were = being then. Greek. huparcho, as in Luk_16:23, and see on Luk_7:25.
covetous = money-lovers (referring to mammon, verses: 11, 13); Occurs only here, and 2Ti_3:2.
derided = were turning up their noses at. Occurs only here and Luk_23:35. Found in the LXX. Pas. Luk_2:4; Luk_22:7; Luk_22:35. is. This was the immediate cause of the second Parable (verses: Luk_16:19-30), and the solemn application (Luk_16:31).