Luke 23:8

KJV

And when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad: for he was desirous to see him of a long [season], because he had heard many things of him; and he hoped to have seen some miracle done by him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} when Herod {G2264} saw {G1492} Jesus {G2424}, he was exceeding {G3029} glad {G5463}: for {G1063} he was {G2258} desirous {G2309} to see {G1492} him {G846} of {G1537} a long {G2425} season, because {G1223} he had heard {G191} many things {G4183} of {G4012} him {G846}; and {G2532} he hoped {G1679} to have seen {G1492} some {G5100} miracle {G4592} done {G1096} by {G5259} him {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Herod was delighted to see Yeshua, because he had heard about him and for a long time had been wanting to meet him; indeed, he hoped to see him perform some miracle.

Berean Standard Bible

When Herod saw Jesus, he was greatly pleased. He had wanted to see Him for a long time, because he had heard about Him and was hoping to see Him perform a miracle.

American Standard Version

Now when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad: for he was of a long time desirous to see him, because he had heard concerning him; and he hoped to see some miracle done by him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 23:8 captures a pivotal moment in Jesus' Passion narrative, detailing Herod Antipas's reaction upon finally encountering Jesus. Far from a spiritual awakening or genuine inquiry, Herod's "exceeding gladness" stemmed from a long-standing, superficial curiosity, fueled by rumors of Jesus' miraculous powers and a desire to witness a spectacle. This verse starkly contrasts the world's often misguided and self-serving interest in divine power with the profound, redemptive purpose of Christ's mission, highlighting a profound missed opportunity for spiritual discernment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the broader narrative of Jesus' trial and Passion, specifically detailing His appearance before Herod Antipas. Following His arrest and initial questioning by the Jewish Sanhedrin and then Pontius Pilate, Jesus is sent to Herod. This transfer, as described in [Luke 23:6-7](/luke/23-6-7 "Luke 23:6-7 - Jesus Sent to Herod"), occurs because Pilate discovers Jesus is a Galilean, placing Him under Herod's jurisdiction. Pilate, seeking to evade responsibility for Jesus' condemnation, leverages this jurisdictional detail. The encounter with Herod is a distinct episode within the larger sequence of trials, preceding Jesus' return to Pilate and ultimate crucifixion. It serves to further underscore the legal and political machinations surrounding Jesus' death, while also revealing the varied human responses to His presence.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Herod Antipas, the tetrarch of Galilee and Perea, was a son of Herod the Great. He was known for his cunning, political maneuvering, and moral depravity, most notably his illicit marriage to Herodias and his execution of [John the Baptist](/mark/6-17-29 "Mark 6:17-29 - The Execution of John the Baptist"). The Jewish leaders, having failed to secure a death sentence from Pilate on religious grounds, sought to frame Jesus as a political insurgent against Rome, a charge that would fall under Herod's purview as a client king. Herod's court, steeped in Hellenistic culture, would have been accustomed to various forms of entertainment and philosophical debates, making a "miracle show" a plausible desire for a ruler seeking diversion. The common people, too, were often drawn to new teachers and wonder-workers, making reports of Jesus' deeds widespread.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 23:8 contributes significantly to several key themes within Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights the theme of **superficial curiosity versus genuine faith**, as Herod's interest in Jesus is purely for entertainment and spectacle, lacking any spiritual depth or desire for repentance. This contrasts sharply with the transformative encounters Jesus had with those who approached Him with sincere need or faith, such as the [woman with the issue of blood](/luke/8-43-48 "Luke 8:43-48 - The Woman with the Issue of Blood") or [Zacchaeus](/luke/19-1-10 "Luke 19:1-10 - Zacchaeus the Tax Collector"). The verse also underscores the theme of **the world's rejection of Christ**, demonstrating how even powerful rulers, given an opportunity to encounter the Son of God, remain spiritually blind, focused on worldly desires rather than divine truth. Furthermore, it subtly reinforces the theme of **Jesus' sovereignty and dignity in suffering**, as His subsequent silence before Herod (not explicitly in this verse, but immediately following in [Luke 23:9](/luke/23-9 "Luke 23:9 - Jesus' Silence Before Herod")) demonstrates His refusal to perform for a jaded audience, maintaining His divine authority even in humiliation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Herod (Greek, _Hērṓdēs'_):** This refers to Herod Antipas, the tetrarch of Galilee and Perea, son of Herod the Great. The name itself, derived from a word meaning "heroic," ironically contrasts with his ignoble character. His appearance in the narrative signifies the intersection of divine purpose with earthly political power, and specifically, the encounter between the Messiah and a corrupt, worldly ruler who had previously executed John the Baptist.
