Devine Scripture

Luke 9:7

What does Luke 9:7 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 9:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 9:7 means

Herod the tetrarch hears reports of all that’s happening and is puzzled by the rumors. People are saying strange things: that John the Baptist is risen, Elijah has appeared, or a prophet has returned. Herod’s perplexity reveals political and spiritual confusion caused by Jesus’ ministry. The rulers recognize something significant is happening but misinterpret it. Herod’s reaction shows that Jesus’ public impact stirred both common folk and political leaders, foreshadowing tensions between Jesus and the authorities.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was done: and he was much perplexed, because that it was said by some, that John was risen from the dead;

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was done by him: and he was perplexed, because that it was said of some, that John was risen from the dead;

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was done: and he was much perplexed, because that it was said by some, that John was risen from the dead;

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Now Herod the king had news of all these things: and he was in doubt, because it was said by some people that John had come back from the dead;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And Herod the tetrarch heard of all the things being done by him, and was perplexed, because it was said by certain, that John hath been raised out of the dead;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Now Herod, the tetrarch, heard of all things that were done by him. And he was in a doubt, because it was said

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And Herod the tetrarch heard of all the things which were done [by him], and was in perplexity, because it was said by some that John was risen from among [the] dead,

Context

This verse introduces the perspective of a political leader in response to the apostles’ work and Jesus’ growing fame. It follows the report of the twelve’s ministry (v.6) and precedes Herod’s personal interest (v.9). Luke uses Herod’s confusion to contrast earthly misunderstanding with the spiritual reality Jesus embodies, leading naturally into the apostles’ return report and Jesus’ continued ministry among the crowds (vv.10–17).

v.6And they departed, and went throughout the villages, preaching the gospel, and healing everywhere.

v.7This passage

v.8and by some, that Elijah had appeared; and by others, that one of the old prophets was risen again.

Cross references

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

  • 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 21:25

    And there shall be signs in sun and moon and stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, in perplexity for the roaring of the sea and the billows;

  • Micah 7:4

    The best of them is as a brier; the most upright is worse than a thorn hedge: the day of thy watchmen, even thy visitation, is come; now shall be their perplexity.

  • Matthew 14:1

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

  • 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.

  • Job 18:11

    Terrors shall make him afraid on every side, And shall chase him at his heels.

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Luke 9

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Luke 9.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Luke 9:7.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary