The Pharisees’ warning that "Herod wills to kill you" isn't just a heads-up about danger; it highlights a subtle but crucial distinction: Herod wasn't going to kill Jesus out of necessity, but he was actively plotting it. This emphasizes that even when presented as unavoidable fate, Jesus understood these threats as deliberate schemes against Him.
At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to him, “Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you.” And he said to them, “Go and tell that fox, ‘Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I finish my course.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Some Pharisees arrive, warning Jesus that Herod intends to kill him and urging him to leave the area immediately. This warning comes as Jesus is ministering in the region, and it prompts him to acknowledge his impending death, not in Galilee, but in Jerusalem, where he says prophets are always killed.
Pharisees warn Jesus of danger, but is their motive pure? Discover the subtle ways people can seem helpful while working against you.
The Pharisees approach Jesus with a warning: 'Herod wants to kill you.' On the surface, this sounds like friendly advice, a genuine concern for his safety. However, the scholars suggest this 'warning' might not be what it seems.
Hidden Agendas
Jesus saw through this, famously calling Herod 'that fox,' recognizing the cunning and deceit behind the message.
Ask a follow-up
Did Herod truly 'want' to kill Jesus? Explore the nuances of the original language and the political climate to understand the threat.
The phrase 'Herod wants to kill you' might sound straightforward, but the original Greek offers a deeper insight into Herod's intentions.
Intent vs. Action
Jesus’s response, calling Herod 'that fox,' reveals He understood this manipulative approach – a blend of intended harm and evasive tactics.
Jesus knows where prophets truly meet their end. Discover why Jerusalem held such a deadly significance for God's messengers.
Jesus’s response to the Pharisees’ warning is remarkably bold. He doesn’t flee; instead, He speaks of His completion and destiny, which points directly to Jerusalem.
The City of Prophets' Blood
He acknowledges His impending 'completion' (which scholars link to His death) will happen soon, not in Herod's territory, but in the city that had a bloody history with God's prophets.
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.
alōpēx · Greek Noun
A term referring to the ruler Herod Antipas; biblically and culturally, to call someone a 'fox' implies craftiness, cunning, and treachery.
daimonion · Greek Noun
Spiritual beings who rebelled against God and are associated with evil, sickness, and the opposition to God's kingdom. Jesus' authority over them demonstrates his messianic power and the inauguration of God's reign.
This warning comes as Jesus' ministry is gaining momentum, but also drawing the attention of political and religious authorities. It highlights the complex political landscape of Roman-occupied Judea, where figures like Herod Antipas held significant power and were often at odds with religious leaders.
c. 4 BC
Death of Herod the Great
Herod the Great dies, and his kingdom is divided among his sons, including Herod Antipas who becomes tetrarch of Galilee and Perea.
c. AD 28-30
John the Baptist's Ministry and Death
John the Baptist preaches and baptizes in the wilderness, calling for repentance. He is eventually imprisoned and beheaded by Herod Antipas.
c. AD 28-30
Jesus' Galilean Ministry
Jesus begins his public ministry, teaching, healing, and gathering disciples, primarily in Galilee, the region ruled by Herod Antipas.
c. AD 30— this verse
Pharisees Warn Jesus of Herod's Threat
Pharisees approach Jesus, warning him that Herod Antipas intends to kill him and urging him to leave the area. Jesus, aware of Herod's cunning and the political climate, dismisses their warning with a sharp retort.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Later Ministry and Journey to Jerusalem
Jesus continues his ministry, often in regions beyond Herod Antipas's direct control, but ultimately heads towards Jerusalem for the Passover, where his crucifixion will take place.
c. AD 33
Jesus Appears Before Herod Antipas
During Jesus' trial, he is sent to Herod Antipas, who questions him but receives no answers, before Jesus is returned to Pilate.
This passage highlights a similar threat made by Jezebel against Elijah, showing a recurring pattern of rulers attempting to silence God's prophets through intimidation.
Amos 7:12Similar to this situation, the prophet Amos was warned by Amaziah to leave and stop prophesying, illustrating how authorities often try to remove inconvenient messengers of God.
Luke 9:7-9This passage describes Herod Antipas's own confusion and fear regarding Jesus's identity after hearing about his miracles, showing his deep unease and potential ulterior motives, which aligns with the warning given in Luke 13:31.
John 11:50The high priest Caiaphas's pragmatic and chilling statement that it is better for one man to die for the people reveals the kind of political calculation and self-preservation that often drives leaders, mirroring the likely motives behind the warning to Jesus.
Luke 13:34-35Jesus's immediate response lamenting over Jerusalem, which follows this encounter, connects the immediate threat from Herod with the ultimate rejection and destruction that Jerusalem would face, underscoring the city's persistent opposition to God's messengers.
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 Pharisees’ warning that "Herod wills to kill you" isn't just a heads-up about danger; it highlights a subtle but crucial distinction: Herod wasn't going to kill Jesus out of necessity, but he was actively plotting it. This emphasizes that even when presented as unavoidable fate, Jesus understood these threats as deliberate schemes against Him.
Some Pharisees arrive, warning Jesus that Herod intends to kill him and urging him to leave the area immediately. This warning comes as Jesus is ministering in the region, and it prompts him to acknowledge his impending death, not in Galilee, but in Jerusalem, where he says prophets are always killed.
Some Pharisees arrive, warning Jesus that Herod intends to kill him and urging him to leave the area immediately. This warning comes as Jesus is ministering in the region, and it prompts him to acknowledge his impending death, not in Galilee, but in Jerusalem, where he says prophets are always killed.
"At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to him, “Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you.” And he said to them, “Go and tell that fox, ‘Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I fini…" — The Pharisees’ warning that "Herod wills to kill you" isn't just a heads-up about danger; it highlights a subtle but crucial distinction: Herod wasn't going to kill Jesus out of necessity, but he w…
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Last reviewed October 2026
