Luke 23:12

KJV

And the same day Pilate and Herod were made friends together: for before they were at enmity between themselves.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161}{G3739} the same {G1722}{G846} day {G2250} Pilate {G4091} and {G2532} Herod {G2264} were made {G1096} friends {G5384} together {G3326}{G5037}{G240}: for {G1063} before {G4391} they were {G5607} at {G1722} enmity {G2189} between {G4314} themselves {G1438}.

Complete Jewish Bible

That day Herod and Pilate became friends with each other; previously they had been enemies.

Berean Standard Bible

That day Herod and Pilate became friends; before this time they had been enemies.

American Standard Version

And Herod and Pilate became friends with each other that very day: for before they were at enmity between themselves.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 23:12 records an unexpected and politically significant reconciliation between Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, and Herod Antipas, the tetrarch of Galilee, on the very day of Jesus' trial. Previously hostile, these two powerful rulers set aside their animosity, finding common ground in their shared encounter with Jesus. This verse highlights the ironic unity of disparate human authorities in their collective, albeit unwitting, opposition to God's divine plan, even as they sought to evade responsibility for the fate of the innocent Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the climactic narrative of Jesus' passion, specifically during His trial before the Roman authorities. After Jesus was arrested and brought before Pilate, the governor, learning that Jesus was a Galilean, shrewdly sent Him to Herod Antipas, the tetrarch of Galilee, who was also in Jerusalem for the Passover festival. This transfer, detailed in [Luke 23:6-7](/luke/23-6-7 "Luke 23:6-7 - Pilate Sends Jesus to Herod"), was a strategic move by Pilate to shift responsibility and perhaps appease Herod, with whom he had a strained relationship. Herod, eager to see a miracle from Jesus, questioned Him extensively but received no answer. After mocking Jesus and dressing Him in a splendid robe, Herod, like Pilate, found no basis for a death sentence and sent Him back to Pilate ([Luke 23:11](/luke/23-11 "Luke 23:11 - Herod Mocks Jesus and Sends Him Back")). It was this series of exchanges, revolving around the person of Jesus, that brought Pilate and Herod into direct and conciliatory contact, leading to the surprising outcome described in verse 12.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Pontius Pilate, as the Roman Prefect of Judea, and Herod Antipas, the Jewish tetrarch appointed by Rome over Galilee and Perea, represented distinct but intertwined spheres of authority. Relations between Roman governors and local rulers were often fraught with tension, marked by jurisdictional disputes, political maneuvering, and cultural clashes. Pilate was known for his insensitivity to Jewish customs and his harsh governance, which likely contributed to his "enmity" with Herod. For instance, the massacre of Galileans by Pilate mentioned in [Luke 13:1](/luke/13-1 "Luke 13:1 - Pilate's Slaughter of Galileans") could have been a source of significant friction, as Galilee was Herod's territory. Herod, for his part, was politically astute but morally bankrupt, having executed John the Baptist. Both men were under pressure to maintain order and avoid any actions that might provoke a popular uprising or displease Emperor Tiberius. Their reconciliation on this day was likely a pragmatic political alliance, born out of a shared dilemma concerning Jesus and a mutual desire to navigate a volatile situation without incurring blame or further instability.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 23:12 powerfully contributes to several key themes within the Gospel. Firstly, it highlights the **unexpected alliance against Christ**, demonstrating how even previously antagonistic human powers can unite in opposition to divine truth and God's Anointed One. This points to a broader spiritual reality where the world's systems, despite their internal divisions, often find common cause in rejecting the light of Christ. Secondly, the verse underscores **God's absolute sovereignty** over human affairs. Unbeknownst to Pilate and Herod, their actions, including their reconciliation, were not random but were divinely orchestrated to fulfill God's redemptive plan. Their conspiracy against Jesus, as later acknowledged by the early church in [Acts 4:27-28](/acts/4-27-28 "Acts 4:27-28 - God's Sovereign Plan in Christ's Crucifixion"), ultimately served to bring about the crucifixion, which secured salvation for humanity. Thirdly, it reveals the nature of **political expediency**, where alliances are forged not out of genuine friendship or moral conviction, but out of convenience, a shared problem, or a desire to evade responsibility. Both rulers sought to rid themselves of the "Jesus problem," and their mutual deferral of judgment facilitated this temporary truce.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **were made (Greek, _gínomai'_):** This verb, meaning "to become" or "to come into being," signifies a decisive shift in the relationship between Pilate and Herod. It indicates that their friendship was not a gradual development but a new state of being that "came to pass" on that specific day, directly as a result of their interaction concerning Jesus. The active voice implies a deliberate, though perhaps politically motivated, act of becoming friends.
* **friends (Greek, _phílos'_):** While translating as "friends," this term in this context does not necessarily imply deep affection or personal camaraderie. Instead, it denotes a cessation of hostility and the establishment of a cooperative, if temporary, relationship. It suggests that they moved from a state of "enmity" to one where they were no longer adversaries, likely for mutual political benefit.
* **enmity (Greek, _échthra'_):** This word describes a state of deep-seated hostility, ill-will, or hatred. It indicates that the previous relationship between Pilate and Herod was not merely one of disagreement or coolness, but a significant and established feud. The use of this strong term emphasizes the dramatic and surprising nature of their reconciliation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the same day Pilate and Herod were made friends together:"**: This clause highlights the immediate and surprising outcome of Jesus' transfer between the two rulers. The phrase "the same day" emphasizes the suddenness and direct connection of this reconciliation to the events of Jesus' trial. It signifies a profound and unexpected shift from their previous animosity to a state of amicable relations, forged in the crucible of their shared encounter with Christ.
* **"for before they were at enmity between themselves."**: This explanatory clause provides the crucial background that makes the first part of the verse so remarkable. It clarifies that their newfound friendship was not a continuation of an existing positive relationship, but a resolution of a long-standing, deep-seated hostility. The "enmity" (Greek: _echthra_) implies a strong, active opposition or hatred, making their sudden "friendship" (Greek: _philoi_) a striking testament to the unifying, albeit perverse, power of their shared interaction with Jesus.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 23:12 is rich in literary devices that enhance its theological and narrative impact. The most prominent is **Irony**. It is profoundly ironic that Jesus, the Prince of Peace, whose mission is to reconcile humanity to God and to one another, becomes the catalyst for peace between two powerful, previously hostile rulers—a peace, however, that is forged in their shared opposition to Him. This highlights the paradox of human sin, where even good (reconciliation) can arise from evil intentions (rejecting Christ). Another device at play is **Juxtaposition**, as the verse sharply contrasts their prior state of "enmity" with their newfound "friendship." This stark comparison underscores the dramatic shift in their relationship and the extraordinary circumstances that brought it about. Furthermore, the narrative employs **Foreshadowing**, as this unexpected alliance against Jesus anticipates the broader spiritual truth that the world, in its various forms and powers, will often unite in opposition to God's truth and His people, as seen throughout church history.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The reconciliation of Pilate and Herod, though seemingly a minor detail, carries significant theological weight. It serves as a stark illustration of how disparate human powers can unite in opposition to God's Anointed One, fulfilling ancient prophecies regarding the nations raging against the Lord and His Messiah. This alliance, born out of political expediency and a shared desire to avoid responsibility for Jesus' fate, paradoxically became an instrument in God's sovereign plan to bring about the atoning sacrifice of Christ. It underscores the truth that even the most malicious human intentions and political machinations cannot thwart the divine will, but rather, are ultimately woven into its fabric for redemptive purposes.

