Luke 23:11

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} Herod {G2264} with {G4862} his {G846} men of war {G4753} set {G1848} him {G846} at nought {G1848}, and {G2532} mocked {G1702} him, and arrayed {G4016} him {G846} in a gorgeous {G2986} robe {G2066}, and sent {G375} him {G846} again {G375} to Pilate {G4091}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Herod and his soldiers treated Yeshua with contempt and made fun of him. Then, dressing him in an elegant robe, they sent him back to Pilate.

Berean Standard Bible

And even Herod and his soldiers ridiculed and mocked Him. Dressing Him in a fine robe, they sent Him back to Pilate.

American Standard Version

And Herod with his soldiers set him at nought, and mocked him, and arraying him in gorgeous apparel sent him back to Pilate.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 23:11 vividly portrays Jesus' profound humiliation before Herod Antipas and his soldiers, who, driven by contempt and mockery, treated Him as utterly worthless. They arrayed Him in a splendid robe, a deliberate act of ridicule against His perceived claims of kingship, before sending Him back to Pilate, thereby implicitly declaring His innocence of any capital crime and highlighting the pervasive injustice of His trial.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a crucial segment within the broader narrative of Jesus' passion, specifically His trials before various authorities. Following His arrest and initial interrogation by the Jewish Sanhedrin ([Luke 22:66-71](/luke/22-66-71 "Luke 22:66-71 - Jesus before the Sanhedrin")), Jesus is handed over to Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor ([Luke 23:1](/luke/23-1 "Luke 23:1 - Jesus before Pilate")). When Pilate discovers Jesus is a Galilean, he strategically sends Him to Herod Antipas, the tetrarch of Galilee, who was also in Jerusalem for the Passover feast ([Luke 23:6-7](/luke/23-6-7 "Luke 23:6-7 - Pilate sends Jesus to Herod")). Herod, having long desired to see Jesus and hoping for a miracle ([Luke 23:8](/luke/23-8 "Luke 23:8 - Herod's Curiosity")), is met with Jesus' resolute silence despite vehement accusations from the chief priests and scribes ([Luke 23:9-10](/luke/23-9-10 "Luke 23:9-10 - Jesus' Silence and Accusations")). Luke 23:11 details Herod's response to this silence and the accusations, culminating in Jesus' return to Pilate, a move that inadvertently confirms Jesus' lack of guilt in Herod's eyes ([Luke 23:15](/luke/23-15 "Luke 23:15 - Herod finds no fault")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Herod Antipas, son of Herod the Great, governed Galilee and Perea under Roman oversight. His presence in Jerusalem for Passover was customary for Jewish rulers. The sending of Jesus from Pilate to Herod was not merely a jurisdictional matter but also a political gesture, as Luke explicitly states that it reconciled Pilate and Herod, who had previously been at enmity ([Luke 23:12](/luke/23-12 "Luke 23:12 - Pilate and Herod Reconciled")). The act of dressing someone in a "gorgeous robe" to mock their claims of royalty or status was a common practice in the ancient world, designed to humiliate publicly. This "gorgeous" (likely bright or white) robe was distinct from the purple robe later used by the Roman soldiers ([John 19:2](/john/19-2 "John 19:2 - The Purple Robe")), yet both served the same purpose of ridiculing Jesus' perceived kingship. This scene underscores the intersection of Roman and Jewish authority, both ultimately failing to recognize or uphold true justice.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 23:11 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **rejection and humiliation of Christ** by both Jewish and Gentile authorities, demonstrating the world's opposition to divine truth. Secondly, it subtly reinforces **Jesus' innocence**, as even Herod, despite his contempt, finds no grounds for condemnation worthy of death, echoing Pilate's repeated declarations ([Luke 23:4](/luke/23-4 "Luke 23:4 - Pilate finds no fault"), [Luke 23:14-15](/luke/23-14-15 "Luke 23:14-15 - Pilate's Declarations of Innocence")). Thirdly, the passage exposes the **cowardice and political expediency** of human rulers who prioritize self-interest and popular appeasement over righteous judgment. Herod's desire to avoid responsibility mirrors Pilate's later attempts to wash his hands of the matter ([Matthew 27:24](/matthew/27-24 "Matthew 27:24 - Pilate Washes His Hands")). Finally, Jesus' silent endurance amidst such profound contempt foreshadows His ultimate role as the **suffering servant**, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies of a Messiah who would be despised and rejected ([Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - Despised and Rejected")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **set at nought (Greek, _exouthenéō'_):** This verb signifies treating someone as utterly worthless, insignificant, or contemptible. It conveys a deep sense of disdain and scorn, reducing the object of such treatment to nothing. Here, it underscores the extreme disrespect and dehumanization Jesus endured from Herod and his soldiers, reflecting their complete disregard for His person and any claims He might have had.
