Devine Scripture

Luke 23:12

What does Luke 23:12 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 23:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 23:12 means

That very day, Herod and Pilate become friends, though they had been at enmity. Their reconciliation forms around the handling of Jesus. The world’s powers, often divided, can unite against the Lord and His Anointed. This brief note exposes the politics at play and the cost of truth when rulers seek favor with one another rather than justice. Jesus, the Prince of Peace, is scorned while two governors make peace over His case. Yet their accord does not absolve them. It only deepens the irony: in rejecting the true King, they create a temporary peace that cannot last.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And Herod and Pilate became friends with each other that very day: for before they were at enmity between themselves.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And the same day Pilate and Herod were made friends together: for before they were at enmity between themselves.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And Herod and Pilate became friends with each other that very day: for before they were at enmity between themselves.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And that day Herod and Pilate became friends with one another, for before they had been against one another.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and both Pilate and Herod became friends on that day with one another, for they were before at enmity between themselves.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And Herod and Pilate were made friends, that same day: for before they were enemies one to another.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And Pilate and Herod became friends with one another the same day, for they had been at enmity before between themselves.

Context

Following the mockery and the return to Pilate, Luke inserts this historical note to explain the political dynamics. Herod’s participation, though frivolous, provides Pilate with cover to say Jesus is not worthy of death. Next, Pilate will assemble the leaders and the people to deliver his official assessment. The repeated theme of innocence is now confirmed by two authorities. However, the crowd’s voice will soon overpower justice. This verse thus bridges Herod’s scene and Pilate’s final attempts to release Jesus.

v.11And Herod with his soldiers set him at nought, and mocked him, and arraying him in gorgeous apparel sent him back to Pilate.

v.12This passage

v.13And Pilate called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people,

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Psalms 83:4

    They have said, Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation; That the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance.

  • Matthew 16:1

    And the Pharisees and Sadducees came, and trying him asked him to show them a sign from heaven.

  • Revelation 17:13

    These have one mind, and they give their power and authority unto the beast.

  • Acts 4:27

    for of a truth in this city against thy holy Servant Jesus, whom thou didst anoint, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, were gathered together,

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