Luke 20:47 - An Understandable Version (2005 edition) They consume widows’ houses [i.e., by foreclosing on them] and [then] cover it up by offering lengthy prayers. These people will receive a heavier judgment.” More versionsKing James Version (Oxford) 1769 which devour widows' houses, and for a shew make long prayers: the same shall receive greater damnation. Amplified Bible - Classic Edition Who make away with and devour widows' houses, and [to cover it up] with pretense make long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation (the heavier sentence, the severer punishment). American Standard Version (1901) who devour widows’ houses, and for a pretence make long prayers: these shall receive greater condemnation. Common English Bible They are the ones who cheat widows out of their homes, and to show off they say long prayers. They will be judged most harshly.” Catholic Public Domain Version who devour the houses of widows, feigning long prayers. These will receive the greater damnation." Douay-Rheims version of The Bible - 1752 version Who devour the houses of widows, feigning long prayer. These shall receive greater damnation. |
“But it is too bad for you hypocritical experts in the Law of Moses and [you] Pharisees! [It is] because you withhold the kingdom of heaven from people, for you do not enter it yourselves, nor [do you] allow those who are trying to enter it to get in.
They consume widows’ houses [i.e., by foreclosing on them] and [then] cover it up by offering lengthy prayers. These people will receive a more severe judgment.”
About this time, while a crowd of many thousands had assembled, [so large that] people were trampling on one another, Jesus first began telling His disciples, “Watch out for the leavening [effect] of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.
“Look out for the experts in the Law of Moses, who like to walk [around] in long [flowing] robes and love the special greetings they receive at the open shopping markets, and the principal seats in the synagogues, and the head places at dinner tables.
Then Jesus looked up [i.e., from his seated position at the entrance to the Temple], and saw people throwing their gifts [of money] into the treasury [Note: This was a large openmouthed container used for receiving offerings for meeting expenses of Temple upkeep].
For we were never found using flattering words at any time, as you know, nor did we try to cover up any greedy desires. God can testify [to this].
These people claim to know God [as Savior], but they deny Him by their actions, so they are detestable and disobedient and unfit for doing anything good.
Not many of you should be teachers, my brothers, because you [should] know that we [teachers] will be judged more strictly.