* [Acts 4:27-28](/acts/4-27-28 "God's Sovereign Plan in Christ's Crucifixion")
* [Psalm 2:1-2](/psalms/2-1-2 "The Nations Rage Against the Lord's Anointed")
* [John 19:12](/john/19-12 "Pilate Seeks to Release Jesus Amidst Threats")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 23:12 offers profound insights for believers today. Firstly, it reminds us that the world, in its various forms and powers, can indeed unite against Christ and His followers. Even those who are otherwise at odds may find common cause in rejecting biblical truth, suppressing righteousness, or persecuting the church. This should not surprise us, for Jesus Himself warned His disciples of the world's hatred ([John 15:18-19](/john/15-18-19 "The World's Hatred of Believers")). Secondly, despite human machinations, political maneuvering, or personal animosities, this verse powerfully affirms God's unwavering sovereignty. His divine plan for salvation through Christ's sacrifice was not thwarted but advanced through the very actions of those who opposed Him. This provides immense comfort and assurance that God remains in control, even amidst chaos and opposition. Finally, it serves as a cautionary tale about the nature of alliances. Not all friendships or partnerships are built on noble foundations. Sometimes, they are born out of convenience, shared opposition to something good, or a desire to evade responsibility. Believers are called to discern the true nature and motives behind such relationships, ensuring that our own associations are rooted in truth, integrity, and a commitment to God's kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do we see unlikely alliances forming today, perhaps even across traditional divides, in opposition to Christian values or the gospel message?**
* **How does the sovereignty of God, as demonstrated in this verse, provide comfort and strength to believers facing opposition or injustice?**
* **What does this passage teach us about the nature of true reconciliation, as opposed to politically expedient agreements?**

