Luke 11:54

KJV

Laying wait for him, and seeking to catch something out of his mouth, that they might accuse him.

KJV (with Strong's)

Laying wait for {G1748} him {G846}, and {G2532} seeking {G2212} to catch {G2340} something {G5100} out of {G1537} his {G846} mouth {G4750}, that {G2443} they might accuse {G2723} him {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

laying traps to catch him in something he might say.

Berean Standard Bible

waiting to catch Him in something He might say.

American Standard Version

laying wait for him, to catch something out of his mouth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Following Jesus' scathing pronouncements of "woes" against the hypocrisy and legalism of the religious elite, Luke 11:54 vividly portrays the escalating animosity of the scribes and Pharisees. Rather than engaging with His divine truth or repenting, these adversaries were consumed by a malicious intent, actively plotting to entrap Jesus with His own words, seeking any pretext to accuse and condemn Him legally or religiously. This verse encapsulates the deep-seated opposition Jesus faced from those who felt threatened by His authority and teachings.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Jesus' series of "woes" directed at the Pharisees and lawyers in [Luke 11:42-52](/luke/11-42-52 "Luke 11:42-52 - Jesus' Woes Against the Religious Leaders"). These pronouncements were delivered after a meal at a Pharisee's house, where Jesus had already challenged their outward displays of piety contrasted with their inner corruption ([Luke 11:37-41](/luke/11-37-41 "Luke 11:37-41 - Jesus Rebukes the Pharisees")). The intensity of Jesus' condemnation, particularly His accusation that they were like unmarked graves and that they had taken away the key of knowledge, provoked extreme hostility. Their response in [Luke 11:53](/luke/11-53 "Luke 11:53 - The Pharisees' Hostility") describes them as beginning to "urge Him vehemently, and to provoke Him to speak of many things," setting the stage for the specific malicious intent described in [Luke 11:54](/luke/11-54 "Luke 11:54 - The Pharisees' Plot"). This immediate literary context highlights the direct cause-and-effect relationship between Jesus' truthful rebuke and His enemies' vengeful plotting.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The religious landscape of first-century Judea was dominated by groups like the Pharisees and lawyers (scribes), who held significant social, religious, and political influence. They were the custodians and interpreters of the Mosaic Law and the oral traditions. Jesus' teachings, which emphasized internal righteousness over external ritual, divine authority over human tradition, and grace over legalism, directly challenged their power structure and theological interpretations. Their "laying wait" and "seeking to catch something" reflect a common tactic of the time, where public figures were often scrutinized for any statement that could be construed as blasphemy against God (punishable by stoning under Jewish law) or sedition against Roman authority (punishable by crucifixion). The Jewish leaders were under Roman occupation, and any perceived threat to the fragile peace or accusation of inciting rebellion would be taken seriously by the Roman prefect, Pontius Pilate. Their actions were not a genuine search for truth but a calculated effort to discredit and eliminate a perceived rival.
* **Key Themes:** [Luke 11:54](/luke/11-54 "Luke 11:54 - The Pharisees' Plot") contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **radical opposition to Jesus** from the established religious authorities, a theme prevalent throughout His ministry, especially as He approaches Jerusalem (e.g., [Luke 19:47-48](/luke/19-47-48 "Luke 19:47-48 - Teaching in the Temple, Opposition Grows")). Secondly, it highlights the **malicious intent and hypocrisy** of those who outwardly appeared righteous but inwardly harbored evil designs, a stark contrast to Jesus' call for genuine repentance and inner transformation ([Luke 11:39-40](/luke/11-39-40 "Luke 11:39-40 - Jesus Condemns the Pharisees' Hypocrisy")). Thirdly, the verse illustrates the **power of words**—both Jesus' words of truth that expose sin, and His enemies' desire to twist those words for destructive purposes. Finally, it foreshadows the **inevitable conflict and ultimate rejection** of Jesus by many Jewish leaders, which culminates in His trial and crucifixion, demonstrating how human sinfulness actively resists divine revelation and grace.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Laying wait (Greek, _enedreúō'_):** From G1748, meaning "to lurk, i.e. (figuratively) plot assassination." This word conveys a sense of deliberate, hidden, and hostile intent. It's not a casual observation but a calculated ambush, suggesting a pre-meditated plan to ensnare Jesus. The underlying meaning of plotting assassination, even if not immediately physical, points to their desire to destroy His ministry and influence, akin to a spiritual death sentence.
* **to catch (Greek, _thēreúō'_):** From G2340, meaning "to hunt (an animal), i.e. (figuratively) to carp at." This term evokes the imagery of a hunter setting a trap or snare for prey. It emphasizes the cunning and predatory nature of their actions, aiming to ensnare Jesus with His own words as one would catch an animal. This is not about a fair debate but about trapping someone through deception and manipulation.
* **accuse (Greek, _katēgoréō'_):** From G2723, meaning "to be a plaintiff, i.e. to charge with some offence." This word refers to bringing a formal charge or indictment against someone in a legal or public setting. It reveals their ultimate goal: to find a legitimate (in their eyes) legal or religious basis to condemn Jesus, leading to His arrest, trial, and punishment. Their intent was to act as prosecutors against Him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Laying wait for him":** This phrase describes the posture and disposition of Jesus' enemies. It signifies a deliberate, premeditated, and hostile surveillance. They were not merely present but actively positioned themselves to observe Jesus, not out of curiosity or a desire to learn, but with the specific purpose of finding fault. The term implies a hidden, deceptive approach, like an ambush.
* **"and seeking to catch something out of his mouth":** This reveals the specific method of their ambush. They were actively looking for an opportunity, a slip of the tongue, a controversial statement, or an apparent contradiction in Jesus' words. The imagery of "catching" suggests a trap, where Jesus' own words would be the bait or the snare. They hoped He would say something that could be twisted or misinterpreted to serve their malicious agenda, whether it be a theological error, a political sedition, or a personal offense.
* **"that they might accuse him":** This states the ultimate, malevolent objective of their actions. Their entire scheme—the waiting, the seeking, the verbal trap—was designed to gather evidence, however fabricated or distorted, to bring formal charges against Jesus. This accusation could be before the Sanhedrin for blasphemy or before the Roman authorities for sedition, ultimately aiming to justify His condemnation and removal.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 11:54 employs several powerful literary devices to convey the depth of the adversaries' malice. **Metaphor** is evident in the phrase "to catch something out of his mouth," which likens Jesus' words to prey that can be snared, highlighting the predatory nature of His enemies. This is further emphasized by the implied **Antithesis** between Jesus, who speaks truth and offers life, and His opponents, who seek to twist truth and bring about death. There is also a strong sense of **Foreshadowing** in this verse, as it anticipates the numerous attempts to entrap Jesus with questions (e.g., about tribute to Caesar, [Matthew 22:15-22](/matthew/22-15-22 "Matthew 22:15-22 - Paying Taxes to Caesar")), and ultimately His trial where He is indeed falsely accused and condemned based on distorted testimony ([Mark 14:55-59](/mark/14-55-59 "Mark 14:55-59 - False Witnesses Against Jesus")). The verse also contains a subtle **Irony**: those who claimed to uphold God's law were actively plotting against the very embodiment of that law, demonstrating their profound spiritual blindness and moral corruption.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 11:54 profoundly illustrates the enduring conflict between light and darkness, truth and deception, and the divine will versus human rebellion. The religious leaders' actions are not merely personal animosity but a manifestation of the spiritual forces arrayed against God's redemptive plan. Their desire to "catch something out of His mouth" and "accuse Him" reflects humanity's fallen tendency to reject divine authority and to seek to control or eliminate that which challenges its self-righteousness. The verse underscores the truth that obedience to God often provokes hostility from those entrenched in sin and worldly power, revealing the spiritual battle that undergirds all human interactions concerning truth.

