King James Version

What Does Luke 23:9 Mean?

Luke 23:9 in the King James Version says “Then he questioned with him in many words; but he answered him nothing.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Luke 23:9 · KJV

Context

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.

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.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
He questioned with him in many words; but he answered him nothing—Jesus's absolute silence before Herod fulfills Isaiah 53:7: 'He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth.' The Greek construction (ἐπηρώτα...ἐν λόγοις ἱκανοῖς, αὐτὸς δὲ οὐδὲν ἀπεκρίνατο αὐτῷ, epērōta...en logois hikanois, autos de ouden apekrinato autō) emphasizes the contrast: Herod's 'many words' met with Christ's complete silence—ouden, 'nothing whatsoever.'

This silence is not passive but powerful. To Pilate, Jesus offered measured responses (John 18:34-37); to Herod, nothing. Why? Herod had rejected John the Baptist's testimony, murdered the prophet, and now sought entertainment, not truth. Jesus casts no pearls before swine (Matthew 7:6). The Word made flesh (John 1:14) offers no word to those who have persistently rejected his messengers. This sobering silence warns of judgment to come—there comes a point when God's patience ends and his voice falls silent to the hardened heart (Romans 1:24, 26, 28).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Herod's 'many words' likely included questions about Jesus's miraculous powers, his identity, and perhaps his relationship to John the Baptist. As tetrarch of Galilee, Herod would have received reports of Jesus's ministry throughout his territory for over two years. His questioning may have mixed genuine curiosity with mockery, seeking to satisfy his long-standing desire to witness Jesus's supernatural abilities firsthand.

Reflection Questions

  1. What distinguishes those to whom Jesus speaks from those to whom he remains silent, and where do you find yourself?
  2. How should Christ's silence before Herod shape our understanding of persistent rejection of God's Word and messengers?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 11 words
ἐπηρώτα1 of 11

“he questioned”

G1905

to ask for, i.e., inquire, seek

δὲ2 of 11

“Then”

G1161

but, and, etc

αὐτῷ3 of 11

“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

ἐν4 of 11

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

λόγοις5 of 11

“words”

G3056

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

ἱκανοῖς6 of 11

“many”

G2425

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

αὐτῷ7 of 11

“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

δὲ8 of 11

“Then”

G1161

but, and, etc

οὐδὲν9 of 11

“nothing”

G3762

not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing

ἀπεκρίνατο10 of 11

“he answered”

G611

to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)

αὐτῷ11 of 11

“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 23:9 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 23:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 27:141 Peter 2:23Luke 13:32Acts 8:32Matthew 7:6Isaiah 53:7

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