13:31 13:31

Luke 13:32

13:33 13:33

Bible Versions

And he said unto them, Go ye, and tell that fox, Behold, I cast out devils, and I do cures to day and to morrow, and the third [day] I shall be perfected.
And {G2532} he said {G2036} unto them {G846}, Go ye {G4198}, and tell {G2036} that {G5026} fox {G258}, Behold {G2400}, I cast out {G1544} devils {G1140}, and {G2532} I do {G2005} cures {G2392} to day {G4594} and {G2532} to morrow {G839}, and {G2532} the third {G5154} day I shall be perfected {G5048}.
He said to them, “Go, tell that fox, ‘Pay attention: today and tomorrow I am driving out demons and healing people, and on the third day I reach my goal.’
But Jesus replied, “Go tell that fox, ‘Look, I will keep driving out demons and healing people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach My goal.’
And he said unto them, Go and say to that fox, Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures to-day and to-morrow, and the third day I am perfected.

Luke 13:32 presents Jesus' defiant and prophetic response to a warning about Herod Antipas's desire to kill Him. This powerful statement reveals His unwavering resolve to complete His divine mission despite threats.

Context

This verse is part of a larger narrative where certain Pharisees approach Jesus, warning Him that Herod Antipas, the tetrarch of Galilee and Perea, wants to kill Him. This warning might have been genuine, or it could have been a subtle attempt to intimidate Jesus and force Him to leave Galilee. Jesus, however, sees through any such schemes and sends a message back to Herod through these intermediaries, asserting His sovereign control over His ministry and destiny. This event underscores the growing tension between Jesus and the political powers of His day, particularly as He journeys towards Jerusalem.

Key Themes

  • Jesus' Authority and Fearlessness: Jesus demonstrates His absolute authority over His life and ministry, refusing to be swayed by threats from earthly rulers. His response is not one of fear but of resolute purpose.
  • Herod Antipas as "That Fox": Jesus' choice of the epithet "that fox" (Greek: alōpēx) for Herod is highly significant. In ancient Jewish culture, a fox was often seen as a symbol of cunning, treachery, and insignificance, rather than strength or nobility. It suggests Herod's devious and ultimately ineffectual nature compared to God's plan. This contrasts sharply with the common perception of powerful rulers. For more on Herod's involvement in Jesus' passion, see Luke 23:11.
  • Unwavering Divine Mission: Jesus declares His continued work of "casting out devils, and doing cures" for "to day and to morrow," indicating that His ministry of liberation and healing will proceed as planned. He is not deterred by human opposition. His miraculous works are a testament to His divine power, as seen throughout His ministry, for example, in Luke 4:40.
  • Prophecy of His Suffering and Glorification: The phrase "the third day I shall be perfected" is a profound prophetic statement. The Greek word teleioō (perfected or completed) here refers to the culmination of His mission, not necessarily in the sense of moral improvement, but rather of reaching its intended goal or fulfillment. This unmistakably points to His impending crucifixion and subsequent resurrection on the third day, by which His redemptive work would be brought to its glorious completion. This echoes other predictions of His death and resurrection, such as Luke 24:7.

Linguistic Insights

The term "fox" (Greek: alōpēx) used by Jesus for Herod Antipas is a vivid metaphor. Unlike a lion or a wolf, which might symbolize strength or ferocity, a fox typically represents slyness, cunning, and often, destructive but ultimately minor influence. It's a dismissive, yet accurate, assessment of Herod's character and his limited ability to truly thwart God's will.

The verb "perfected" (Greek: teleioō) is crucial. It means to bring to an end, to accomplish, to fulfill, or to complete. In this context, it signifies the completion of Jesus' earthly mission, particularly through His suffering, death, and resurrection. It's not about becoming morally better, but about reaching the divinely appointed climax of His redemptive work. This concept of completion through suffering is also seen in Hebrews 2:10.

Practical Application

Luke 13:32 offers several lessons for believers today:

  • Courage in the Face of Opposition: Jesus’ example teaches us not to be intimidated by threats or earthly powers when pursuing God’s will. Our ultimate allegiance and trust should be in God, not in human authorities or their schemes.
  • Focus on God's Will: Like Jesus, we are called to remain steadfast in our God-given purpose, even when facing adversity. Our "today and tomorrow" should be dedicated to the tasks God has set before us.
  • Understanding Suffering as Part of Purpose: Jesus knew His path involved suffering and death, yet He embraced it as the means to achieve His ultimate purpose. This reminds us that trials and difficulties can be integral to God's plan for our "perfection" or completion in Him.
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.

  • Hebrews 2:10

    ¶ For it became him, for whom [are] all things, and by whom [are] all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.

  • Hebrews 5:9

    And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;

  • John 17:4

    I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.

  • John 17:5

    And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.

  • John 11:8

    [His] disciples say unto him, Master, the Jews of late sought to stone thee; and goest thou thither again?

  • John 11:10

    But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him.

  • John 10:32

    Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me?
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