* [Psalm 37:32](/psalm/37-32 "Psalm 37:32 - The Wicked Watch the Righteous")
* [Matthew 26:59](/matthew/26-59 "Matthew 26:59 - The Chief Priests Seek False Testimony")
* [John 7:19](/john/7-19 "John 7:19 - Why Do You Seek to Kill Me?")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 11:54 serves as a potent reminder that genuine faithfulness to God and His truth often invites opposition, particularly from those whose comfort, power, or self-perception is challenged. It compels us to examine our own hearts: do we genuinely seek truth, or do we, like the Pharisees, approach difficult conversations with a pre-determined agenda to find fault and condemn? This verse encourages believers to exercise wisdom and discernment in their interactions, recognizing that not all criticism is constructive and some individuals are motivated by malice rather than a desire for truth. It also reminds us that standing for righteousness, as Jesus did, can lead to unjust accusations and persecution. Yet, in the face of such hostility, our call is to remain steadfast in truth, trusting in God's sovereign plan, even when our words are twisted or used against us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I respond when my deeply held beliefs or actions are challenged? Do I seek understanding, or do I become defensive and seek to discredit the challenger?**
* **In what ways might I, like the Pharisees, be tempted to "lay wait" for others, seeking to find fault rather than extend grace or seek reconciliation?**
* **How can I speak truth courageously, as Jesus did, while also exercising wisdom and discernment in a world that may seek to "catch something out of my mouth"?**
* **What comfort can I draw from Jesus' experience of unjust accusation, knowing that He understands and sympathizes with those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake?**

