Luke 23:2
What does Luke 23:2 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 23:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 23:2 means
The accusers reframe their religious grievance into political crimes: subverting the nation, forbidding taxes to Cæsar, and claiming to be a king. Two charges are false—Jesus had taught lawful payment of taxes—and one is twisted, for He is indeed the Christ, yet His kingship is not a threat of rebellion in the way they imply. They aim to make Pilate see insurrection, the one thing Rome cannot tolerate. By blending lies with half-truths, they hope to secure the death penalty. Here we see how truth about Jesus’ identity is weaponized by hostile hearts, while His actual mission is misrepresented to fit political fears.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And they began to accuse him, saying, We found this man perverting our nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Cæsar, and saying that he himself is Christ a king.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And they began to accuse him, saying, We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Cesar, saying that he himself is Christ a King.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And they began to accuse him, saying, We found this man perverting our nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Cæsar, and saying that he himself is Christ a king.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And they made statements against him, saying, This man has to our knowledge been teaching our nation to do wrong, and not to make payment of taxes to Caesar, even saying that he himself is Christ, a king.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and began to accuse him, saying, `This one we found perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying himself to be Christ a king.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And they began to accuse him, saying: We have found this man perverting our nation and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar and saying that he is Christ the king.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And they began to accuse him, saying, We have found this [man] perverting our nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying that he himself is Christ, a king.
Context
Standing before Pilate, the leaders must translate their religious objections into Roman legal terms. This is their first volley: three accusations intended to paint Jesus as a revolutionary. Their words shape the course of Pilate’s interrogation. Immediately after, Pilate will focus on the claim to kingship, the only one that matters to Rome. This moment anchors the legal theme: is Jesus a political threat or not? The narrative tension tightens as Pilate questions Jesus directly about being ‘King of the Jews,’ the charge written above His cross later in the chapter.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Matthew 17:27
But, lest we cause them to stumble, go thou to the sea, and cast a hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a shekel: that take, and give unto them for me and thee.
- 1 Kings 21:10
and set two men, base fellows, before him, and let them bear witness against him, saying, Thou didst curse God and the king. And then carry him out, and stone him to death.
- Acts 16:20
and when they had brought them unto the magistrates, they said, These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city,
- 1 Peter 3:16
having a good conscience; that, wherein ye are spoken against, they may be put to shame who revile your good manner of life in Christ.
- Mark 15:3
And the chief priests accused him of many things.
- Psalms 64:3
Who have whet their tongue like a sword, And have aimed their arrows, even bitter words,
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Luke 23
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Luke 23.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About The Cross
The cross of Jesus Christ is central to Christian faith, representing God's love, sacrifice, and the path to salvation, forgiveness, and new life.
Topic
Bible Verses About Children
God’s Word provides profound insights into the rearing, value, and blessing of children, as well as the responsibilities of both parents and children.
Topic
Bible Verses About Communion
Communion, often called the Lord's Supper, is a sacred practice remembering Jesus' sacrifice and looking forward to His return.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for Trying to Forgive Someone
Honest scripture for when forgiveness feels impossible — or unfair.
Verses for
Bible Verses for Anxiety Before a Job Interview
Quiet your nerves and walk in with steady steps — six verses to pray on the way.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When Prayer Feels Empty
When the words won't come — scripture for the dry prayer life.