Luke 20:46
New International Version
“Beware of the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and love to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets.

New Living Translation
“Beware of these teachers of religious law! For they like to parade around in flowing robes and love to receive respectful greetings as they walk in the marketplaces. And how they love the seats of honor in the synagogues and the head table at banquets.

English Standard Version
“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,

Berean Standard Bible
“Beware of the scribes. They like to walk around in long robes, and they love the greetings in the marketplaces, the chief seats in the synagogues, and the places of honor at banquets.

Berean Literal Bible
"Beware of the scribes, desiring to walk in long robes, and loving greetings in the marketplaces and first seats in the synagogues and first places in the banquets,

King James Bible
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;

New King James Version
“Beware of the scribes, who desire to go around in long robes, love greetings in the marketplaces, the best seats in the synagogues, and the best places at feasts,

New American Standard Bible
“Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and love personal greetings in the marketplaces, and chief seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets,

NASB 1995
“Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and love respectful greetings in the market places, and chief seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets,

NASB 1977
“Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and love respectful greetings in the market places, and chief seats in the synagogues, and places of honor at banquets,

Legacy Standard Bible
“Beware of the scribes, who want to walk around in long robes, and love greetings in the marketplaces, and best seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets,

Amplified Bible
“Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes [displaying their prominence], and love respectful greetings in the [crowded] market places, and chief seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets.

Christian Standard Bible
“Beware of the scribes, who want to go around in long robes and who love greetings in the marketplaces, the best seats in the synagogues, and the places of honor at banquets.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
“Beware of the scribes, who want to go around in long robes and who love greetings in the marketplaces, the front seats in the synagogues, and the places of honor at banquets.

American Standard Version
Beware of the scribes, who desire to walk in long robes, and love salutations in the marketplaces, and chief seats in the synagogues, and chief places at feasts;

Contemporary English Version
Guard against the teachers of the Law of Moses! They love to walk around in long robes, and they like to be greeted in the market. They want the front seats in the synagogues and the best seats at banquets.

English Revised Version
Beware of the scribes, which desire to walk in long robes, and love salutations in the marketplaces, and chief seats in the synagogues, and chief places at feasts;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"Beware of the scribes! They like to walk around in long robes and love to be greeted in the marketplaces, to have the front seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at dinners.

Good News Translation
"Be on your guard against the teachers of the Law, who like to walk around in their long robes and love to be greeted with respect in the marketplace; who choose the reserved seats in the synagogues and the best places at feasts;

International Standard Version
"Beware of the scribes! They like to walk around in long robes and love to be greeted in the marketplaces and to have the best seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets.

Majority Standard Bible
“Beware of the scribes. They like to walk around in long robes, and they love the greetings in the marketplaces, the chief seats in the synagogues, and the places of honor at banquets.

NET Bible
"Beware of the experts in the law. They like walking around in long robes, and they love elaborate greetings in the marketplaces and the best seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets.

New Heart English Bible
"Beware of the scribes, who like to walk in long robes, and love greetings in the marketplaces, the best seats in the synagogues, and the best places at feasts;

Webster's Bible Translation
Beware of the scribes, who 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;

Weymouth New Testament
"Beware of the Scribes, who like to walk about in long robes, and love to be bowed to in places of public resort and to occupy the best seats in the synagogues or at a dinner party;

World English Bible
“Beware of those scribes who like to walk in long robes, and love greetings in the marketplaces, the best seats in the synagogues, and the best places at feasts;
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
“Take heed of the scribes, who are wishing to walk in long robes, and are cherishing salutations in the markets, and first seats in the synagogues, and first couches at the banquets,

Berean Literal Bible
"Beware of the scribes, desiring to walk in long robes, and loving greetings in the marketplaces and first seats in the synagogues and first places in the banquets,

Young's Literal Translation
'Take heed of the scribes, who are wishing to walk in long robes, and are loving salutations in the markets, and first seats in the synagogues, and first couches in the suppers,

Smith's Literal Translation
Hold from the scribes, wishing to walk about in robes, and loving greetings in the markets, and precedencies in assemblies, and the first places at tables at suppers;
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Beware of the scribes, who desire to walk in long robes, and love salutations in the marketplace, and the first chairs in the synagogues, and the chief rooms at feasts:

Catholic Public Domain Version
“Be cautious of the scribes, who choose to walk in long robes, and who love greetings in the marketplace, and the first chairs in the synagogues, and the first places at table during feasts,

New American Bible
“Be on guard against the scribes, who like to go around in long robes and love greetings in marketplaces, seats of honor in synagogues, and places of honor at banquets.

