Jesus calls Herod a "fox" not just for being sly, but because his "cunning" is being used to try and trap Jesus. Jesus's immediate focus is on his ongoing work of healing and deliverance, highlighting that his mission will reach its "completion" on his own terms, not by Herod's threats.
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. Nevertheless, I must go on my way today and tomorrow and the day following, for it cannot be that a prophet should perish away from Jerusalem.’
English Standard Version (ESV)
Certain Pharisees, likely acting under duress or with ulterior motives, warn Jesus that Herod wants to kill him and urge him to flee. Jesus, aware of the real danger and the manipulative nature of the message, sends back a cryptic response to Herod, dismissing his threat. He declares that he will continue his healing ministry for two more days before his mission, or "course," is completed, implying his impending death in Jerusalem, not by Herod's hand.
Why would Jesus call Herod a 'fox'? And what does this seemingly dismissive label reveal about God's perspective on human threats?
When Jesus calls Herod a "fox," he's not just insulting him. This term, often used for cunning and deceit, highlights Herod's attempt to manipulate Jesus into fleeing his territory.
A Dangerous Game
Herod, advised by the Pharisees, tried to scare Jesus away. He likely saw Jesus as a threat to his power and wanted him gone. This is a classic move of those who operate with slyness and hidden agendas.
God's Work Continues
But Jesus sees right through it. His response, "Go tell that fox... I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow," isn't about fear. It's a declaration of divine purpose. Regardless of Herod's schemes, Jesus' mission is unfolding on God's timeline. The "today and tomorrow" isn't just about a few more days; it's about a determined march towards completing God's work, no matter the opposition.
Jesus speaks of finishing his 'course' on the third day. What does this specific timing signify, and how does it point to something far greater than just leaving Herod's territory?
The phrase "the third day I finish my course" is incredibly significant. It's a deliberate, prophetic statement pointing towards the culmination of Jesus' earthly mission.
More Than Just Departure
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While it meant Jesus would soon leave Herod's jurisdiction and move towards Jerusalem, the deeper meaning is about completion. The "third day" echoes Old Testament patterns of God acting decisively, and it foreshadows the ultimate completion found in Christ's resurrection.
The Purpose Fulfilled
'To be perfected' (or 'finished') here doesn't mean Jesus lacked anything. It signifies reaching the planned end of his work – including his suffering, death, and resurrection. His course wasn't just about healing and casting out demons; it was about accomplishing the Father's will, which was fully realized in his ultimate sacrifice and victory.
Understand the original words
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.
prophētēs · Greek Noun
A person who acts as a spokesperson for God, receiving divine messages to deliver to the people. Prophets were frequently rejected or persecuted by those to whom they were sent.
This verse reveals Jesus' unwavering resolve in the face of political threat. By referring to Herod as a 'fox' and speaking of his own impending 'perfection,' Jesus highlights his awareness of the spiritual battle and his ultimate authority over human plots.
c. AD 27-30
Jesus' Galilean Ministry
Jesus conducts much of his public ministry in Galilee, a region under the jurisdiction of Herod Antipas. This period is marked by teaching, miracles, and growing opposition.
c. AD 29— this verse
Pharisees Warn Jesus About Herod
Pharisees approach Jesus with a supposed warning that Herod Antipas intends to kill him, urging him to leave the area. This is interpreted as a subtle attempt to manipulate Jesus into hiding or fleeing.
c. AD 29
Jesus' Response to the Warning
Jesus dismisses the threat, instructing the messengers to tell Herod (referred to as a 'fox') that he will continue his work of casting out demons and healing for a short time before his 'course' is completed.
c. AD 30
Jesus Travels to Jerusalem
Jesus resolutely heads towards Jerusalem, understanding that his ultimate destiny, including his 'perfection' through suffering and death, will occur in the city.
c. AD 30
Jesus' Passion Week in Jerusalem
Jesus enters Jerusalem, teaches in the Temple, and faces opposition from religious leaders. His trial and crucifixion occur during this pivotal week.
c. AD 30
Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection
Jesus is crucified and then resurrected on the third day, fulfilling his 'course' and completing the work of salvation.
This passage speaks about delivering someone to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved, echoing the theme of spiritual completion and purpose in suffering, similar to Jesus' 'finishing his course'.
Hebrews 2:10This verse states that Jesus was made perfect through sufferings, which directly relates to Luke 13:32's 'I shall be perfected,' highlighting the completion of His mission through His passion.
John 19:30When Jesus said, 'It is finished,' after His suffering on the cross, it directly fulfills the meaning of 'I shall be perfected' in Luke 13:32, marking the completion of His redemptive work.
Philippians 3:10Paul's desire to know Christ and the power of His resurrection, and to share in His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death, parallels Jesus' determined path towards His 'perfection' through suffering.
Luke 13:34-35Jesus' lament over Jerusalem, calling it a place that kills prophets, directly follows His statement about finishing His course, showing His awareness of the ultimate fate awaiting prophets, including Himself, in that city.
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…
jfbLuke 13:32: "And he said unto them, Go ye, and tell that fox, Behold, I cast out devils, and I do cures to day and to morrow, and the third day I shall be perfected."
- that fox—that crafty, cruel enemy of God's innocent servants.Behold, I cast out devils and I do cures—that is, "Plot on and ply thy wiles; I also have My plans; My works of mercy are nearing completion, but some yet remain; I have work for to-day and to-morrow too, and the third day; by that time I shall be where his jurisdict…
Jesus calls Herod a "fox" not just for being sly, but because his "cunning" is being used to try and trap Jesus. Jesus's immediate focus is on his ongoing work of healing and deliverance, highlighting that his mission will reach its "completion" on his own terms, not by Herod's threats.
Certain Pharisees, likely acting under duress or with ulterior motives, warn Jesus that Herod wants to kill him and urge him to flee. Jesus, aware of the real danger and the manipulative nature of the message, sends back a cryptic response to Herod, dismissing his threat. He declares that he will continue his healing ministry for two more days before his mission, or "course," is completed, implying his impending death in Jerusalem, not by Herod's hand.
Certain Pharisees, likely acting under duress or with ulterior motives, warn Jesus that Herod wants to kill him and urge him to flee. Jesus, aware of the real danger and the manipulative nature of the message, sends back a cryptic response to Herod, dismissing his threat. He declares that he will continue his healing ministry for two more days before his mission, or "course," is completed, implying his impending death in Jerusalem, not by Herod's hand.
"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. Nevertheless, I must go on my way today and tomorrow and the day following, for it cannot be…" — Jesus calls Herod a "fox" not just for being sly, but because his "cunning" is being used to try and trap Jesus. Jesus's immediate focus is on his ongoing work of healing and deliverance, highlightin…
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Last reviewed October 2026
