Luke 23:9

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 23:9 captures a profound moment in Jesus' trial before Herod Antipas, where despite Herod's extensive questioning, Jesus maintained an absolute and sovereign silence. This deliberate non-response highlights the stark contrast between Herod's superficial curiosity and desire for a spectacle, and Jesus' divine dignity, purposeful submission to God's will, and refusal to legitimize an inquiry driven by entertainment rather than truth or justice.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the broader narrative of Jesus' passion, specifically the unique Lukan account of Jesus' appearance before Herod Antipas. After His arrest, Jesus was first brought before the Jewish Sanhedrin, then to Pontius Pilate. Learning that Jesus was a Galilean, Pilate, seeking to avoid responsibility and perhaps to appease Herod who was in Jerusalem for Passover, sent Jesus to Herod's jurisdiction ([Luke 23:6-7](/luke/23-6-7 "Luke 23:6-7 - Pilate Sends Jesus to Herod")). Herod had long desired to see Jesus, having heard much about His miracles and hoping to witness a sign ([Luke 23:8](/luke/23-8 "Luke 23:8 - Herod's Desire to See Jesus")). Luke 23:9 details the anticlimactic interaction, where Herod's eager questioning is met with Jesus' resolute silence, setting the stage for Herod's subsequent mockery and sending Jesus back to Pilate ([Luke 23:10-12](/luke/23-10-12 "Luke 23:10-12 - Herod Mocks Jesus and Sends Him Back")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Herod Antipas was the tetrarch of Galilee and Perea, a son of Herod the Great. He was the same Herod who had imprisoned and executed John the Baptist ([Luke 3:19-20](/luke/3-19-20 "Luke 3:19-20 - John the Baptist Imprisoned by Herod")). His presence in Jerusalem during Passover was customary for regional rulers to maintain order and perhaps for religious observance. The Roman legal system, under which Pilate operated, allowed for such transfers of jurisdiction, especially if the accused was from a different province. Herod's interest in Jesus was not rooted in a pursuit of justice or truth, but in a desire for entertainment, a common trait among Roman-appointed rulers of the time who often sought novelties or displays of power. This encounter underscores the clash between earthly, self-serving authority and divine, humble sovereignty.
* **Key Themes:** The passage powerfully highlights **Jesus' Sovereign Silence**, which is not a sign of weakness or inability but a deliberate act of divine wisdom and authority. His refusal to answer Herod, who sought only a spectacle, stands in stark contrast to His willingness to speak truth to those with sincere hearts. This silence also serves as a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy concerning the suffering servant who would not open His mouth ([Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - The Suffering Servant's Silence")). Another key theme is **Herod's Superficiality and Spiritual Blindness**. Herod's "many words" reveal a heart hardened by worldly desires and a mind incapable of grasping the spiritual gravity of Jesus' identity and mission. He represents those who seek signs and wonders for amusement rather than repentance and faith, illustrating the futility of engaging with those who refuse to genuinely seek truth. This encounter further emphasizes the theme of **Divine Authority vs. Earthly Power**, demonstrating that true power resides not in political office or military might, but in the Son of God, who, even in chains, retains ultimate control over His own words and destiny.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **questioned (Greek, _eperōtáō'_):** From the Greek G1905, meaning "to ask for, i.e., inquire, seek." The imperfect tense of the verb "eperōta" (ἐπηρώτα) suggests a continuous or repeated action, indicating that Herod persisted in his questioning of Jesus, perhaps with a barrage of inquiries. This implies a thorough, perhaps even demanding, interrogation rather than a casual inquiry.
* **words (Greek, _lógos'_):** From the Greek G3056, meaning "something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive." Coupled with "many" (G2425, _hikanós_), it emphasizes the quantity and perhaps the variety of Herod's questions, reflecting his eager curiosity and desire to elicit a response or a sign from Jesus.
* **nothing (Greek, _oudeís'_):** From the Greek G3762, meaning "not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing." This word emphatically conveys the absolute nature of Jesus' silence. It was not merely a brief pause or a single unanswered question, but a complete and utter lack of response to any of Herod's "many words." This absolute "nothing" underscores the deliberate and sovereign choice of Jesus.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then he questioned with him in many words":** This clause describes Herod Antipas's persistent and varied interrogation of Jesus. Herod, having heard much about Jesus's miraculous powers, was eager to see a demonstration. His "many words" suggest a barrage of questions, perhaps ranging from inquiries about Jesus's identity and claims to requests for a sign or miracle. This highlights Herod's superficial interest, driven by curiosity and a desire for entertainment rather than a genuine search for truth or justice.
* **"but he answered him nothing":** This second clause presents the striking counterpoint to Herod's verbosity. Jesus's complete silence in the face of Herod's extensive questioning is profoundly significant. It was not a silence born of fear, ignorance, or inability to answer, but a deliberate, sovereign choice. Jesus refused to engage with Herod's illegitimate authority or to satisfy his frivolous curiosity, thereby demonstrating His divine dignity and control even in His apparent vulnerability. His silence served as a powerful testimony, exposing the emptiness of Herod's worldly power and the spiritual blindness of his heart.

