Devine Scripture

Luke 23:7

What does Luke 23:7 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 23:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 23:7 means

Upon learning Jesus falls under Herod’s jurisdiction, Pilate sends Him there. This transfer underscores the political complexities surrounding Jesus’ trial. Pilate would rather pass the case than oppose the crowd. Herod, for his part, will not render justice either. The shuffling between authorities highlights how human rulers can evade responsibility when truth is costly. Yet it also fulfills God’s purpose: Jesus is examined by multiple tribunals and found blameless, even as He is mocked. The One who will judge the nations stands before lesser judges, bearing their scorn to accomplish salvation through suffering.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And when he knew that he was of Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him unto Herod, who himself also was at Jerusalem in these days.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And as soon as he knew that he belonged unto Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who himself also was at Jerusalem at that time.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And when he knew that he was of Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him unto Herod, who himself also was at Jerusalem in these days.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And when he saw that he was under the authority of Herod, he sent him to Herod, who was in Jerusalem himself at that time.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and having known that he is from the jurisdiction of Herod, he sent him back unto Herod, he being also in Jerusalem in those days.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And when he understood that he was of Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him away to Herod, who was also himself at Jerusalem in those days.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and having learned that he was of Herod's jurisdiction, remitted him to Herod, who himself also was at Jerusalem in those days.

Context

The focus moves from Pilate’s praetorium to Herod’s presence in Jerusalem during the feast. This shift invites the reader to see how different authorities respond to Jesus. Having declared no fault, Pilate seeks Herod’s confirmation or a way out. Next, we witness Herod’s long-standing curiosity, his desire for a miracle, and his ultimate mockery when Jesus will not perform. The back-and-forth between rulers prepares for their unexpected reconciliation and for Pilate’s renewed attempt to release Jesus after receiving Him back.

v.6But when Pilate heard it, he asked whether the man were a Galilæan.

v.7This passage

v.8Now when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad: for he was of a long time desirous to see him, because he had heard concerning him; and he hoped to see some miracle done by him.

Cross references

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

  • Matthew 14:1

    At that season Herod the tetrarch heard the report concerning Jesus,

  • Luke 3:1

    Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Cæsar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judæa, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of the region of Ituræa and Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene,

  • Luke 13:31

    In that very hour there came certain Pharisees, saying to him, Get thee out, and go hence: for Herod would fain kill thee.

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