Luke 20:47

“Which devour widows' houses, etc.] 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 “<402314>Matthew 23:14”).”

“devour, &c.--taking advantage of their helpless condition and confiding character, to obtain possession of their property, while by their "long prayers" they made them believe they were raised far above "filthy lucre." So much "the greater damnation" awaits them. What a lifelike description of the Romish clergy, the true successors of "the scribes!" Next: Luke Chapter 21”

“See Matthew 23:1. return to 'Top of Page' Footnotes: Copyright Statement These files are public domain. Bibliographical Information Barnes, Albert. "Commentary on Luke 20". "Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible". https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/bnb/luke-20.html. 1870. StudyLight.org &copy;&#160;2001-2026 Powered by Lightspeed Technology”

“Mat 23:14. Next: Luke Chapter 21”

“20:47 Yet they shamelessly cheat widows: This might mean exploiting widows’ property over which they were appointed guardians; it could also mean coercing widows to give money beyond their means. Widows were the most vulnerable members of society, and God had special concern for them. He would judge those who exploited them (Exod 22:22; Deut 10:18; 27:19).”

“devour: Isa 10:2; Jer 7:6-10; Eze 22:7; Amo 2:7, Amo 8:4-6; Mic 2:2, Mic 2:8, Mic 3:2; Mat 23:14; Mar 12:40; Ti2 3:6 for: Luk 12:1; Eze 33:31; Mat 23:26-28; Th1 2:5; Ti2 3:2-5; Tit 1:16 the same: Luk 10:12-14, Luk 12:47, Luk 12:48; Mat 11:22-24; Jam 3:1 Next: Luke Chapter 21”