* **saw (Greek, _eídō'_):** This verb implies not just physical sight but also perception or understanding. In Herod's case, while he physically saw Jesus, his perception was entirely superficial. He saw a potential performer, not the Son of God. The Greek suggests a "knowing" or "being aware," but Herod's awareness was limited to hearsay and a desire for entertainment, failing to grasp the true identity or mission of Jesus.
* **glad (Greek, _chaírō'_):** Meaning to be "cheerful" or "calmly happy," this word describes Herod's emotional state. However, his "gladness" is immediately qualified by the context: it's not a joy born of spiritual conviction or reverence, but a self-serving excitement stemming from curiosity and the hope of witnessing a spectacle. It highlights a common human tendency to seek superficial pleasure or sensation rather than profound truth.
* **miracle (Greek, _sēmeîon'_):** This term denotes an "indication," "sign," or "wonder," often with ceremonial or supernatural implications. Herod's desire was to see a *sēmeîon* performed by Jesus. Unlike genuine miracles, which were performed by Jesus to reveal God's glory, confirm His divine authority, and call people to repentance and faith, Herod sought a mere "sign" for personal gratification and entertainment, demonstrating his profound misunderstanding of Jesus' ministry.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when Herod saw Jesus":** This clause sets the scene for the encounter, marking the moment of direct confrontation between the earthly ruler and the divine King. Herod's seeing is a physical act, but his subsequent reaction reveals the spiritual blindness that prevents him from truly perceiving Jesus' identity.
* **"he was exceeding glad":** This describes Herod's immediate emotional response. The intensity of his gladness ("exceeding") underscores his long-held anticipation. However, this joy is rooted in selfish curiosity rather than reverence or spiritual recognition.
* **"for he was desirous to see him of a long season":** This explains the reason for Herod's gladness. His desire to see Jesus was not new but had persisted for a considerable period. This "long season" suggests that reports of Jesus had reached him consistently, building his anticipation.
* **"because he had heard many things of him":** This further clarifies the basis of Herod's desire. His interest was fueled by widespread reports and rumors about Jesus' teachings and, more significantly, His miraculous deeds. This indicates that Jesus' fame had spread even to the highest echelons of Galilean society.
* **"and he hoped to have seen some miracle done by him":** This final clause reveals the ultimate motivation behind Herod's long-standing curiosity and gladness. He viewed Jesus as a potential performer, a source of entertainment, rather than a prophet, a teacher, or the Son of God. His hope was for a demonstration of power for his own amusement, not for spiritual enlightenment or a sign of God's kingdom.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 23:8 effectively employs **Irony** and **Contrast**. The **irony** lies in Herod's "exceeding gladness" at seeing Jesus. While one might expect a ruler to be concerned or threatened by a figure like Jesus, Herod's joy is entirely superficial, driven by a desire for entertainment rather than a recognition of Jesus' divine authority or the gravity of the situation. This trivialization of the Son of God is deeply ironic. Furthermore, the verse sets up a stark **contrast** between Herod's worldly, self-serving curiosity and Jesus' divine mission of salvation. Herod seeks a mere spectacle, a "miracle done by him," while Jesus is on the path to the ultimate act of self-giving, the crucifixion, which is the true "sign" for humanity. This contrast highlights the spiritual blindness of those who encounter Christ without a heart open to truth and repentance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 23:8 serves as a poignant illustration of humanity's often superficial and self-centered engagement with the divine. Herod's desire for a "miracle" as entertainment, rather than a sign of God's presence or a call to repentance, mirrors a common human tendency to seek extraordinary experiences without a willingness to submit to the truth they reveal. This approach fundamentally misunderstands the nature of God's power and the purpose of His revelation. True encounter with Christ demands more than idle curiosity; it calls for a transformative response of faith and obedience. The verse underscores that God does not perform for an audience seeking a show, but reveals Himself to those who genuinely seek Him in spirit and truth, often through humility and suffering rather than overt displays of power.

