Luke 20:47

Listen to Luke 20:47
47 1who devour widows’ houses and 2for a pretense make long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation. ”

Luke 20:47 Meaning and Commentary

Luke 20:47

Which devour widows' houses
As the characters of them, in the preceding verse, expose their pride, this shows their avarice; they were very voracious and cruel; they did not spare widows, but devoured their substance: and for a show make long prayers;
to cover their wickedness, pretending great devotion and religion; the same shall receive greater damnation:
than openly profane sinners; doing such wickedness under a cloak of religion, will aggravate their condemnation; (See Gill on Matthew 23:14).

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Luke 20:47 In-Context

45 And in the hearing of all the people he said to his disciples,
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,
47 who devour widows’ houses and for a pretense make long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation. ”

Cross References 2

  • 1. 20:47 [ch. 11:39; 16:14]
  • 2. 20:47 [Matt. 6:5, 7]
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®) © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. All rights reserved. ESV Text Edition: 2025