Luke 11:45

Luke 11:45, in plain English

A legal expert speaks up: 'Hey, when You say these things about the Pharisees, You're insulting us too!' He probably expected Jesus to back off. Instead, Jesus turns directly to him.

Why it's here

Sometimes when truth hits too close, people protest hoping for an exception. This lawyer just put a target on his own back without realizing it.

Who's speaking

A law expert interrupts, feeling personally attacked by Jesus' criticisms. He has no idea what's coming next.

Where it sits in the story

This is one of those moments where someone should have stayed quiet. By drawing attention to himself, the lawyer invites three more woes aimed specifically at his group.

The scholarly reading

A nomikos (expert in the law/lawyer) protests that Jesus' woes against the Pharisees also insult (hybrizeis) the legal scholars. His objection unwittingly invites Jesus to pronounce additional woes specifically upon the lawyers.

Language and setting

The nomikoi were specialists in interpreting Torah, distinct from but allied with the Pharisees. By protesting, this lawyer reveals that he feels the sting of Jesus' words, confirming their accuracy.

Voice

A legal expert interrupts Jesus to point out that His criticisms of the Pharisees are also offending the lawyers.

Significance

The lawyer's protest backfires spectacularly. Instead of deflecting Jesus' criticism, he opens the door for three more woes aimed directly at his own professional class.

43Woe to you Pharisees! For you love the chief seats in the synagogues and the greetings in the marketplaces.

44Woe to you! For you are like unmarked graves, which men walk over without even noticing.”

45One of the experts in the law told Him, “Teacher, when You say these things, You insult us as well.”

46“Woe to you as well, experts in the law!” He replied. “For you weigh men down with heavy burdens, but you yourselves will not lift a finger to lighten their load.

47Woe to you! For you build tombs for the prophets, but it was your fathers who killed them.

Read all of Luke 11 — The disciples ask for a prayer, and Jesus gives them words that have echoed for two thousand years. Then he warns against empty religion.