King James Version

What Does Luke 13:32 Mean?

Luke 13:32 in the King James Version says “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... — study this verse from Luke chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Luke 13:32 · KJV


Context

30

And, behold, there are last which shall be first, and there are first which shall be last.

31

The same day there came certain of the Pharisees, saying unto him, Get thee out, and depart hence: for Herod will kill thee.

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.

33

Nevertheless I must walk to day, and to morrow, and the day following: for it cannot be that a prophet perish out of Jerusalem.

34

O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not!


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus responds defiantly: '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.' Calling Herod a 'fox' is contemptuous—foxes symbolize cunning, destruction, and insignificance (Nehemiah 4:3, Song of Solomon 2:15, Ezekiel 13:4). Jesus refuses to be intimidated. His statement 'I cast out devils, and I do cures to day and to morrow' affirms His continuing ministry despite threats. The phrase 'the third day I shall be perfected' anticipates His death and resurrection—His mission will be completed on God's schedule, not Herod's. The verb 'be perfected' means to reach the goal, accomplish the purpose.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This bold response demonstrates Jesus' fearless confrontation of political power. Unlike many religious leaders who compromised with authorities, Jesus spoke truth regardless of consequences. His reference to 'the third day' connects to resurrection imagery throughout Scripture (Hosea 6:2) and specifically anticipates His resurrection after three days in the tomb. That He frames death as being 'perfected' rather than defeated reveals His understanding that the cross was not failure but the culmination of His mission—through death He would destroy death (Hebrews 2:14-15).

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Jesus' refusal to be intimidated by political power teach about Christian witness in hostile environments?
  2. How does framing death as being 'perfected' transform Christian understanding of suffering and martyrdom?
  3. In what ways should believers balance prudence (avoiding unnecessary danger) with boldness (refusing to compromise truth despite threats)?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
καὶ1 of 21

And

G2532

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

εἴπατε2 of 21

and tell

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

αὐτοῖς3 of 21

unto them

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

Πορευθέντες4 of 21

Go ye

G4198

to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)

εἴπατε5 of 21

and tell

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

τῇ6 of 21
G3588

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

ἀλώπεκι7 of 21

fox

G258

a fox, i.e., (figuratively) a cunning person

ταύτῃ8 of 21
G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

Ἰδού,9 of 21

Behold

G2400

used as imperative lo!

ἐκβάλλω10 of 21

I cast out

G1544

to eject (literally or figuratively)

δαιμόνια11 of 21

devils

G1140

a daemonic being; by extension a deity

καὶ12 of 21

And

G2532

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

ἰάσεις13 of 21

cures

G2392

curing (the act)

ἐπιτελῶ14 of 21

I do

G2005

to fulfill further (or completely), i.e., execute; by implication, to terminate, undergo

σήμερον15 of 21

to day

G4594

on the (i.e., this) day (or night current or just passed); generally, now (i.e., at present, hitherto)

καὶ16 of 21

And

G2532

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

αὔριον17 of 21

to morrow

G839

properly, fresh, i.e., (adverb with ellipsis of g2250) to-morrow

καὶ18 of 21

And

G2532

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

τῇ19 of 21
G3588

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

τρίτῃ20 of 21

the third

G5154

third; neuter (as noun) a third part, or (as adverb) a (or the) third time, thirdly

τελειοῦμαι21 of 21

day I shall be perfected

G5048

to complete, i.e., (literally) accomplish, or (figuratively) consummate (in character)


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 13:32 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 13:32 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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