### FAQ

**What was the primary motivation of the religious leaders in Luke 11:54?**

Answer: The primary motivation of the religious leaders was not a genuine desire for truth or understanding, but a malicious intent to discredit, condemn, and ultimately eliminate Jesus. They were enraged by His direct challenges to their authority and exposure of their hypocrisy ([Luke 11:42-52](/luke/11-42-52 "Luke 11:42-52 - Jesus' Woes Against the Religious Leaders")). Their goal was to find a legal or religious pretext to accuse Him, thereby removing Him as a threat to their established power and traditions.

**How does this verse relate to other instances of opposition to Jesus in the Gospels?**

Answer: Luke 11:54 is highly representative of the ongoing and escalating opposition Jesus faced throughout His ministry. Similar attempts to entrap Him with questions are seen in passages like [Matthew 22:15-22](/matthew/22-15-22 "Matthew 22:15-22 - Paying Taxes to Caesar"), where they tried to ensnare Him with a question about paying taxes to Caesar, and [Mark 12:13-17](/mark/12-13-17 "Mark 12:13-17 - The Question About Paying Taxes"). This continuous "laying wait" and "seeking to catch" His words ultimately culminates in His arrest and trial, where false witnesses are brought against Him ([Mark 14:55-59](/mark/14-55-59 "Mark 14:55-59 - False Witnesses Against Jesus")), demonstrating the fulfillment of their malicious intent.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 11:54, with its stark depiction of the religious leaders' malicious plotting, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the ultimate triumph of God's redemptive plan over human sin and opposition. The very accusations they sought to levy against Jesus, the "something out of his mouth" they desperately tried to catch, would ultimately be used by God to bring about the salvation of the world. While they plotted His demise, seeking to condemn Him as a criminal or blasphemer, Jesus, the innocent Lamb of God, willingly submitted to their unjust accusations. His silence before His accusers ([Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - He Was Oppressed and Afflicted")) and His powerful, truth-filled words during His ministry ([John 8:46](/john/8-46 "John 8:46 - Which of You Convicts Me of Sin?")) served as the very means by which He exposed the darkness and secured eternal life. The "accusation" they sought to bring against Him became the charge that nailed Him to the cross, where He bore the true accusation of humanity's sin, becoming the propitiation for our transgressions ([Romans 3:25](/romans/3-25 "Romans 3:25 - Christ Jesus, Whom God Presented as a Propitiation")). Thus, the cunning schemes of men were ultimately subverted by the wisdom and power of God, transforming an act of malicious intent into the very foundation of grace and redemption, demonstrating that even the deepest human depravity cannot thwart God's sovereign purpose to save through His Son ([Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "Acts 2:23 - The Foreordained Plan of God")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Mark 12:13

¶ And they send unto him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, to catch him in [his] words.

Matthew 22:35

Then one of them, [which was] a lawyer, asked [him a question], tempting him, and saying,

Matthew 22:15

¶ Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might entangle him in [his] talk.

Matthew 22:18

But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, [ye] hypocrites?

Psalms 56:5

Every day they wrest my words: all their thoughts [are] against me for evil.

Psalms 56:6

They gather themselves together, they hide themselves, they mark my steps, when they wait for my soul.

Psalms 37:32

The wicked watcheth the righteous, and seeketh to slay him.