Luke 16:14

φιλάργυροι. ‘Lovers of money,’ 2 Timothy 3:2. The charge is amply borne out by the references in the Talmud to the rapacity shewn by the Rabbis and Priests of the period. See Matthew 23:13.

ἐξεμυκτήριζον. Kept scoffing at Him. Comp. LXX[301] 2 Samuel 19:21; Psalms 2:4. The word is one expressive of the strongest and most open insolence, Luke 23:35. There is a weaker form of the word in Galatians 6:7. Here the jeering was doubtless aimed by these haughty and respected plutocrats at the deep poverty of Jesus and His humble followers. It marks however the phase of daring opposition which was not kindled till the close of His ministry. They thought it most ridiculous to suppose that riches hindered religion—for were not they rich and religious? And had not Shammai mentioned ‘riches’ as one of a Rabbi’s qualifications?

[301] LXX. Septuagint.