Devine Scripture

Luke 3:19

What does Luke 3:19 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 3:19 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 3:19 means

The narrative abruptly shifts to detail the imprisonment of John the Baptist. Herod the tetrarch, angered by John's bold reproof concerning Herodias, his brother's wife, and other wicked deeds, locked John in prison. This event highlights John's unwavering commitment to truth and righteousness, even in the face of powerful opposition, ultimately silencing his public ministry but not his prophetic voice, demonstrating the human cost of speaking truth to power.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

but Herod the tetrarch, being reproved by him for Herodias his brother’s wife, and for all the evil things which Herod had done,

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But Herod the tetrarch, being reproved by him for Herodias his brother Philip’s wife, and for all the evils which Herod had done,

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

but Herod the tetrarch, being reproved by him for Herodias his brother’s wife, and for all the evil things which Herod had done,

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But Herod the king, because John had made a protest on account of Herodias, his brother's wife, and other evil things which Herod had done,

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and Herod the tetrarch, being reproved by him concerning Herodias the wife of Philip his brother, and concerning all the evils that Herod did,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But Herod the tetrarch, when he was reproved by him for Herodias, his brother's wife, and for all the evils which Herod had done:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But Herod the tetrarch, being reproved by him as to Herodias, the wife of his brother, and as to all the wicked things which Herod had done,

Context

Following the summary of John's comprehensive preaching, this verse describes the tragic end of his public ministry. It introduces a separate but significant event—John’s arrest—that both confirms his prophetic courage and sets the stage for the subsequent event: Jesus’ baptism. This transition underscores the historical circumstances surrounding both their ministries.

v.18With many other exhortations therefore preached he good tidings unto the people;

v.19This passage

v.20added this also to them all, that he shut up John in prison.

Cross references

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

  • Proverbs 9:7

    He that correcteth a scoffer getteth to himself reviling; And he that reproveth a wicked man getteth himself a blot.

  • Matthew 14:3

    For Herod had laid hold on John, and bound him, and put him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife.

  • 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,

  • Mark 6:17

    For Herod himself had sent forth and laid hold upon John, and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife; for he had married her.

  • Proverbs 15:12

    A scoffer loveth not to be reproved; He will not go unto the wise.

  • Matthew 11:2

    Now when John heard in the prison the works of the Christ, he sent by his disciples

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