King James Version

What Does Luke 23:11 Mean?

Luke 23:11 in the King James Version says “And Herod with his men of war set him at nought, and mocked him, and arrayed him in a gorgeous robe, and sent him again ...” — study this verse from Luke chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And Herod with his men of war set him at nought, and mocked him, and arrayed him in a gorgeous robe, and sent him again to Pilate.”

Luke 23:11 · KJV

Context

9

Then he questioned with him in many words; but he answered him nothing.

10

And the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused him.

11

And Herod with his men of war set him at nought, and mocked him, and arrayed him in a gorgeous robe, and sent him again to Pilate.

12

And the same day Pilate and Herod were made friends together : for before they were at enmity between themselves.

13

And Pilate, when he had called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people,

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Herod with his men of war set him at nought (ἐξουθενήσας, exouthenēsas)—'treated him with contempt,' 'despised him utterly.' The same verb appears in Psalm 22:6 (LXX): 'I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people.' Herod mocked him (ἐμπαίξας, empaizas), the prophesied mocking of the Suffering Servant (Isaiah 50:6, Psalm 22:7). The gorgeous robe (ἐσθῆτα λαμπράν, esthēta lampran)—'bright,' 'radiant,' perhaps white or purple—constituted mock-royal vestment, treating Jesus's kingship as farce.

Yet every mockery fulfills prophecy. They dress the King of Glory in royal robes as jest; God will clothe him in genuine glory at the resurrection. They 'set him at nought'—the very word Peter later uses in Acts 4:11 quoting Psalm 118:22: 'the stone which was set at nought of you builders.' Herod's contemptuous dismissal, sending Jesus back to Pilate, becomes another link in the chain of sovereign purpose—concentrating guilt upon both Jewish and Gentile authorities while moving inexorably toward Golgotha.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Roman soldiers and Herodian troops often used mock investiture to humiliate political prisoners claiming kingship. The 'gorgeous robe' may have been a white or purple garment from Herod's wardrobe, sarcastically acknowledging Jesus's claims while ridiculing them. Herod's sending Jesus back to Pilate both deferred responsibility and subtly acknowledged Roman supreme authority—the tetrarch had no interest in executing someone he deemed a harmless fool.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Herod's mockery paradoxically testify to truths about Jesus that Herod himself rejected?
  2. In what ways do we 'set Christ at nought' through casual dismissal of his claims or reduction of Christianity to mere religion?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
ἐξουθενήσας1 of 19

“set him at nought”

G1848

to despise

δὲ2 of 19

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

αὐτὸν3 of 19

“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

ὁ4 of 19
G3588

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

Ἡρῴδης5 of 19

“Herod”

G2264

heroic; herod, the name of four jewish kings

σὺν6 of 19

“with”

G4862

with or together (but much closer than g3326 or g3844), i.e., by association, companionship, process, resemblance, possession, instrumentality, additi

τοῖς7 of 19
G3588

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

στρατεύμασιν8 of 19

“men of war”

G4753

an armament, i.e., (by implication) a body of troops (more or less extensive or systematic)

αὐτὸν9 of 19

“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

καὶ10 of 19

“and”

G2532

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

ἐμπαίξας11 of 19

“mocked”

G1702

to jeer at, i.e., deride

περιβαλὼν12 of 19

“him and arrayed”

G4016

to throw all around, i.e., invest (with a palisade or with clothing)

αὐτὸν13 of 19

“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

ἐσθῆτα14 of 19

“robe”

G2066

dress

λαμπρὰν15 of 19

“in a gorgeous”

G2986

radiant; by analogy, limpid; figuratively, magnificent or sumptuous (in appearance)

ἀνέπεμψεν16 of 19

“again”

G375

to send up or back

αὐτὸν17 of 19

“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

τῷ18 of 19
G3588

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

Πιλάτῳ19 of 19

“to Pilate”

G4091

close-pressed, i.e., firm; pilatus, a roman

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 23:11 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 23:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Mark 15:16-20Matthew 27:27-30Isaiah 53:3Psalms 69:19-20Mark 9:12John 19:5

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