And Herod and Pilate became friends with each other that very day, for before this they had been at enmity with each other.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse reveals a striking, often missed irony: the very trial that should have condemned Jesus instead mended a broken relationship between two powerful, antagonistic figures. Their newfound friendship, forged through mutual contempt for Jesus, highlights how shared opposition can unite even bitter rivals.
And Herod and Pilate became friends with each other that very day, for before this they had been at enmity with each other.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Having sent Jesus to Herod, who treated Him with contempt and mocked Him, Herod sends Jesus back to Pilate, and in that moment, the two powerful men, who had been bitter enemies, become allies, united by their shared disdain for Christ. This unlikely reconciliation highlights how the world often puts aside its own squabbles to unite against God's anointed.
In the midst of Jesus' trial, two powerful enemies suddenly become friends. What does this bizarre alliance tell us about the world, and about ourselves?
It's a fascinating moment in Luke's Gospel: Pilate, the Roman governor, and Herod, the regional king, who were bitter rivals, suddenly make peace.
Why the Feud?
Scholars aren't certain about the exact cause of their quarrel. Some suggest it might have been related to an incident where Pilate's soldiers killed Galileans (Herod's subjects) while they were worshipping at the Temple. Whatever the specific issue, their relationship was clearly strained.
The Catalyst for Peace
Their sudden reconciliation wasn't born of genuine affection or mutual respect. Instead, it was prompted by Jesus. When Pilate discovered Jesus was a Galilean, under Herod's jurisdiction, he sent Jesus to him. Herod was curious to see Jesus, hoping for a 'show.' When Jesus remained silent and offered no spectacle, Herod and his men mocked Him and sent Him back to Pilate.
This shared contempt for Jesus, and the opportunity to pass Him off to the other, became the strange glue that bonded these enemies. It's a stark reminder that shared opposition to God's purposes can unite even the most unlikely people.
Jesus stands before two rulers, yet His silence reveals a power far greater than theirs. What does His demeanor in this scene say about true authority?
Here we see two powerful men, Pilate and Herod, trying to assert their authority over Jesus. Pilate questions Him about being King of the Jews, and Herod, filled with curiosity, questions Him at length.
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Jesus' Silent Authority
But Jesus answers Pilate with a simple, 'You say so,' and to Herod, He answers nothing at all. This isn't a sign of weakness; it's a deliberate choice. The scholars note that Jesus could have defended Himself, but He remained silent. His silence wasn't out of shame or defeat, but out of a profound trust in the Father's plan and a quiet assertion of His own divine authority. He wasn't playing their earthly game.
A Mockery of Justice
Herod, in particular, hoped for a 'show' or a 'miracle.' Instead, he found Jesus to be a source of contempt. He and his guards mocked Jesus, sending Him back to Pilate. This entire interaction highlights the hollowness of their power. They held earthly authority, but Jesus possessed divine authority, which they couldn't comprehend or control. Their 'friendship' was based on a shared inability to grasp or respect this higher power.
The temporary 'friendship' between Herod and Pilate, forged in their shared contempt for Jesus, highlights how opposition to Christ can unite even bitter enemies. This political maneuvering reveals the earthly powers banding together against the divine King.
c. AD 26-36
Pilate Governs Judea
Pontius Pilate serves as the Roman prefect (governor) of Judea, known for his insensitivity to Jewish customs and occasional brutality.
Unknown, but likely before Jesus' trial
Pilate and Herod's Enmity
A significant rift develops between Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea, and Herod Antipas, the tetrarch (ruler) of Galilee, likely over jurisdictional disputes or past incidents.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Trial Begins
Jesus is brought before Pilate, accused by the Jewish leaders of sedition and challenging Caesar's authority. Pilate, seeking to avoid a riot, questions Jesus.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
Jesus Sent to Herod Antipas
Learning Jesus is a Galilean, Pilate sends Him to Herod Antipas, who is in Jerusalem for Passover, hoping Herod will resolve the matter.
c. AD 30-33
Herod Mocks Jesus
Herod is curious to see Jesus perform a miracle but is disappointed. After questioning Jesus and receiving no answers, Herod and his soldiers mock Him and send Him back to Pilate.
c. AD 30-33
Pilate and Herod Reconciled
The shared experience of mocking Jesus, and Pilate's deference to Herod's jurisdiction, resolves the tension between the two rulers, making them 'friends' for the day.
This passage directly refers to Herod and Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, uniting against Jesus, highlighting the theme of political and religious adversaries finding common ground in their opposition to Christ.
Psalm 83:5-7This psalm describes a coalition of nations plotting against Israel, mirroring how opposing human powers and factions can unite for a common, destructive purpose, much like Herod and Pilate did against Jesus.
John 11:47-53This passage shows the chief priests and Pharisees, who were often at odds, agreeing that Jesus must die, illustrating how shared opposition to God's work can bridge internal divides.
Luke 13:1-2The scholarly context suggests this event may have caused the original enmity between Pilate and Herod; its inclusion here shows a historical tension that Christ's trial unexpectedly resolved.
pooleLuke 23:12: "And the same day Pilate and Herod were made friends together: for before they were at enmity between themselves."
See Poole on "Luke 23:1"
calvinLuke 23:2-12: "And they began to accuse him, saying, We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying that he himself is Christ a King."
- Now Jesus stood [245] before the governor. And the governor asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? Jesus saith to him, Thou sayest it. [246] 12. And when he was accused by the chief priests and elders, and he answered nothing. 13. Then Pilate saith to him, Hearest thou not how many things they testify…
This verse reveals a striking, often missed irony: the very trial that should have condemned Jesus instead mended a broken relationship between two powerful, antagonistic figures. Their newfound friendship, forged through mutual contempt for Jesus, highlights how shared opposition can unite even bitter rivals.
Having sent Jesus to Herod, who treated Him with contempt and mocked Him, Herod sends Jesus back to Pilate, and in that moment, the two powerful men, who had been bitter enemies, become allies, united by their shared disdain for Christ. This unlikely reconciliation highlights how the world often puts aside its own squabbles to unite against God's anointed.
Having sent Jesus to Herod, who treated Him with contempt and mocked Him, Herod sends Jesus back to Pilate, and in that moment, the two powerful men, who had been bitter enemies, become allies, united by their shared disdain for Christ. This unlikely reconciliation highlights how the world often puts aside its own squabbles to unite against God's anointed.
"And Herod and Pilate became friends with each other that very day, for before this they had been at enmity with each other." — This verse reveals a striking, often missed irony: the very trial that should have condemned Jesus instead mended a broken relationship between two powerful, antagonistic figures. Their newfound frie…
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Last reviewed October 2026