New Revised Standard Version
“Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and love to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and to have the best seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Beware of the scribes, who like to walk in long robes, and love to be greeted in the streets, and the chief seats in the synagogues, and the high places at the banquets;

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
“Beware the Scribes who like to walk in robes and love greetings in the markets and first class seats in the synagogues and first class rooms at banquets.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Beware of the scribes, who delight to walk in robes, and love greetings in the markets, and the first seats in the synagogues, and the first places at suppers;

Godbey New Testament
Beware of the scribes, wishing to walk about in robes, and loving salutations in the forums, and the first seats in the synagogues, and the first couches at the suppers,

Haweis New Testament
Beware of the scribes, who desire to walk about in trailing robes, and love salutations in the public places, and the principal seats in the synagogues, and the most honourable couch at suppers;

Mace New Testament
beware of the Scribes, who are fond of appearing in their long robes, affect to be saluted in publick, to have the upper hand in the synagogues, and at all entertainments.

Weymouth New Testament
"Beware of the Scribes, who like to walk about in long robes, and love to be bowed to in places of public resort and to occupy the best seats in the synagogues or at a dinner party;

Worrell New Testament
"Beware of the scribes, who wish to walk about in long robes, and love salutations in the marketplaces, and first seats in the synagogues, and first places at feasts;

Worsley New Testament
Beware of the scribes, who affect to walk in long robes, and love salutations in public places, and the chief seats in the Synagogues, and uppermost places at feasts;

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Beware of the Scribes
45In the hearing of all the people, Jesus said to His disciples, 46“Beware of the scribes. They like to walk around in long robes, and they love the greetings in the marketplaces, the chief seats in the synagogues, and the places of honor at banquets. 47They defraud widows of their houses, and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will receive greater condemnation.”…

Cross References
Matthew 23:5-7
All their deeds are done for men to see. They broaden their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels. / They love the places of honor at banquets, the chief seats in the synagogues, / the greetings in the marketplaces, and the title of ‘Rabbi’ by which they are addressed.

Mark 12:38-40
In His teaching Jesus also said, “Watch out for the scribes. They like to walk around in long robes, to receive greetings in the marketplaces, / and to have the chief seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. / They defraud widows of their houses, and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will receive greater condemnation.”

Matthew 6:1-5
“Be careful not to perform your righteous acts before men to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. / So when you give to the needy, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. Truly I tell you, they already have their full reward. / But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, ...

Matthew 23:27-28
Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of impurity. / In the same way, on the outside you appear to be righteous, but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.

Matthew 23:14
Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in men’s faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let in those who wish to enter.

Matthew 23:25-26
Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. / Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, so that the outside may become clean as well.

Matthew 23:2-3
“The scribes and Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. / So practice and observe everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.

Matthew 23:13
Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in men’s faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let in those who wish to enter.

Matthew 23:23
Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You pay tithes of mint, dill, and cumin. But you have disregarded the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.

Matthew 23:29-31
Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You build tombs for the prophets and decorate the monuments of the righteous. / And you say, ‘If we had lived in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partners with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.’ / So you testify against yourselves that you are the sons of those who murdered the prophets.

2 Timothy 3:5
having a form of godliness but denying its power. Turn away from such as these!

1 Timothy 6:5
and constant friction between men of depraved mind who are devoid of the truth. These men regard godliness as a means of gain.

2 Corinthians 11:13-15
For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. / And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. / It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their actions.

Isaiah 3:16-17
The LORD also says: “Because the daughters of Zion are haughty—walking with heads held high and wanton eyes, prancing and skipping as they go, jingling the bracelets on their ankles— / the Lord will bring sores on the heads of the daughters of Zion, and the LORD will make their foreheads bare.”

Isaiah 29:13
Therefore the Lord said: “These people draw near to Me with their mouths and honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. Their worship of Me is but rules taught by men.


Treasury of Scripture

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.

Luke 12:1
In the mean time, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trode one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.

Matthew 16:6
Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.

Mark 8:15
And he charged them, saying, Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, and of the leaven of Herod.

which.

Luke 11:43
Woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye love the uppermost seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets.

Luke 14:7
And he put forth a parable to those which were bidden, when he marked how they chose out the chief rooms; saying unto them,

Proverbs 29:23
A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.

Jump to Previous
Banquets Best Beware Bowed Chief Couches Desire Dinner Feasts First Flowing Greetings Heed Highest Honor Important Love Market Marketplaces Market-Places Markets Occupy Party Places Pleasure Public Resort Respect Respectful Robes Rooms Scribes Seats Suppers Synagogues Walk Wishing Words
Jump to Next
Banquets Best Beware Bowed Chief Couches Desire Dinner Feasts First Flowing Greetings Heed Highest Honor Important Love Market Marketplaces Market-Places Markets Occupy Party Places Pleasure Public Resort Respect Respectful Robes Rooms Scribes Seats Suppers Synagogues Walk Wishing Words
Luke 20
1. Jesus confirms his authority by a question of John's baptism.
9. The parable of the vineyard.
19. Of giving tribute to Caesar.
27. He instructs the Sadducees, who denied the resurrection.
41. How Jesus is the Son of David.
45. He warns his disciples to beware of the scribes.














