Luke 23:9

Then he questioned with him in many words; but he answered him nothing.

Then {G1161} he questioned {G1905} with him {G846} in {G1722} many {G2425} words {G3056}; but {G1161} he {G846} answered {G611} him {G846} nothing {G3762}.

He questioned him at great length, but Yeshua made no reply.

Herod questioned Jesus at great length, but He gave no answer.

And he questioned him in many words; but he answered him nothing.

Context

Luke 23:9 details a pivotal moment during Jesus' trial. After being arrested and brought before Pontius Pilate, Jesus was sent to Herod Antipas, who was tetrarch of Galilee and Perea, and happened to be in Jerusalem for the Passover festival. Pilate sent Jesus to Herod upon learning Jesus was a Galilean, hoping to shift responsibility (Luke 23:7). Herod had long desired to see Jesus, hoping to witness a miracle or sign (Luke 23:8). This verse describes the interaction between Herod, a worldly ruler driven by curiosity and entertainment, and Jesus, the Son of God, standing silently before him.

Key Themes

  • Jesus' Sovereign Silence: The most striking aspect of this verse is Jesus' absolute refusal to answer Herod. This silence was not born of fear or ignorance, but of sovereign dignity and purpose. It fulfilled prophecy (Isaiah 53:7: "He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth...") and demonstrated His refusal to legitimize Herod's superficial curiosity or engage with his illegitimate authority over divine truth. His silence spoke volumes, highlighting the futility of Herod's questions.
  • Herod's Superficiality: Herod's "many words" were driven by a desire for spectacle, not for truth or justice. He had heard much about Jesus' miracles and hoped to be entertained. This contrasts sharply with the gravity of Jesus' mission and the spiritual blindness of those who sought only signs rather than salvation.
  • Divine Wisdom in Silence: Jesus knew Herod's heart and saw the insincerity of his inquiry. His silence was a strategic act of wisdom, refusing to cast pearls before swine (cf. Matthew 7:6), and protecting the sacredness of His identity and mission from mockery.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "questioned with him in many words" accurately conveys the Greek epērōta en logois hikanois (ἐπηρώτα ἐν λόγοις ἱκανοῖς), suggesting Herod's persistent and perhaps lengthy interrogation. The verb epērōta implies a thorough or repeated questioning. Jesus' response, "but he answered him nothing," uses the Greek ouden (οὐδέν), meaning "nothing at all," emphasizing a complete and deliberate silence. This absolute lack of response is significant, standing in stark contrast to the verbosity of Herod.

Practical Application

Luke 23:9 offers profound lessons for believers today:

  • Discerning When to Speak: Jesus' example teaches us that not every question deserves an answer, especially when the interrogator's motives are insincere, mocking, or aimed at entertainment rather than understanding. There is wisdom in knowing when silence is more powerful than words.
  • Facing Unjust Scrutiny: Like Jesus, we may sometimes face situations where we are questioned or judged by those who lack true understanding or righteous motives. This verse encourages us to respond with dignity and trust in God's sovereignty, rather than feeling compelled to defend ourselves against every accusation or curiosity.
  • The Nature of True Authority: Jesus' silence before Herod underscores that true authority is not found in earthly power or titles, but in divine truth and character. Herod, with all his power, was powerless to elicit a word from Jesus, who held ultimate authority.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Matthew 27:14

    And he answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marvelled greatly.

  • Isaiah 53:7

    He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.

  • Psalms 38:13

    But I, as a deaf [man], heard not; and [I was] as a dumb man [that] openeth not his mouth.

  • Psalms 38:14

    Thus I was as a man that heareth not, and in whose mouth [are] no reproofs.

  • Acts 8:32

    The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth:

  • Psalms 39:9

    I was dumb, I opened not my mouth; because thou didst [it].

  • Psalms 39:1

    ¶ To the chief Musician, [even] to Jeduthun, A Psalm of David. I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me.

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