Albert Barnes Commentary Luke 11:52

"Woe unto you lawyers! for ye took away the key of knowledge: ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered." — Luke 11:52 (ASV)

Woe to you, lawyers! See Barnes on Matthew 23:13.

The key of knowledge. A key is made to open a lock or door. By their false interpretation of the Old Testament, they had taken away the true key or method of understanding it. They had hindered the people from understanding it correctly.

"You endeavor to prevent the people also from understanding the Scriptures concerning the Messiah, and you hindered those who were coming to me."

If there is any sin of particular magnitude, it is that of keeping the people in ignorance; and few men are so guilty as those who by false instructions prevent them from coming to a knowledge of the truth, and embracing it as it is in Jesus.