King James Version

What Does Luke 11:54 Mean?

Luke 11:54 in the King James Version says “Laying wait for him, and seeking to catch something out of his mouth, that they might accuse him.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Laying wait for him, and seeking to catch something out of his mouth, that they might accuse him.”

Luke 11:54 · KJV

Context

52

Woe unto you, lawyers! for ye have taken away the key of knowledge: ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered. hindered: or, forbad

53

And as he said these things unto them, the scribes and the Pharisees began to urge him vehemently, and to provoke him to speak of many things:

54

Laying wait for him, and seeking to catch something out of his mouth, that they might accuse him.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Laying wait for him, and seeking to catch something out of his mouth, that they might accuse him (ἐνεδρεύοντες αὐτὸν θηρεῦσαί τι ἐκ τοῦ στόματος αὐτοῦ, ἵνα κατηγορήσωσιν αὐτοῦ)—enedreuō (laying wait, plotting ambush) describes military ambush strategy applied to verbal combat. Thēreuō (catch, hunt) uses hunting imagery—they're stalking prey. The purpose clause hina katēgorēsōsin (that they might accuse) reveals judicial intent. They sought legal grounds to charge him, anticipating the Sanhedrin trial (22:66-71).

This verse concludes Luke's account of Jesus's Pharisaic confrontation. What began as a dinner invitation (v.37) ends with assassination plotting. Jesus's prophetic denunciation of their hypocrisy turned hosts into hunters. This marks a turning point—open opposition now characterizes religious leadership's stance toward Jesus. The path to the cross intensifies from this moment.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Sanhedrin needed witnesses and formal charges to condemn Jesus (Mark 14:55-59). Religious leaders' strategy was to provoke self-incriminating statements—blasphemy, sedition, or Torah violation—that could justify execution. This verse shows the plot forming months before the crucifixion, demonstrating Jesus's death was premeditated murder, not spontaneous mob violence.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does pride's defensive response to truth escalate from resistance to active opposition to plotting harm?
  2. What does this passage teach about religious authority corrupted by self-protection rather than truth-seeking?
  3. How should Christians respond when speaking truth provokes hostility from religious or cultural gatekeepers?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
ἐνεδρεύοντες1 of 13

“Laying wait for”

G1748

to lurk, i.e., (figuratively) plot assassination

αὐτοῦ.2 of 13

“him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

καὶ3 of 13

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ζητοὺντες4 of 13

“seeking”

G2212

to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by hebraism) to worship (god), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)

θηρεῦσαί5 of 13

“to catch”

G2340

to hunt (an animal), i.e., (figuratively) to carp at

τι6 of 13

“something”

G5100

some or any person or object

ἐκ7 of 13

“out of”

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τοῦ8 of 13
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

στόματος9 of 13

“mouth”

G4750

the mouth (as if a gash in the face); by implication, language (and its relations); figuratively, an opening (in the earth); specially, the front or e

αὐτοῦ.10 of 13

“him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἵνα11 of 13

“that”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

κατηγορήσωσιν12 of 13

“they might accuse”

G2723

to be a plaintiff, i.e., to charge with some offence

αὐτοῦ.13 of 13

“him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 11:54 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 11:54 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Mark 12:13Matthew 22:35Matthew 22:15Psalms 56:5-6Matthew 22:18Psalms 37:32-33

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