Luke 13:31
At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to him, “Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The most striking detail here is the subtle emphasis on Herod's intention rather than a direct threat. The original Greek suggests Herod "wills" or is "determined" to kill Jesus, not that he has a concrete plan in motion. This hints that the Pharisees might be exaggerating or even fabricating the immediate danger, possibly to manipulate Jesus into leaving the area for their own purposes.
At this point, Jesus is in Peræa, likely near Machærus, a fortress associated with Herod Antipas, the ruler who had previously beheaded John the Baptist. Some Pharisees approach Jesus with a warning, urging him to flee because Herod intends to kill him, a warning that Jesus dismisses as he declares his determination to continue his work in Jerusalem, the very place where he knows prophets meet their end.
Pharisees deliver a message of danger, but is it genuine concern or a cleverly disguised plot?
The Pharisees approach Jesus with an urgent warning: 'Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you.' At first glance, this seems like a friendly heads-up. However, the scholars suggest this might be more than just a simple alert. It's possible Herod himself, uneasy with Jesus' growing popularity, sent this message indirectly. The Pharisees, who often opposed Jesus, may have willingly carried it, perhaps even exaggerating the threat. Their goal? To create fear, making Jesus flee and thus weakening His influence. The 'warning' was a tactic to remove Him, not protect Him.
Why does Jesus call Herod a 'fox'? What does this reveal about their motives and Jesus' response?
Jesus' reply to the Pharisees is striking: 'Go tell that fox...' He doesn't engage with the threat directly but instead characterizes Herod. The term 'fox' implies cunning, craftiness, and a subtle, sly nature. Herod wasn't necessarily a direct, violent threat in this moment, but a schemer. He likely feared Jesus' popularity and influence but didn't want to be directly responsible for another controversial death, especially after John the Baptist. So, he uses indirect means – a veiled threat delivered through the Pharisees. Jesus sees this as manipulative diplomacy, a feigned threat designed to drive Him away. His response shows he's not intimidated by such political maneuvering; he has a divine mission to complete.
Jesus states that prophets don't typically die anywhere but Jerusalem. What makes this city so significant?
Jesus pushes back against the Pharisees' warning, stating, 'It is not usual for a prophet to perish outside Jerusalem.' This is a profound statement. While Herod might pose a threat, Jesus identifies Jerusalem as the real nexus of prophetic danger. Why? Because Jerusalem was the religious and political center, the place where God's covenant people should have embraced His messengers. Instead, it had become a place where God’s prophets were frequently rejected and killed. Jesus sees this pattern clearly. The current 'threat' from Herod is a distraction from the ultimate destination and fate planned for Him in Jerusalem, the city that 'kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to them.' His mission is fixed, and it leads to Jerusalem, despite the known dangers there.
Understand the original words
Pharisaioi · Greek Noun
A religious and political party in first-century Judaism known for their strict adherence to the Law of Moses and the traditions of the elders. They were often in conflict with Jesus regarding the interpretation of the Law.
The warning from the Pharisees is likely not a genuine concern for Jesus's safety, but a political maneuver to remove him from Herod's jurisdiction and into the hands of the religious authorities in Jerusalem, where Jesus predicts his ultimate fate lies.
c. AD 28-30— this verse
Jesus Ministry in Galilee and Perea
Jesus conducts his public ministry, primarily in Galilee and the region of Perea, drawing large crowds and performing miracles. This period brings him into closer proximity to Herod Antipas's territory.
c. AD 27-28
Herod Antipas Imprisons John the Baptist
Herod Antipas imprisons and later beheads John the Baptist at the urging of his wife Herodias. This act deeply troubles Herod and highlights his volatile nature and fear of popular figures.
c. AD 29-30
Jesus nears Herod's Territory
Jesus's travels bring him near Machaerus, a fortress associated with John the Baptist's imprisonment and death, and a key site in Herod Antipas's domain. This proximity may have heightened Herod's awareness and unease.
c. AD 30
Pharisees warn Jesus
Pharisees approach Jesus, warning him that Herod Antipas intends to kill him and urging him to leave the area. Their motives are suspect, possibly aiming to drive Jesus into the hands of Jerusalem's authorities.
