Devine Scripture

Luke 23:9

What does Luke 23:9 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 23:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 23:9 means

Herod questions Jesus at length, but Jesus remains silent. This is not weakness but deliberate restraint. Before frenzied accusations and a frivolous ruler, He refuses to dignify the proceedings with words. Silence can be a testimony: there is nothing to defend when innocence is plain, and there is no point answering those who will not hear. This quietness reflects His submission to the Father’s will and the path He must walk toward the cross. The Lamb of God stands calm before noise and mockery, determined to accomplish redemption through suffering rather than through impressive displays.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And he questioned him in many words; but he answered him nothing.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Then he questioned with him in many words; but he answered him nothing.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And he questioned him in many words; but he answered him nothing.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And he put a great number of questions to him, but he said nothing.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and was questioning him in many words, and he answered him nothing.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And he questioned him in many words. But he answered him nothing.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and he questioned him in many words, but he answered him nothing.

Context

Herod’s eager questioning meets a firm silence. Meanwhile, the chief priests and scribes keep accusing Jesus with intensity. The scene builds toward Herod’s contemptuous response. Deprived of a miracle or a defense, Herod and his soldiers will mock Jesus and dress Him in splendid attire as a cruel jest. Then, because he finds no grounds for condemnation, Herod will send Jesus back to Pilate. This sequence strengthens the theme: multiple authorities fail to find guilt but also fail to render justice.

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.

v.9This passage

v.10And the chief priests and the scribes stood, vehemently accusing him.

Cross references

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

  • Isaiah 53:7

    He was oppressed, yet when he was afflicted he opened not his mouth; as a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and as a sheep that before its shearers is dumb, so he opened not his mouth.

  • Psalms 38:13

    But I, as a deaf man, hear not; And I am as a dumb man that openeth not his mouth.

  • Matthew 27:14

    And he gave him no answer, not even to one word: insomuch that the governor marvelled greatly.

  • Psalms 39:1

    I said, I will take heed to my ways, That I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, While the wicked is before me.

  • Matthew 7:6

    Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast your pearls before the swine, lest haply they trample them under their feet, and turn and rend you.

  • Luke 13:32

    And he said unto them, Go and say to that fox, Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures to-day and to-morrow, and the third day I am perfected.

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.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Luke 23:9.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary