Luke 23:8
What does Luke 23:8 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 23:8 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 23:8 means
Herod is thrilled to see Jesus, not to administer justice but to satisfy curiosity. He has long wanted a private show of power and hopes for a miracle. This reveals a shallow response to Jesus: craving signs without repentance. The king who once feared John the Baptist now wants entertainment from John’s Lord. Jesus will not cater to such desires. The scene exposes a heart eager for spectacle but closed to truth. The contrast is stark: Herod rejoices at the chance to see Jesus, yet that joy is empty, because he seeks wonders, not wisdom; amazement, not allegiance. Such delight leaves him unchanged.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Now 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad: for he was desirous to see him of a long season, because he had heard many things of him; and he hoped to have seen some miracle done by him.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Now 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Now when Herod saw Jesus he was very glad, having for a long time had a desire to see him, for he had had accounts of him, and was hoping to see some wonders done by him.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And Herod having seen Jesus did rejoice exceedingly, for he was wishing for a long <FI>time<Fi> to see him, because of hearing many things about him, and he was hoping some sign to see done by him,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And Herod seeing Jesus, was very glad: for he was desirous of a long time to see him, because he had heard many things of him; and he hoped to see some sign wrought by him.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And when Herod saw Jesus he greatly rejoiced, for he had been a long while desirous of seeing him, because of hearing many things concerning him, and he hoped to see some sign done by him;
Context
Coming from Pilate, Jesus now faces Herod Antipas. The narrative highlights Herod’s motives—curiosity and desire for signs—rather than justice. This tone prepares us for Jesus’ silence and for the mockery that follows. The chief priests remain present, ensuring their accusations continue. After Herod fails to extract a miracle or even an answer, he will join in scorn and send Jesus back to Pilate. This interlude, though fruitless in terms of legal progress, adds to the pattern of innocence confirmed amid contempt.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 8:19
saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay my hands, he may receive the Holy Spirit.
- Mark 6:14
And king Herod heardthereof; for his name had become known: and he said, John the Baptizer is risen from the dead, and therefore do these powers work in him.
- 2 Kings 5:11
But Naaman was wroth, and went away, and said, Behold, I thought, He will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of Jehovah his God, and wave his hand over the place, and recover the leper.
- 2 Kings 5:3
And she said unto her mistress, Would that my lord were with the prophet that is in Samaria! then would he recover him of his leprosy.
- Luke 4:23
And he said unto them, Doubtless ye will say unto me this parable, Physician, heal thyself: whatsoever we have heard done at Capernaum, do also here in thine own country.
- Matthew 14:1
At that season Herod the tetrarch heard the report concerning Jesus,
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