Luke 23:7-8
And when he learned that he belonged to Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him over to Herod, who was himself in Jerusalem at that time. When Herod saw Jesus, he was very glad, for he had long desired to see him, because he had heard about him, and he was hoping to see some sign done by him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Pilate's immediate transfer of Jesus to Herod wasn't just a jurisdictional formality; it reveals Pilate's attempt to evade responsibility by passing the buck to another authority, hoping to shed the thorny political problem of Jesus' claims. This action highlights how easily leaders can deflect difficult decisions onto others, even when justice is on the line.
Jesus has been brought before Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, accused by the Jewish leaders of sedition and claiming to be king. When Pilate learns that Jesus is from Galilee, a region under the authority of Herod Antipas, he seizes the opportunity to send Jesus to Herod, who is conveniently in Jerusalem for the Passover. This act not only shifts the responsibility but also reveals a prior political tension between Pilate and Herod, which Jesus' trial will inadvertently mend.
Why did Pilate suddenly send Jesus to Herod? It wasn't just about fairness; it was a strategic move in a game of power.
Pilate, the Roman governor, was faced with a tricky situation. The accusations against Jesus were serious – stirring up rebellion, claiming kingship. However, Pilate couldn't find solid evidence himself. When he learned Jesus was from Galilee, which fell under Herod Antipas's rule, Pilate saw a way out.
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Herod, the ruler who had executed John the Baptist, finally gets his wish to see Jesus. But what he really wanted reveals a lot about his heart.
Herod Antipas, the Tetrarch of Galilee, had a long-standing curiosity about Jesus. He'd heard many stories and, according to Luke, 'long cherished a desire to see him.' When Jesus was sent to his jurisdiction, Herod was 'very glad.'
Understand the original words
Hērōdēs · Greek Proper Noun
Refers to the Tetrarch Herod Antipas. This term signifies the administrative and territorial authority held by the Herodian dynasty under Roman oversight.
exousias · Greek Noun
Refers to the legal or administrative territory under the control of a ruler. It denotes the boundary of power where a governing authority has the right to judge or administer law.
Hierosolyma · Greek Proper Noun
The holy city and spiritual capital of Israel. In the Passion narrative, it serves as the center of religious and political opposition where the ultimate rejection of the Messiah takes place.
sēmeion · Greek Noun
A miraculous act or wonder intended to confirm a message or reveal the power of God. The request for a sign is frequently critiqued in the Gospels as a lack of faith that demands spectacle over spiritual transformation.
This event highlights the complex political landscape of Judea under Roman rule, where local tetrarchs like Herod Antipas held authority under the Roman governor Pilate. Jesus' trial becomes a pawn in their political maneuvering and a catalyst for their temporary reconciliation.
c. 4 BC
Herod the Great Dies
The death of Herod the Great leads to the division of his kingdom among his sons, including Herod Antipas, who becomes tetrarch of Galilee and Perea.
c. AD 28-30
John the Baptist's Ministry
John the Baptist preaches and baptizes in the Jordan River, calling people to repentance. He is later arrested and beheaded by Herod Antipas.
c. AD 28-33
Jesus' Ministry in Galilee
Jesus' public ministry largely takes place in Galilee, the tetrarchy ruled by Herod Antipas. Many of Jesus' miracles and teachings occur in this region.
Passover, c. AD 30-33— this verse
Pilate and Herod in Jerusalem
Roman Governor Pontius Pilate and Tetrarch Herod Antipas, who had previously been at odds, are both in Jerusalem during the Passover festival.
Passover, c. AD 30-33
Jesus Sent to Herod
Pilate, learning Jesus is from Galilee, sends Him to Herod Antipas, the ruler of Galilee, to be judged, seeking to avoid responsibility.
Passover, c. AD 30-33
Herod Mocks Jesus
Herod questions Jesus but receives no answer. He and his soldiers mock Jesus, dress Him in a robe, and send Him back to Pilate.
Passover, c. AD 30-33
Pilate and Herod Reconciled
The shared contempt and mocking of Jesus by Pilate and Herod lead to a reconciliation between the two rulers, who had been enemies.
This passage describes Jesus standing before Pilate, setting the stage for the jurisdictional dispute that leads to Herod's involvement.
Mark 15:2Similar to Matthew, this account focuses on Jesus' interrogation by Pilate and highlights the accusation that Jesus claimed to be a king, which would later be relevant to Herod's questioning.
Luke 23:11This verse shows Herod's reaction after Jesus is sent to him, detailing how he and his soldiers mocked Jesus before sending him back to Pilate.
Luke 23:12This verse explains the surprising reconciliation between Pilate and Herod, showing how their shared contempt for Jesus led to a temporary political alliance.
pooleLuke 23:7: "And as soon as he knew that he belonged unto Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who himself also was at Jerusalem at that time."
See Poole on "Luke 23:1"
vincentLuke 23:7: "And as soon as he knew that he belonged unto Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who himself also was at Jerusalem at that time."
Sent (ἀνέπεμψεν)Lit., sent him up (ανα). Used of sending up to a higher court. Compare Acts 25:21, of sending Paul to Caesar. It also means to send back, as in Luke 23:11, and Plm 1:11.
Pilate's immediate transfer of Jesus to Herod wasn't just a jurisdictional formality; it reveals Pilate's attempt to evade responsibility by passing the buck to another authority, hoping to shed the thorny political problem of Jesus' claims. This action highlights how easily leaders can deflect difficult decisions onto others, even when justice is on the line.
Jesus has been brought before Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, accused by the Jewish leaders of sedition and claiming to be king. When Pilate learns that Jesus is from Galilee, a region under the authority of Herod Antipas, he seizes the opportunity to send Jesus to Herod, who is conveniently in Jerusalem for the Passover. This act not only shifts the responsibility but also reveals a prior political tension between Pilate and Herod, which Jesus' trial will inadvertently mend.
Jesus has been brought before Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, accused by the Jewish leaders of sedition and claiming to be king. When Pilate learns that Jesus is from Galilee, a region under the authority of Herod Antipas, he seizes the opportunity to send Jesus to Herod, who is conveniently in Jerusalem for the Passover. This act not only shifts the responsibility but also reveals a prior political tension between Pilate and Herod, which Jesus' trial will inadvertently mend.
"And when he learned that he belonged to Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him over to Herod, who was himself in Jerusalem at that time. When Herod saw Jesus, he was very glad, for he had long desired to see him, because he had heard about him,…" — Pilate's immediate transfer of Jesus to Herod wasn't just a jurisdictional formality; it reveals Pilate's attempt to evade responsibility by passing the buck to another authority, hoping to shed the…
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