Beware of the scribes
The word "beware" in Greek is "prosechō," which means to be cautious or to give attention to. Jesus is issuing a stern warning to His followers to be vigilant and discerning. The "scribes" were experts in the Law of Moses, often holding positions of authority and respect in Jewish society. However, Jesus cautions against their hypocrisy and self-righteousness. Historically, scribes were responsible for copying and interpreting the Scriptures, but many had become more concerned with their status and traditions than with true spiritual understanding.

who like to walk around in long robes
The phrase "walk around" suggests a habitual action, indicating that the scribes were consistently seeking public attention. The "long robes" were a sign of distinction and honor, often worn by those in positions of authority. In the cultural context of the time, such attire was a symbol of social status and religious piety. However, Jesus criticizes the scribes for their outward displays of religiosity, which were not matched by inward holiness or humility.

and love greetings in the marketplaces
The "greetings" refer to the respectful salutations given to the scribes in public spaces, such as marketplaces. These greetings were a form of social recognition and honor. The scribes' love for such greetings reveals their desire for human approval and admiration. In a historical context, marketplaces were bustling centers of commerce and social interaction, making them ideal places for the scribes to display their status and receive public accolades.

and the chief seats in the synagogues
The "chief seats" were the places of honor in the synagogues, reserved for those of high status. Synagogues were central to Jewish religious life, serving as places of worship, teaching, and community gathering. By seeking the chief seats, the scribes demonstrated their desire for prominence and recognition within the religious community. This behavior contrasts with the humility and servant leadership that Jesus exemplified and taught.

and the places of honor at banquets
"Places of honor" at banquets were reserved for esteemed guests, reflecting one's social standing. Banquets were significant social events in ancient Jewish culture, often attended by influential figures. The scribes' pursuit of these places of honor underscores their preoccupation with social status and external validation. Jesus' teaching challenges His followers to seek humility and service rather than worldly recognition and prestige.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
“Beware
Προσέχετε (Prosechete)
Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4337: From pros and echo; to hold the mind towards, i.e. Pay attention to, be cautious about, apply oneself to, adhere to.

of
ἀπὸ (apo)
Preposition
Strong's 575: From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses.

the
τῶν (tōn)
Article - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

scribes.
γραμματέων (grammateōn)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 1122: From gramma. A writer, i.e. scribe or secretary.

They like
θελόντων (thelontōn)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 2309: To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design.

to walk around
περιπατεῖν (peripatein)
Verb - Present Infinitive Active
Strong's 4043: From peri and pateo; to tread all around, i.e. Walk at large; figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

long robes,
στολαῖς (stolais)
Noun - Dative Feminine Plural
Strong's 4749: A long robe, worn by the upper classes in the East. From stello; equipment, i.e., a 'stole' or long-fitting gown.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

they love
φιλούντων (philountōn)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 5368: From philos; to be a friend to (an individual or an object), i.e. Have affection for; specially, to kiss.

[the] greetings
ἀσπασμοὺς (aspasmous)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 783: A greeting, salutation. From aspazomai; a greeting.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

the
ταῖς (tais)
Article - Dative Feminine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

marketplaces,
ἀγοραῖς (agorais)
Noun - Dative Feminine Plural
Strong's 58: From ageiro; properly, the town-square; by implication, a market or thoroughfare.

[the] chief seats
πρωτοκαθεδρίας (prōtokathedrias)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 4410: A chief (most honorable) seat. From protos and kathedra; a sitting first, i.e. Preeminence in council.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

the
ταῖς (tais)
Article - Dative Feminine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

synagogues,
συναγωγαῖς (synagōgais)
Noun - Dative Feminine Plural
Strong's 4864: From sunago; an assemblage of persons; specially, a Jewish 'synagogue'; by analogy, a Christian church.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

[the] places of honor
πρωτοκλισίας (prōtoklisias)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 4411: From protos and klisia; a reclining first at the dinner-bed, i.e. Preeminence at meals.

at
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

banquets.
δείπνοις (deipnois)
Noun - Dative Neuter Plural
Strong's 1173: A dinner, an afternoon or evening meal. From the same as dapane; dinner, i.e. The chief meal.


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NT Gospels: Luke 20:46 Beware of the scribes who like (Luke Lu Lk)
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