#### Literary Devices
The verse powerfully employs **Contrast** between Herod's verbose questioning and Jesus' absolute silence. This stark opposition highlights the spiritual chasm between the two figures: Herod, driven by worldly curiosity and a desire for spectacle, and Jesus, embodying divine wisdom and sovereign purpose. There is also a strong element of **Irony** present. Herod, the powerful tetrarch, holds Jesus, a bound prisoner, yet it is the prisoner who maintains ultimate control, refusing to grant the ruler even a single word. Herod's authority is rendered impotent by Jesus' non-engagement, demonstrating that true power does not lie in earthly position but in divine truth and character. Furthermore, Jesus' silence can be seen as **Symbolism**, representing His profound submission to the Father's will and His refusal to cast "pearls before swine" ([Matthew 7:6](/matthew/7-6 "Matthew 7:6 - Do Not Cast Pearls Before Swine")). His silence speaks volumes, conveying dignity, wisdom, and a deliberate judgment on Herod's insincere motives.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jesus' silence before Herod is a profound theological statement, revealing His sovereign control even in His apparent helplessness. It underscores that truth is not always to be defended or explained to those whose hearts are closed or whose motives are purely self-serving. This act of deliberate non-response aligns with the wisdom found in Scripture regarding discerning when to speak and when to remain silent, particularly in the face of mockery or insincere inquiry. Jesus' silence here is not a sign of weakness but of divine strength and purpose, fulfilling prophecy and demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His Father's will, regardless of the earthly consequences. It highlights the futility of worldly power and curiosity when confronted with divine truth, and it serves as a powerful example of how God's purposes unfold, often in ways that defy human expectation and logic.

* [Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - The Suffering Servant's Silence")
* [Matthew 27:12-14](/matthew/27-12-14 "Matthew 27:12-14 - Jesus' Silence Before Pilate")
* [Psalm 38:13-14](/psalms/38-13-14 "Psalm 38:13-14 - A Prayer of One Afflicted")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 23:9 offers profound lessons for believers navigating a world often hostile or indifferent to divine truth. Jesus' example teaches us the critical importance of discerning when to speak and when to remain silent. Not every question, accusation, or challenge warrants a verbal response, especially when the interrogator's motives are insincere, mocking, or driven by a desire for entertainment rather than genuine understanding or repentance. There is a profound wisdom in knowing when silence is more powerful and dignified than words, preserving the sacredness of truth from being trivialized or profaned. Furthermore, this passage encourages us to cultivate an inner composure and trust in God's sovereignty when facing unjust scrutiny, false accusations, or the superficial curiosity of those who do not truly seek God. Like Jesus, we may find ourselves in situations where our dignity and witness are best maintained by a quiet reliance on God, rather than feeling compelled to defend ourselves against every charge. Ultimately, Jesus' silence reminds us that true authority and power are not found in earthly positions or the ability to control others, but in humble obedience to God's will and an unwavering commitment to truth, even unto suffering.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what situations might silence be a more powerful and appropriate response than words?**
* **How can we discern the motives of those who question us, and how should that discernment guide our responses?**
* **What does Jesus' sovereign silence teach us about trusting God's plan even when we feel powerless or misunderstood?**
* **How does this passage challenge our inclination to always defend ourselves or to satisfy others' curiosity?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus remain silent before Herod, especially when His life was on the line?**

