practices, including the hypocrisy of some scribes and Pharisees.
AD 30
Jesus' Confrontation in the Temple
Jesus directly confronted the religious leaders in Jerusalem, exposing their pride, love for status, and misuse of their authority, particularly regarding their treatment of the poor.
AD 70
Destruction of the Second Temple
The Roman destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem marked a seismic shift in Jewish religious life, ultimately leading to the decline of the Sadducees and the ascendance of Rabbinic Judaism, influenced by Pharisaic traditions.
This passage directly parallels Jesus' warning in Luke, detailing the scribes' love for outward show, public recognition, and places of honor, highlighting their hypocrisy.
1 Samuel 15:22This verse speaks to God's preference for obedience over outward religious acts, which connects to Jesus exposing the scribes' focus on appearances rather than true righteousness.
Proverbs 16:18This proverb warns against pride leading to a fall, mirroring Jesus' critique of the scribes whose pride manifested in their desire for public status and honor.
Romans 12:10Paul's instruction to 'outdo one another in showing honor' stands in stark contrast to the scribes' self-serving pursuit of honor, emphasizing a humble, other-centered attitude.
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 highlights that the scribes’ love for outward show and public recognition reveals a dangerous heart condition. Their desire for status in their clothing and seating arrangements isn't just vanity; it points to a deep internal corruption that leads them to exploit others and obscure the truth. This isn't about specific garments or seats, but the underlying human longing to be seen and honored by people rather than by God.
Jesus has just skillfully answered the Sadducees' tricky question about the resurrection, showing His divine wisdom, and now He turns His attention to the scribes. He warns His listeners to be wary of these religious leaders, exposing their love for outward show, public recognition, and positions of honor, which contrasts sharply with genuine humility and service. This warning comes immediately after His discourse on the resurrection and before He denounces their exploitative practices, highlighting that their outward piety often masks a corrupted heart.
Jesus has just skillfully answered the Sadducees' tricky question about the resurrection, showing His divine wisdom, and now He turns His attention to the scribes. He warns His listeners to be wary of these religious leaders, exposing their love for outward show, public recognition, and positions of honor, which contrasts sharply with genuine humility and service. This warning comes immediately after His discourse on the resurrection and before He denounces their exploitative practices, highlighting that their outward piety often masks a corrupted heart.
"“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 highlights that the scribes’ love for outward show and public recognition reveals a dangerous heart condition. Their desire for status in their clothing and seating arrangements isn't just vani…
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Last reviewed October 2026