Luke 11:43

Woes to Pharisees and Experts in the Law · Luke 11:37–54
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Translations

Modern
Woe to you Pharisees! For you love the chief seats in the synagogues and the greetings in the marketplaces.
Traditional
Woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye love the uppermost seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets.
Literal
Woe to you, the Pharisees, because you love the first seat in the synagogues and the greetings in the marketplaces.
Latin
Væ vobis, pharisæis, quia diligitis primas cathedras in synagogis, et salutationes in foro.

Original

Greek
English
Woe to you Pharisees! For you love the chief seats in the synagogues and the greetings in the marketplaces.

Notes

  • The elders of the synagogues had special seats of honor.

  • The respectful greetings were honorable ways of addressing social and religious superiors. For example, people might use a special title when speaking to a leader, teacher, or judge to show respect.

Woe to you Pharisees! Woes are the opposite of blessings (see study note on 6:24–26). Jesus pronounced six woes. Three were against the Pharisees (11:42, 43, 44) and three were against the teachers of religious law (11:46, 47, 52).

Theme notes and profiles

The Pharisees Encounters with Jesus

Events

Parallels

Matthew 23:1–36

People

Pharisee: A strict Jewish sect known for legalism and hypocrisy

Glossary

Apothegm Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Biblical Concept of Law Luke, Gospel of Scribe

Topics

Ambition: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Being Prideful Hypocrisy: General Scriptures Concerning Jesus, the Christ: Denounces the Pharisees and Other Hypocrites (In Galilee) Pharisees: Hypocrisy of, Reproved by Jesus Pride: General Scriptures Concerning Reproof: Faithfulness in Jesus, of the Scribes and Pharisees Satire of Jesus Against Hypocrites Self-Righteousness is Vain Because Our Righteousness Is: but External Self-Righteousness: Pharisees Teachers: False: Admonition Against