This passage presents a striking parallel where Jezebel sends a threat to Elijah, much like Herod's alleged threat conveyed through the Pharisees to Jesus. Both instances highlight a powerful ruler attempting to intimidate a prophet of God.
Amos 7:12Here, Amos is commanded by Amaziah the priest to leave his prophetic work and go back to his own land, with threats implied. This mirrors the pressure Jesus faces from the Pharisees to leave His current location due to Herod's perceived threat.
Matthew 4:12This verse describes Herod Antipas imprisoning John the Baptist, showing his willingness to act against prophetic voices. It provides context for the Pharisees' warning to Jesus, suggesting Herod's potential for violence against Him.
Luke 23:8This passage reveals Herod Antipas's long-standing desire to see Jesus and witness His miracles. This adds a layer of complexity to the Pharisees' warning, suggesting Herod's motives might have been mixed with curiosity rather than solely murderous intent.
1 Corinthians 5:5Calvin draws a parallel between the spiritual deliverance of the woman healed by Jesus and the concept of being delivered to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved. This broadens the spiritual implications of Jesus's ministry and healing, even in the face of threats.
vincentLuke 13:31: "The same day there came certain of the Pharisees, saying unto him, Get thee out, and depart hence: for Herod will kill thee."
DayThe best texts read hour.Will kill (θέλει ἀποκτεῖναι)As in so many cases the A. V. renders as the future of the verb to kill; whereas there are two distinct verbs; to will or determine, and to kill. The meaning is, Herod willeth or is determined to kill thee. Rev., would fain, seems rather feeble.
calvinLuke 13:31-33: "The same day there came certain of the Pharisees, saying unto him, Get thee out, and depart hence: for Herod will kill thee."
- The same day some of the Pharisees came, saying to him, Depart, and go hence: for Herod intends to kill thee. 32. And he said to them, Go, tell that fox, Lo, I cast out devils, and I perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I am completed. [280] 33. But yet I must walk today and tomorrow, and the following day; for it is not a usual occurre…
The most striking detail here is the subtle emphasis on Herod's intention rather than a direct threat. The original Greek suggests Herod "wills" or is "determined" to kill Jesus, not that he has a concrete plan in motion. This hints that the Pharisees might be exaggerating or even fabricating the immediate danger, possibly to manipulate Jesus into leaving the area for their own purposes.
At this point, Jesus is in Peræa, likely near Machærus, a fortress associated with Herod Antipas, the ruler who had previously beheaded John the Baptist. Some Pharisees approach Jesus with a warning, urging him to flee because Herod intends to kill him, a warning that Jesus dismisses as he declares his determination to continue his work in Jerusalem, the very place where he knows prophets meet their end.
At this point, Jesus is in Peræa, likely near Machærus, a fortress associated with Herod Antipas, the ruler who had previously beheaded John the Baptist. Some Pharisees approach Jesus with a warning, urging him to flee because Herod intends to kill him, a warning that Jesus dismisses as he declares his determination to continue his work in Jerusalem, the very place where he knows prophets meet their end.
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c. AD 30
Jesus sends a message to Herod
Jesus responds by calling Herod 'that fox' and stating his mission will continue. He predicts his own death will occur in Jerusalem, not in Herod's territory.
c. AD 30
Jesus laments over Jerusalem
Immediately following the encounter, Jesus weeps over Jerusalem, foreseeing its destruction and lamenting its rejection of prophets, including himself.
"At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to him, “Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you.”" — The most striking detail here is the subtle emphasis on Herod's intention rather than a direct threat. The original Greek suggests Herod "wills" or is "determined" to kill Jesus, not that he has a…