Answer: Jesus' silence before Herod was a deliberate and sovereign act, not a sign of weakness or fear. Several reasons underpin this profound non-response. Firstly, Herod's interest was superficial, driven by curiosity and a desire for entertainment (to see a miracle, as mentioned in [Luke 23:8](/luke/23-8 "Luke 23:8 - Herod's Desire to See Jesus")), not by a genuine search for truth or justice. Jesus refused to cast "pearls before swine" ([Matthew 7:6](/matthew/7-6 "Matthew 7:6 - Do Not Cast Pearls Before Swine")), meaning He would not offer sacred truth to those who would only profane it. Secondly, His silence fulfilled Old Testament prophecy, particularly that of the suffering servant who "opened not his mouth" ([Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - The Suffering Servant's Silence")). Thirdly, by remaining silent, Jesus asserted His divine dignity and authority, demonstrating that His kingdom was not of this world and that Herod's earthly power held no sway over divine truth. His silence was a powerful testimony, exposing the emptiness of Herod's worldly power and the spiritual blindness of His heart.

**What does this encounter reveal about Herod Antipas?**

Answer: The encounter in [Luke 23:9](/luke/23-9 "Luke 23:9 - Jesus' Silence Before Herod") reveals Herod Antipas as a ruler driven by self-interest, superstition, and a craving for spectacle, rather than by justice or spiritual understanding. His "many words" were rooted in a desire to satisfy his curiosity about Jesus' miraculous reputation, hoping to be entertained by a sign ([Luke 23:8](/luke/23-8 "Luke 23:8 - Herod's Desire to See Jesus")). This contrasts sharply with the gravity of Jesus' mission and the spiritual realities at play. Herod's previous execution of John the Baptist ([Luke 3:19-20](/luke/3-19-20 "Luke 3:19-20 - John the Baptist Imprisoned by Herod")) further illustrates his moral depravity and disregard for righteousness. His response to Jesus' silence—mocking Him and sending Him back to Pilate ([Luke 23:11](/luke/23-11 "Luke 23:11 - Herod Mocks Jesus"))—confirms his spiritual blindness and inability to recognize the Messiah standing before him. He represents the worldly ruler who, despite having an opportunity to encounter divine truth, remains hardened and indifferent.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jesus' profound silence before Herod Antipas in [Luke 23:9](/luke/23-9 "Luke 23:9 - Jesus' Silence Before Herod") is a pivotal moment that powerfully underscores His identity as the Christ and the nature of His redemptive mission. His non-response was not an act of weakness, but a deliberate, sovereign choice, embodying the perfect submission of the Son to the Father's will. This silence fulfills the ancient prophecies of the suffering servant who would not open His mouth ([Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - The Suffering Servant's Silence")), demonstrating that Jesus was indeed the Lamb of God destined for sacrifice. In His silence, Jesus disarmed the illegitimate authority of Herod and refused to engage with a curiosity rooted in entertainment rather than truth. This act of self-emptying, where the very Word of God chose to remain silent, foreshadows His ultimate sacrifice on the cross. It signifies His willingness to endure injustice and mockery for the sake of humanity's salvation, embodying the humility described in [Philippians 2:7-8](/philippians/2-7-8 "Philippians 2:7-8 - Christ's Humility"). By refusing to defend Himself or perform for Herod, Jesus affirmed that His kingdom was not of this world ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")), and His power was expressed not through earthly might or eloquent defense, but through obedient suffering and sacrificial love. His silence before Herod was a step closer to the cross, where He would secure our eternal redemption, becoming the perfect example of enduring injustice with divine dignity, "for the joy that was set before him" ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Pioneer and Perfecter of Faith")).

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 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.