* **mocked (Greek, _empaízō'_):** Derived from a word meaning "to play" or "to jest," this term denotes active ridicule, derision, or making sport of someone. It goes beyond mere contempt to include overt acts of taunting and jesting. The soldiers' actions were not passive disdain but an active, humiliating performance designed to belittle Jesus.
* **gorgeous (Greek, _lamprós'_):** This adjective describes something as radiant, bright, splendid, or magnificent. When applied to a robe, it suggests a dazzling, showy garment. In this context, it was chosen not for honor but for ironic mockery, to highlight the perceived absurdity of Jesus' "kingship" by dressing Him in an ostentatious, yet ultimately demeaning, costume.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Herod with his men of war":** This phrase identifies the key actors in this scene. Herod Antipas, the tetrarch, represents the Jewish political authority under Rome, while "his men of war" (Greek: _strateuma_), likely his personal guard or soldiers, represent the military arm of his power. Their collective action emphasizes the institutional nature of the contempt Jesus faced.
* **"set him at nought, and mocked [him]":** This clause describes the core actions of Herod and his soldiers. To "set him at nought" (from _exouthenéō_) means they utterly despised and treated Jesus as insignificant, contemptible, and worthless. This was followed by active "mockery" (_empaízō_), indicating overt acts of ridicule, jesting, and making sport of Him, demonstrating a profound lack of respect and a deliberate attempt to humiliate.
* **"and arrayed him in a gorgeous robe":** This specific act of dressing Jesus in a "gorgeous" (bright, splendid) robe was a powerful symbolic gesture. It was not an act of kindness but a continuation of the mockery, designed to ridicule Jesus' perceived claims to kingship or divine authority. The bright robe served as a satirical royal garment, turning His purported majesty into a public spectacle of scorn.
* **"and sent him again to Pilate":** This final action signifies Herod's unwillingness to take responsibility for Jesus' judgment. By sending Jesus back to Pilate, Herod implicitly declared that he found no capital crime worthy of death, effectively confirming Jesus' innocence from his perspective, even amidst his contempt and mockery. It also highlights the political maneuvering and evasion of justice by earthly powers.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several significant literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as Herod, who had long desired to see Jesus perform a miracle, ultimately treats the Son of God with utter contempt, failing to recognize His true divine power and authority. The "gorgeous robe" serves as potent **Symbolism**, representing mock royalty and profound humiliation. It is a visual representation of the world's rejection of Christ's true kingship, dressing Him in a parody of what He truly is. This scene also functions as **Foreshadowing**, preparing the reader for the greater physical and emotional suffering Jesus will endure on the cross, where He is further mocked and stripped of dignity. Finally, there is a stark **Contrast** between Jesus' silent dignity and divine composure and the boisterous, cruel, and undignified behavior of Herod and his soldiers, highlighting the moral bankruptcy of those who reject truth.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 23:11 stands as a poignant testament to the depth of humiliation and rejection that Jesus, the Son of God, willingly endured as part of His redemptive mission. It underscores the profound theological truth that God's chosen King would not be received with honor by the world's powers, but rather with contempt and scorn, fulfilling ancient prophecies of a suffering Messiah. This scene reveals the pervasive sinfulness of humanity—its capacity for injustice, political expediency, and outright cruelty—even when confronted with blameless innocence. Yet, within this narrative of human depravity, God's sovereign plan unfolds, as Jesus' silent endurance and willingness to be "set at nought" become the very means by which humanity's salvation is secured. His suffering is not a sign of weakness, but of ultimate strength and obedient love, paving the way for His glorious exaltation.

