Luke 20:47 Bible Verse Meaning

What is the meaning of Luke 20:47?

Which devour widows' houses, and for a shew make long prayers: the same shall receive greater damnation.

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Understanding Luke 20:47

Verse: Luke 20:47 - "Which devour widows’ houses, and for a shew make long prayers: the same shall receive greater damnation."

Summary of Meaning

This verse comes during a time when Jesus was confronting the religious leaders of His day. His remarks highlight the hypocrisy of the scribes who, while appearing pious and devout through their long prayers, were engaging in exploitative practices. They were taking advantage of vulnerable individuals, particularly widows, by devouring their homes or resources.

Insights from Public Domain Commentaries

Matthew Henry:
Henry emphasizes the condemnation that Jesus pronounces on the scribes for their actions, underscoring the juxtaposition between their outward religious appearance and their inward corruption. He notes the severity of 'greater damnation' indicating that the greater the privilege, the greater the accountability.
Albert Barnes:
Barnes points to the deceptive nature of the scribes who used their religious authority to take advantage of the innocent. He interprets the 'greater damnation' as a warning that those who lead others into sin and exploitation will face harsher judgment.
Adam Clarke:
Clarke highlights the seriousness of the sin of exploiting the destitute. He elaborates on the kind of prayers these scribes made, positing that their lengthy public prayers were performed not for sincere communion with God but rather for social prestige and to mask their avarice.

Theological Reflections

This passage challenges readers to reflect on the authenticity of their faith practices. It warns against using religion as a façade to hide misconduct or abuse of power. The concept of accountability emphasizes that judgment from God will be tempered by the role and responsibility each individual holds within society.

Application of Luke 20:47 in Daily Life

Self-Examination: This verse invites individuals to examine their own motivations in spiritual practices and to seek authenticity in their faith.
Care for the Vulnerable: It calls for compassion and care for the vulnerable in our communities, ensuring that we are not inadvertently contributing to their exploitation.
Accountability: Understanding that leaders within faith communities have a higher responsibility to practice what they preach and to protect those who are least able to protect themselves.

Related Bible 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."
Luke 18:1-8 - Highlights the need for persistent prayer while demonstrating justice.

Additional Resources for Deeper Bible Study

Bible Study Guides: Look for materials specifically addressing Luke's Gospel and teachings of Jesus.
Online Bible Study Tools: Utilize digital platforms for deeper scripture analysis and comparisons.
Bible Study Courses: Enroll in courses that focus on understanding the social and historical context of the New Testament.

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