King James Version

What Does Luke 23:8 Mean?

Luke 23:8 in the King James Version says “And when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad: for he was desirous to see him of a long season, because he had heard m... — study this verse from Luke chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad: for he was desirous to see him of a long season, because he had heard many things of him; and he hoped to have seen some miracle done by him.

Luke 23:8 · KJV


Context

6

When Pilate heard of Galilee, he asked whether the man were a Galilaean.

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.

8

And when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad: for he was desirous to see him of a long season, because he had heard many things of him; and he hoped to have seen some miracle done by him.

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Herod...was exceeding glad (ἐχάρη λίαν, echarē lian)—not the joy of genuine faith but perverse curiosity. Herod was desirous to see him of a long season (θέλων ἰδεῖν αὐτόν, thelōn idein auton), having heard of Jesus's miracles since early in his ministry (9:7-9). His desire was to see some miracle (σημεῖόν τι ἰδεῖν, sēmeion ti idein)—viewing Jesus as an entertainer, not the Messiah. This is the same Herod who murdered John the Baptist (9:9), whose conscience briefly troubled him with the thought that Jesus might be John raised from the dead.

The word sēmeion (sign) is deeply ironic. Herod sought spectacular miracles for entertainment, but Jesus had refused to perform signs for the sign-seeking Pharisees (11:29), declaring 'no sign shall be given...but the sign of Jonas the prophet'—death and resurrection. Herod represents those who want Christianity's power without its demands, miracles without repentance, spectacle without surrender. His 'exceeding glad' reception contrasts starkly with the trembling worship true encounters with Christ produce.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Herod Antipas had executed John the Baptist (c. AD 28-29) at Machaerus fortress, yielding to his wife Herodias's demand after his rash oath at a birthday banquet (Mark 6:14-29). His guilty conscience and political calculation made him both curious about and fearful of Jesus. Ancient historians (Josephus) describe Herod as cunning but weak-willed, capable of cruelty but susceptible to manipulation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Herod's desire to see miracles without submission reflect our culture's appetite for spiritual experience without genuine discipleship?
  2. Why does Jesus consistently refuse to perform signs for those who seek them as entertainment rather than as pointers to repentance and faith?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 29 words
1 of 29
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 29

And

G1161

but, and, etc

Ἡρῴδης3 of 29

when Herod

G2264

heroic; herod, the name of four jewish kings

ἰδεῖν4 of 29

saw

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

τὸν5 of 29
G3588

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

Ἰησοῦν6 of 29

Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

ἐχάρη7 of 29

glad

G5463

to be "cheer"ful, i.e., calmly happy or well-off; impersonally, especially as salutation (on meeting or parting), be well

λίαν8 of 29

he was exceeding

G3029

much (adverbially)

ἦν9 of 29

he was

G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

γὰρ10 of 29

for

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

θέλων11 of 29

desirous

G2309

to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),

ἐξ12 of 29

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

ἱκανοῦ13 of 29

a long

G2425

competent (as if coming in season), i.e., ample (in amount) or fit (in character)

ἰδεῖν14 of 29

saw

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

αὐτοῦ15 of 29

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

διὰ16 of 29

season because

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τὸ17 of 29
G3588

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

ἀκούειν18 of 29

he had heard

G191

to hear (in various senses)

πολλὰ19 of 29

many things

G4183

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

περὶ20 of 29

of

G4012

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

αὐτοῦ21 of 29

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

καὶ22 of 29

and

G2532

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

ἤλπιζέν23 of 29

he hoped

G1679

to expect or confide

τι24 of 29

some

G5100

some or any person or object

σημεῖον25 of 29

miracle

G4592

an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally

ἰδεῖν26 of 29

saw

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

ὑπ'27 of 29

by

G5259

under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (

αὐτοῦ28 of 29

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

γινόμενον29 of 29

done

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)


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 23:8 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 23:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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