* [Matthew 12:38-40](/matthew/12-38-40 "Matthew 12:38-40 - The Sign of Jonah")
* [John 6:26-27](/john/6-26-27 "John 6:26-27 - Seeking Jesus for Food, Not Truth")
* [Acts 17:21](/acts/17-21 "Acts 17:21 - Athenian Curiosity")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 23:8 challenges us to examine the nature of our own interest in Jesus Christ. Is our faith rooted in a genuine desire to know Him, to follow His teachings, and to be transformed by His grace, or is it a more casual, perhaps even superficial, curiosity? Herod's example serves as a potent warning against approaching God as a source of entertainment, a means to personal gain, or merely a subject of intellectual interest. True faith requires more than hearing "many things" about Jesus; it demands a heart open to repentance, a willingness to submit to His Lordship, and a commitment to living out His truth. We are called not to seek a "show" but to seek the Savior, to allow His presence to convict, comfort, and ultimately conform us to His image. Our encounter with Christ should lead to profound transformation, not just passing fascination.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What motivates my interest in Jesus Christ? Is it genuine spiritual hunger or a more superficial curiosity?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to seek "signs" or "miracles" for my own gratification rather than for spiritual growth or God's glory?**
* **How does Jesus' silence before Herod challenge my expectations of how God should reveal Himself or respond to human demands?**
* **What does it mean to seek Jesus "in spirit and in truth" rather than with idle curiosity?**

### FAQ

**Why was Herod so "exceeding glad" to see Jesus?**

Answer: Herod's gladness, as described in [Luke 23:8](/luke/23-8 "Luke 23:8 - Herod's Gladness"), was not born of reverence or a desire for spiritual truth, but from a long-standing, superficial curiosity. He had heard "many things" about Jesus, particularly reports of His miraculous powers, and he hoped to witness a spectacle or "some miracle done by him" for his own entertainment. His interest was purely self-serving, viewing Jesus as a potential source of diversion rather than a divine figure.

**Why did Jesus not perform a miracle for Herod or answer his questions?**

Answer: Although not explicitly stated in [Luke 23:8](/luke/23-8 "Luke 23:8 - Herod's Desire for a Miracle"), the subsequent verse, [Luke 23:9](/luke/23-9 "Luke 23:9 - Jesus' Silence Before Herod"), reveals that Jesus remained silent and performed no signs for Herod. Jesus consistently refused to perform miracles on demand for those seeking entertainment or a "sign" to satisfy their skepticism, as seen in passages like [Matthew 16:4](/matthew/16-4 "Matthew 16:4 - No Sign But Jonah"). His miracles were always performed to reveal God's glory, demonstrate compassion, and call people to faith and repentance, not for mere display or to satisfy idle curiosity. His silence before Herod underscored His divine dignity and sovereignty, refusing to validate Herod's trivializing approach.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The encounter between Herod and Jesus, as depicted in [Luke 23:8](/luke/23-8 "Luke 23:8 - Herod's Superficial Curiosity"), profoundly foreshadows the world's ongoing, often misguided, response to Christ. Herod's desire for a mere spectacle, a "miracle done by him," starkly contrasts with the true nature of Jesus' mission and the ultimate "sign" He would give: His death and resurrection. The world, then and now, frequently seeks a performative, entertaining Messiah, one who will solve problems on demand or provide a show, rather than the Suffering Servant who came to bear the sins of humanity. Jesus' subsequent silence before Herod (as detailed in [Luke 23:9](/luke/23-9 "Luke 23:9 - Jesus' Silence Before Herod")) underscores His refusal to be reduced to a mere entertainer. Instead, He offered the ultimate sign of God's love and power through His atoning sacrifice, fulfilling prophecies like [Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - The Suffering Servant's Silence"). His death on the cross, though appearing as weakness to the world, was the ultimate demonstration of divine power and love, leading to His glorious resurrection, which is the true "sign" that validates His claims and calls all to repentance and faith, as proclaimed by the apostles in [Acts 2:22-24](/acts/2-22-24 "Acts 2:22-24 - Peter's Sermon on Jesus' Resurrection"). Herod's superficiality highlights the profound spiritual blindness that only the resurrected Christ, through the work of the Holy Spirit, can overcome, drawing hearts from curiosity to genuine worship and saving faith, as seen in [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love for the World").

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

Matthew 14:1

¶ At that time Herod the tetrarch heard of the fame of Jesus,

Mark 6:14

¶ And king Herod heard [of him]; (for his name was spread abroad:) and he said, That John the Baptist was risen from the dead, and therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in him.

Luke 9:7

Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was done by him: and he was perplexed, because that it was said of some, that John was risen from the dead;

Luke 9:9

And Herod said, John have I beheaded: but who is this, of whom I hear such things? And he desired to see him.

2 Kings 5:11

But Naaman was wroth, and went away, and said, Behold, I thought, He will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of the LORD his God, and strike his hand over the place, and recover the leper.

Luke 4:23

And he said unto them, Ye will surely say unto me this proverb, Physician, heal thyself: whatsoever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in thy country.

Acts 8:19

Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.