* [Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - Despised and Rejected")
* [Psalm 22:6-7](/psalms/22-6-7 "Psalm 22:6-7 - A Worm, Not a Man")
* [Philippians 2:7-8](/philippians/2-7-8 "Philippians 2:7-8 - Christ's Humiliation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene of Jesus before Herod is a powerful mirror reflecting not only the historical injustice of His trial but also the ongoing human tendency to reject divine truth and righteousness. Jesus' silent endurance in the face of such profound contempt and mockery serves as a profound example of humility, submission to God's will, and unwavering resolve. He did not retaliate, defend Himself, or seek human vindication, but absorbed the scorn of humanity. For believers, this passage calls us to consider the immense cost of our salvation and to cultivate a spirit of resilience and humility when we face ridicule, scorn, or injustice for our faith. It reminds us that our worth and vindication do not come from human approval or worldly power, but from God alone. In a world that often values outward show and self-assertion, Jesus' example challenges us to embrace true strength found in humble obedience and patient suffering, trusting that God sees and will ultimately set all things right. It compels us to examine our own hearts: do we, like Herod, seek to avoid responsibility, or do we, like Christ, embrace the path of righteousness, even when it leads to humiliation?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' silent endurance before Herod challenge your understanding of strength and power?**
* **In what ways might we, like Herod, "set at nought" or mock Christ by our attitudes or actions in daily life?**
* **How can Jesus' example of humility and submission encourage you when facing ridicule or injustice for your faith?**
* **What does this passage teach us about the nature of worldly authority versus divine authority?**

### FAQ
**Why did Pilate send Jesus to Herod, and what was the significance of this act?**

Answer: Pilate sent Jesus to Herod primarily because Jesus was a Galilean, and Herod Antipas was the tetrarch of Galilee, giving him a claim to jurisdiction ([Luke 23:6-7](/luke/23-6-7 "Luke 23:6-7 - Pilate sends Jesus to Herod")). However, Luke explicitly states that this act also served to reconcile Pilate and Herod, who had previously been at enmity ([Luke 23:12](/luke/23-12 "Luke 23:12 - Pilate and Herod Reconciled")). From a legal perspective, it was an attempt by Pilate to offload a politically sensitive case and avoid responsibility. The significance lies in the fact that even Herod, despite his contempt and mockery, found no basis for a capital charge against Jesus, implicitly confirming Jesus' innocence and further highlighting the injustice of His eventual condemnation.

**What was the significance of arraying Jesus in a "gorgeous robe"?**

Answer: The "gorgeous robe" ([Luke 23:11](/luke/23-11 "Luke 23:11 - Jesus before Herod")) was a deliberate act of mockery and humiliation. While the exact color isn't specified, "gorgeous" (Greek: _lamprós_) suggests a bright, splendid, or dazzling garment, possibly white, often associated with royalty or high status. By dressing Jesus in such a robe, Herod and his soldiers were ridiculing His perceived claims of kingship or divine authority. It was a theatrical display designed to make a spectacle of Jesus, contrasting His humble appearance with the ostentatious garment, thereby emphasizing their contempt and treating Him as a ludicrous figure rather than a serious prisoner or a true king. This act foreshadowed the later mockery by Pilate's soldiers who dressed Him in a purple robe ([John 19:2](/john/19-2 "John 19:2 - The Purple Robe")), both symbolizing the world's rejection of His true, divine sovereignty.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 23:11, detailing Jesus' profound humiliation before Herod, serves as a powerful testament to the Christ-centered fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and the very nature of His redemptive work. The contempt and mockery Jesus endured, being "set at nought" and arrayed in a "gorgeous robe" as a parody of kingship, directly fulfills prophecies of the suffering servant who would be "despised and rejected by mankind" ([Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - Despised and Rejected")). This scene underscores the Incarnation's ultimate purpose: the Son of God, though truly King of Kings and Lord of Lords ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings")), willingly emptied Himself, taking on the form of a servant and humbling Himself to the point of death, even death on a cross ([Philippians 2:7-8](/philippians/2-7-8 "Philippians 2:7-8 - Christ's Humiliation")). His silent endurance before Herod, refusing to engage with His tormentors, demonstrates His perfect obedience to the Father's will and His identity as the spotless Lamb of God, who, "when he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly" ([1 Peter 2:23](/1_peter/2-23 "1 Peter 2:23 - Christ's Example in Suffering")). This humiliation was not an accidental detour but a necessary path for Christ to bear the sin of the world and secure humanity's salvation, ultimately leading to His glorious exaltation and universal recognition as Lord ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation")).

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 15:16

And the soldiers led him away into the hall, called Praetorium; and they call together the whole band.

Mark 15:20

And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple from him, and put his own clothes on him, and led him out to crucify him.

Matthew 27:27

Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered unto him the whole band [of soldiers].

Matthew 27:30

And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head.

Isaiah 53:3

He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were [our] faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

John 19:5

Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And [Pilate] saith unto them, Behold the man!

Psalms 69:19

Thou hast known my reproach, and my shame, and my dishonour: mine adversaries [are] all before thee.