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LUKE 20:47 — KING JAMES VERSION 0
Luke 20:46Luke 21
“Which devour widows’ houses, and for a shew make long prayers: the same shall receive greater damnation.”
They devour widows' houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will be punished most severely — they devour widows' houses: the most vulnerable members of society exploited by the most respected religious figures. For a show they make lengthy prayers: the religious performance that conceals the exploitation. These men will be punished most severely (perissoteron krima lēmpsontai, they will receive more severe judgment): the greater responsibility of the religious leaders produces the greater judgment when they fail it.

Church Fathers on Luke 20:47

Now nothing is more powerful than to argue from the Prophets. For this is even of more weight than miracles themselves. For when Christ worked miracles, He was often gainsaid. But when He cited the Prophets, men were at once silent, because they had nothing to say. But when they were silent, He warns against them, as it is said, Then in the audience of all the people he said to his disciples.

Chrysostom · 4th century

For as He was sending them to teach the world, He rightly warns them not to imitate the pride of the Pharisees. Beware of the Scribes, who desire to walk in long robes, that is, to go forth into public, dressed in fine clothes, which was one of the sins remarked in the rich man.

Theophylact · 11th century

The passions of the Scribes were the love of vainglory and the love of gain. That the disciples should avoid these hateful crimes, He gives them this warning, and adds, And love greetings in the markets.

Cyril of Alexandria · 5th century
Read all 8 entries in the readerCatena Aurea · St. Thomas Aquinas, tr. J. H. Newman · public domain
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Luke 20:47 — Community Reflections | HolyStudy