Luke 11:45-47

New English Translation

Footnotes

1. Luke 11:45 sn That is, an expert in the interpretation of the Mosaic law. They worked closely with the Pharisees.
2. Luke 11:45 tn For this term, see Matt 22:6; Luke 18:32; Acts 14:5; 1 Thess 2:2.
3. Luke 11:46 tn Grk “he”; the referent (Jesus) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
4. Luke 11:46 tn Grk “said.”
5. Luke 11:46 tn Here “as well” is used to translate καί (kai) at the beginning of the statement.
6. Luke 11:46 tn Grk “men.” This is a generic use of ἄνθρωπος (anthrōpos), referring to both males and females.
7. Luke 11:46 tn Grk “you yourselves do not touch.” This could mean one of two things: (1) Either they make others do what they themselves do not (through various technical exceptions) or (2) they make no effort to help the others fulfill what they are required to do. Considering the care these religious figures are said to have given to the law, the second option is more likely (see L&N 18.11).
8. Luke 11:47 sn The effect of what the experts in the law were doing was to deny the message of the prophets and thus honor their death by supporting those who had sought their removal. The charge that this is what previous generations did shows the problem is chronic. As T. W. Manson said, the charge here is “The only prophet you honor is a dead prophet!” (The Sayings of Jesus, 101).
9. Luke 11:47 tn Or “forefathers”; Grk “fathers.”