But they were filled with fury and discussed with one another what they might do to Jesus.
English Standard Version (ESV)
What's easily missed here is that Jesus' opponents weren't just annoyed; they were consumed by a "senseless rage," an "ununderstanding madness" at his actions. This wasn't just a disagreement about the Sabbath rules, but a furious plotting to remove this reformer who dared to challenge their authority and expose their blindness.
But they were filled with fury and discussed with one another what they might do to Jesus.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just healed a man's withered hand on the Sabbath, directly defying the religious leaders' strict interpretations of the law and revealing his authority. Enraged by Jesus' power and his disregard for their traditions, these leaders are filled with irrational fury and begin plotting how to get rid of him, setting the stage for future conflict and Jesus' eventual death.
When Jesus healed on the Sabbath, it wasn't just a disagreement over the law. It was a direct challenge to their authority and understanding.
The word for 'madness' here isn't just anger; it suggests a deep-seated lack of understanding or senseless rage. These religious leaders were so invested in their own traditions and authority that they couldn't see the divine power right in front of them.
Their anger wasn't passive; it immediately turned into plotting. What does this tell us about how destructive emotions can lead to action?
This verse marks a turning point. The initial fury quickly escalates into a collaborative plan.
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Understand the original words
anoia · Greek Noun
A state of intense, often unbridled, or violent anger. In the New Testament, it frequently describes the hostile reaction of religious leaders toward Jesus or the gospel message.
This moment of rage and plotting by the religious leaders wasn't just about a single Sabbath healing; it marked a turning point where their frustration escalated into a conspiracy that would ultimately lead to Jesus' crucifixion.
c. AD 28— this verse
Jesus Heals on the Sabbath
During Jesus' ministry, he healed a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath in a synagogue, directly challenging the religious leaders' strict interpretation of the law.
c. AD 28
Pharisees and Herodians Plot
In response to Jesus' Sabbath healing and growing influence, the Pharisees, along with the Herodians (political allies of the Roman-backed King Herod), began plotting against him.
c. AD 29
Growing Opposition to Jesus
Jesus' public ministry, including his teachings and miracles, increasingly drew criticism and opposition from the religious establishment who felt their authority threatened.
c. AD 30
Conspiracy Intensifies
As Jesus' popularity grew, the plot against him solidified, with leaders actively seeking opportunities to arrest and condemn him.
This passage describes rulers taking counsel together against the Lord and his Anointed, mirroring the rage and plotting of the religious leaders against Jesus in Luke 6:11.
John 11:47-53Here, the chief priests and Pharisees plot Jesus' death out of fear of losing their authority, highlighting the same desperate desire to eliminate Jesus seen in Luke 6:11.
Matthew 12:14This verse immediately follows Jesus healing on the Sabbath and shows the Pharisees going out and plotting how to destroy him, directly reflecting the fury and discussion in Luke 6:11.
Acts 4:25-28This early church prayer references Psalm 2 and acknowledges how rulers in this very region 'took their stand... against your holy servant Jesus,' confirming the widespread, organized opposition Jesus faced, as evidenced by Luke 6:11.
barnesLuke 6:11: "And they were filled with madness; and communed one with another what they might do to Jesus."
Were filled with madness - Probably, 1. Because he had shown his "power" to work a miracle. 2. Because he had shown his power to do it "contrary" to what "they" thought was right. 3. Because by doing it he had shown that he was from "God," and that "they" were therefore "wrong" in their views of the Sabbath. And, 4. Because he had shown no respect "to their views" of what the law of God de…
pulpitLuke 6:11: "And they were filled with madness; and communed one with another what they might do to Jesus."
Verse 11. - And they were filled with madness; and communed one with another what they might do to Jesus. The storm was already gathering. From this time we gather from the words of SS. Matthew and Mark, that in the minds of others as well as in the mind of Jesus, the thought of his death was ever present. The thought-leaders of the Jews - the men whose position was secured as long as the…
What's easily missed here is that Jesus' opponents weren't just annoyed; they were consumed by a "senseless rage," an "ununderstanding madness" at his actions. This wasn't just a disagreement about the Sabbath rules, but a furious plotting to remove this reformer who dared to challenge their authority and expose their blindness.
Jesus has just healed a man's withered hand on the Sabbath, directly defying the religious leaders' strict interpretations of the law and revealing his authority. Enraged by Jesus' power and his disregard for their traditions, these leaders are filled with irrational fury and begin plotting how to get rid of him, setting the stage for future conflict and Jesus' eventual death.
Jesus has just healed a man's withered hand on the Sabbath, directly defying the religious leaders' strict interpretations of the law and revealing his authority. Enraged by Jesus' power and his disregard for their traditions, these leaders are filled with irrational fury and begin plotting how to get rid of him, setting the stage for future conflict and Jesus' eventual death.
"But they were filled with fury and discussed with one another what they might do to Jesus." — What's easily missed here is that Jesus' opponents weren't just annoyed; they were consumed by a "senseless rage," an "ununderstanding madness" at his actions. This wasn't just a disagreement about t…
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Last reviewed October 2026