### FAQ
**Why were Pilate and Herod at enmity before this day?**

Answer: The Bible does not explicitly state the specific cause of their enmity, but historical and cultural contexts suggest several likely reasons. Pontius Pilate, as the Roman Prefect of Judea, and Herod Antipas, the tetrarch of Galilee and Perea, held overlapping but distinct jurisdictions, leading to potential border disputes or conflicts over authority. Pilate was known for his insensitivity to Jewish customs and his harsh governance, which often led to unrest and could have offended Herod, who, though a Roman appointee, was a Jewish ruler. A specific incident that may have fueled their animosity is Pilate's massacre of Galileans, mentioned in [Luke 13:1](/luke/13-1 "Pilate's Slaughter of Galileans"), as Galilee was Herod's territory. Such an act would have been a direct affront to Herod's authority and a source of deep resentment. Their mutual distrust and political rivalry likely created a long-standing state of hostility.

**How did Jesus' trial specifically lead to their friendship?**

Answer: Jesus' trial provided the unique circumstances that brought Pilate and Herod into direct contact and facilitated their reconciliation. When Pilate learned that Jesus was from Galilee, he seized the opportunity to send Jesus to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem for the Passover ([Luke 23:6-7](/luke/23-6-7 "Jesus Sent to Herod")). This act served multiple purposes for Pilate: it acknowledged Herod's jurisdiction, potentially appeasing him; it shifted the burden of judgment for a politically sensitive case; and it offered a diplomatic gesture. Herod, after questioning and mocking Jesus, found no fault in Him deserving of death and sent Him back to Pilate ([Luke 23:11](/luke/23-11 "Herod Finds No Guilt")). This mutual deferral of responsibility, coupled with the diplomatic exchange of the prisoner, created a common ground and a shared understanding of their predicament regarding Jesus. Their "friendship" was likely a political truce, a recognition of mutual interest in handling the volatile situation without incurring further blame or unrest, rather than a genuine personal bond.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 23:12, though seemingly a minor historical detail, offers a profound Christ-centered fulfillment through its paradoxical nature. While Pilate and Herod united in their shared opposition to Jesus, seeking to rid themselves of the "problem" He presented, Jesus Himself is the ultimate Reconciler. Their superficial, politically motivated friendship, forged in the rejection of the Son of God, stands in stark contrast to the true and lasting reconciliation that Christ accomplishes through His atoning work. On the cross, Jesus, the Prince of Peace, bore the enmity between humanity and God, and between divided peoples, breaking down the dividing wall of hostility ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Christ Our Peace")). His sacrifice did not merely end a political feud but brought about a cosmic peace, reconciling all things to God ([Colossians 1:19-20](/colossians/1-19-20 "Christ Reconciles All Things")). Thus, even as His enemies found a temporary peace in their shared condemnation of Him, Jesus was simultaneously inaugurating the eternal peace that would unite Jew and Gentile, slave and free, and ultimately, humanity with its Creator, fulfilling His mission as the true Peacemaker.

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

Acts 4:27

For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together,

Revelation 17:13

These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast.

Revelation 17:14

¶ These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him [are] called, and chosen, and faithful.

Matthew 16:1

¶ The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired him that he would shew them a sign from heaven.

Psalms 83:4

They have said, Come, and let us cut them off from [being] a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance.

Psalms 83:6

The tabernacles of Edom, and the Ishmaelites; of Moab, and the Hagarenes;