King James Version

What Does Luke 6:11 Mean?

Luke 6:11 in the King James Version says “And they were filled with madness; and communed one with another what they might do to Jesus. — study this verse from Luke chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And they were filled with madness; and communed one with another what they might do to Jesus.

Luke 6:11 · KJV


Context

9

Then said Jesus unto them, I will ask you one thing; Is it lawful on the sabbath days to do good, or to do evil? to save life, or to destroy it?

10

And looking round about upon them all, he said unto the man, Stretch forth thy hand. And he did so: and his hand was restored whole as the other.

11

And they were filled with madness; and communed one with another what they might do to Jesus.

12

And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.

13

And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles;


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And they were filled with madness (ἐπλήσθησαν ἀνοίας, eplēsthēsan anoias)—anoia (ἀνοία) means senseless rage, irrational fury, mindlessness. Confronted with undeniable evidence of Jesus' divine power and compassion, they responded not with wonder but with insane hatred. They communed one with another what they might do to Jesus (διελάλουν πρὸς ἀλλήλους τί ἂν ποιήσαιεν τῷ Ἰησοῦ, dielāloun pros allēlous ti an poiēsaien tō Iēsou)—plotting his destruction even as he demonstrated life-giving power.

This fulfills Jesus' earlier question (v. 9)—while he saved life, they plotted to destroy it. Their madness reveals the ultimate danger of hardened religiosity: it can witness miracles yet remain unmoved, see God's glory yet seek to extinguish it. This same council would eventually crucify him.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The religious establishment's hostility to Jesus intensified with each Sabbath controversy. Earlier they criticized his disciples for plucking grain (Luke 6:1-5); now they plotted violence. This escalating opposition foreshadows the cross. Their madness (ἀνοία, anoia) contrasts with the Sabbath's purpose—rest, worship, and delight in God's goodness. Instead of rejoicing that a man was healed, they raged that their authority was challenged. This shows how institutions can prioritize self-preservation over truth and mercy.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can religious commitment become so hardened that it responds to God's work with rage rather than worship?
  2. What evidence of Jesus' power are you resisting because accepting it would require changing your life or theology?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
αὐτοὶ1 of 13
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

δὲ2 of 13

And

G1161

but, and, etc

ἐπλήσθησαν3 of 13

they were filled

G4130

to "fill" (literally or figuratively (imbue, influence, supply)); specially, to fulfil (time)

ἀνοίας4 of 13

with madness

G454

stupidity; by implication, rage

καὶ5 of 13

and

G2532

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

διελάλουν6 of 13

communed

G1255

to talk throughout a company, i.e., converse or (genitive case) publish

πρὸς7 of 13

one with another

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

ἀλλήλους8 of 13
G240

one another

τί9 of 13

what

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

ἂν10 of 13
G302

whatsoever

ποιήσειαν11 of 13

they might do

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

τῷ12 of 13
G3588

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

Ἰησοῦ13 of 13

to Jesus

G2424

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


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 6:11 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 6:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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