What does Luke 20:47 mean?

Explanation

Luke 20:47 is part of a discourse where Jesus is criticizing the scribes for their hypocrisy and self-aggrandizement.

He points out that they exploit vulnerable members of society, such as widows, by taking their property ("devour widows' houses").

Widows in ancient Jewish society were often left without a male protector or a source of income, making them particularly vulnerable to economic exploitation.

At the same time, the scribes make a pretense of piety by offering "long prayers" in public.

The critique is that they are using religion as a cover for their greed and social injustice.

Jesus denounces this behavior, warning that such individuals will face "greater damnation" or harsher judgment, implying a divine recompense for their actions which are contrary to the law of love and justice at the heart of God's commandments.

Historical Context

During the time of Jesus, Jewish society was highly stratified, and the scribes held a significant position of power and influence. They were experts in the Law of Moses and were responsible for copying and interpreting the scriptures.

However, they also had a reputation for enjoying public honor and privileges due to their status, which often led to corruption and hypocrisy.

In the context of this verse, Jesus was speaking in Jerusalem, possibly within the Temple courts, during the last week of His life before the crucifixion.

His criticism of the scribes would have been a direct challenge to the established religious authorities of the day.

Theological Insights

The theological insights from this verse revolve around issues of social justice, the integrity of religious leaders, and divine judgment.

In a broader sense, it challenges the faithful to consider the alignment of their outward religious practices with their inner moral compass.

The condemnation of exploitation, especially of the vulnerable, is a theme scattered throughout the Bible, as is the call for genuine worship free from hypocrisy.

The concept of "greater damnation" suggests that those who are given much, especially in terms of spiritual knowledge and authority, bear a greater responsibility for their actions.

Practical Applications

The teaching of this verse can be applied in various ways:

1. Ethical Leadership: Religious and secular leaders can introspect to ensure their authority is not being misused for personal gain at the expense of others.

2. Social Justice: Individuals and societies may be encouraged to protect and support the vulnerable, including widows, orphans, and those who are marginalized.

3. Genuine Faith: Believers are urged to practice their faith with sincerity, ensuring that their private devotion matches their public expression.

4. Self-Reflection: Encourages self-reflection for all about the congruence between beliefs and actions, urging people to avoid the pitfalls of pretense.

Cross-References

• Matthew 23:14: "Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation."
• James 1:27: "Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world."
• Isaiah 10:1-2: "Woe unto them that decree unrighteous decrees, and that write grievousness which they have prescribed; To turn aside the needy from judgment, and to take away the right from the poor of my people, that widows may be their prey, and that they may rob the fatherless!"

Language Study

The key phrase "devour widows' houses" depicts a metaphor of exploitation.

The Greek word for "devour" (κατεσθίω - katesthio) suggests a voracious and destructive consumption.

The Greek for "long prayers" (μακρά προσευχή - makra proseuchē) indicates an ostentatious display of piety. Such a study of the original language accents the intensity of the criticism Jesus is leveling at the scribes.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many ancient cultures, widows often found themselves in precarious social and economic positions due to the lack of a male provider.

This condition was not unique to Jewish society and can be found in various ancient civilizations.

Religious leaders exploiting their positions for material gain can also be seen across different cultures and religions, highlighting a universal human tendency that various moral and ethical systems warn against.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific perspectives may not directly relate to the critique of social and religious hypocrisy.

However, studies in human behavior and ethics may shed light on why individuals may act hypocritically and how social structures can sometimes encourage or discourage such behavior.

Sociological studies also examine the factors that contribute to the exploitation of vulnerable populations, like widows, and the development of social systems that either facilitate or inhibit such exploitation.

commentaries

Various Bible commentators have noted several points about Luke 20:47:

1. John Calvin commented on the severity of the greed and hypocrisy of the scribes, emphasizing the seriousness of exploiting the defenseless and using religion as a facade.

2. Albert Barnes noted that the practices Jesus condemned were not limited to the scribes' era but could be seen throughout history whenever religious leaders become more concerned with appearances than genuine piety.

3. Matthew Henry highlighted the inconsistency of the scribes' pretentious prayers with their ruthless exploitation of those who could not protect themselves.

Modern scholars continue to explore the social and ethical implications of this verse, noting its relevance in conversations about social justice and the integrity of religious expression.