Luke 11:54
What does Luke 11:54 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 11:54 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 11:54 means
The scribes and Pharisees' vehement opposition turned into a deliberate trap. They were "laying wait for him," patiently and maliciously observing Him, hoping "to catch something out of his mouth." Their intent was to find a word or statement that they could twist, misrepresent, or use as a legal basis to accuse Him, demonstrating their deep-seated desire to silence and condemn Jesus.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000laying wait for him, to catch something out of his mouth.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Laying wait for him, and seeking to catch something out of his mouth, that they might accuse him.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901laying wait for him, to catch something out of his mouth.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And watching him, for a chance to get something from his words which might be used against him.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862laying wait for him, and seeking to catch something out of his mouth, that they might accuse him.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Lying in wait for him and seeking to catch something from his mouth, that they might accuse him.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890watching him, [and seeking] to catch something out of his mouth, [that they might accuse him].
Context
This verse concludes the chapter, detailing the malicious intent behind the scribes' and Pharisees' aggressive questioning from the previous verse. It reveals their concerted effort to trap Jesus, rather than genuinely seeking understanding. This portrayal of escalating hostility and their desire to find fault with Jesus provides a strong ending, setting the stage for future confrontations and emphasizing the growing animosity towards Him.
v.53And when he was come out from thence, the scribes and the Pharisees began to press upon him vehemently, and to provoke him to speak of many things;
v.54This passage
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 37:32
The wicked watcheth the righteous, And seeketh to slay him.
- Mark 3:2
And they watched him, whether he would heal him on the sabbath day; that they might accuse him.
- Matthew 22:18
But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why make ye trial of me, ye hypocrites?
- Luke 20:20
And they watched him, and sent forth spies, who feigned themselves to be righteous, that they might take hold of his speech, so as to deliver him up to the rule and to the authority of the governor.
- Psalms 56:5
All the day long they wrest my words: All their thoughts are against me for evil.
- Matthew 22:15
Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might ensnare him in his talk.
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