Luke 3:19

KJV

But Herod the tetrarch, being reproved by him for Herodias his brother Philip's wife, and for all the evils which Herod had done,

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} Herod {G2264} the tetrarch {G5076}, being reproved {G1651} by {G5259} him {G846} for {G4012} Herodias {G2266} his {G846} brother {G80} Philip's {G5376} wife {G1135}, and {G2532} for {G4012} all {G3956} the evils {G4190} which {G3739} Herod {G2264} had done {G4160},

Complete Jewish Bible

But Yochanan also denounced Herod the regional governor for taking as his own wife Herodias, the wife of his brother, and for all the other wicked things Herod had done;

Berean Standard Bible

But when he rebuked Herod the tetrarch regarding his brother’s wife Herodias and all the evils he had done,

American Standard Version

but Herod the tetrarch, being reproved by him for Herodias his brother’s wife, and for all the evil things which Herod had done,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 3:19 records the pivotal moment when John the Baptist's prophetic ministry intersected with the corrupt reign of Herod Antipas, highlighting John's courageous confrontation of the tetrarch's illicit marriage to Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, and the broader spectrum of Herod's wickedness. This verse sets the immediate stage for John's imprisonment, underscoring the costly nature of prophetic faithfulness and the unyielding demands of divine righteousness in the face of worldly power.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Luke 3:19 immediately follows John the Baptist's powerful and extensive ministry of preaching repentance and baptizing, as described in [Luke 3:1-18](/luke/3-1-18 "Luke 3:1-18 - John the Baptist's Ministry"). John's message was one of preparation for the coming Messiah, calling all people, from tax collectors to soldiers, to bear "fruits in keeping with repentance" ([Luke 3:8](/luke/3-8 "Luke 3:8 - Fruits of Repentance")). The narrative flow transitions abruptly from John's public ministry and his proclamation of the "good news" ([Luke 3:18](/luke/3-18 "Luke 3:18 - John's Preaching of Good News")) to the reason for his eventual imprisonment. This verse serves as a narrative hinge, explaining why the voice crying in the wilderness would soon be silenced, at least temporarily, by political authority, thereby clearing the way for Jesus' public ministry to commence in the subsequent verses ([Luke 3:21-22](/luke/3-21-22 "Luke 3:21-22 - Jesus' Baptism")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Herod Antipas, referred to as "Herod the tetrarch," was one of the sons of Herod the Great, ruling over Galilee and Perea from 4 BC to AD 39. His marriage to Herodias, his niece and the wife of his half-brother Philip (likely Herod Philip I, not Philip the tetrarch of Ituraea and Trachonitis), was a grave violation of Mosaic Law, specifically prohibiting marriage to a brother's wife while the brother was still alive ([Leviticus 18:16](/leviticus/18-16 "Leviticus 18:16 - Prohibition of Marrying a Brother's Wife"); [Leviticus 20:21](/leviticus/20-21 "Leviticus 20:21 - Penalty for Marrying a Brother's Wife")). This illicit union was a public scandal, particularly offensive to devout Jews. John the Baptist, acting in the tradition of Old Testament prophets who confronted kings for their sins (e.g., Nathan confronting David in [2 Samuel 12:1-15](/2_samuel/12-1-15 "2 Samuel 12:1-15 - Nathan Confronts David")), boldly challenged Herod's moral and legal transgressions. This confrontation highlights the tension between divine law and corrupt political power in first-century Judea.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Prophetic Courage**, as John fearlessly confronts a powerful ruler, embodying the prophetic responsibility to speak truth to power regardless of personal risk. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Reproving Sin**, showcasing John's role in exposing and rebuking moral corruption, not just the specific sin of Herodias but "all the evils" Herod had committed. This act emphasizes the biblical imperative to call out sin as part of the call to repentance. Thirdly, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **Conflict Between Righteousness and Worldly Authority**, foreshadowing the persecution that righteous figures, including Jesus himself, would face from established powers. Finally, it highlights the **Cost of Discipleship and Faithfulness**, as John's unwavering commitment to God's law leads directly to his imprisonment and eventual martyrdom, setting a precedent for those who would follow Christ.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **reproved (Greek, _elénchō_):** This verb signifies more than a gentle suggestion; it implies a forceful exposure, conviction, or rebuke. John's action was a direct, authoritative declaration of truth intended to bring Herod to an awareness of his wrongdoing and, ideally, to repentance. It carries the weight of a legal or moral indictment, aiming to expose the error and bring about a change of mind or action.
* **Herodias (Greek, _Hērōdiás_):** This proper noun identifies the specific individual whose illicit relationship with Herod Antipas was a primary cause for John's condemnation. Her name immediately evokes the scandalous and incestuous nature of the marriage, a direct violation of Jewish law, and highlights the moral depravity within the ruling class. Her influence would prove fatal for John.
* **evils (Greek, _ponērós_):** This adjective describes actions or character that are hurtful, malicious, vicious, or culpable. It extends John's rebuke beyond the specific issue of Herodias to encompass the general wickedness and moral dereliction of Herod's reign. This indicates that Herod's rule was characterized by a pattern of unrighteousness, not just an isolated incident, reinforcing the comprehensive nature of John's prophetic denunciation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But Herod the tetrarch":** This introduces the primary antagonist in this immediate narrative, Herod Antipas. As "the tetrarch," he held significant political power over Galilee and Perea, yet his authority was earthly and ultimately subject to God's moral law, as John would demonstrate. The "But" (G1161, _dé_) indicates a transition from John's general preaching to a specific, confrontational act that would have profound consequences.
* **"being reproved by him for Herodias his brother Philip's wife":** This clause pinpoints the immediate and most egregious offense that John directly challenged. John, "him," courageously confronted Herod for his unlawful marriage to Herodias. The detailed familial relationship—Herodias being the wife of Herod's brother Philip—underscores the incestuous and legally prohibited nature of the union under Mosaic Law, making John's rebuke both religiously and morally grounded.
* **"and for all the evils which Herod had done":** This final phrase broadens the scope of John's condemnation beyond the specific scandal of Herodias. It reveals that John's prophetic rebuke was comprehensive, addressing not only Herod's marital transgression but also the full spectrum of his unrighteous actions and corrupt governance. This demonstrates John's unwavering commitment to truth and justice across all aspects of Herod's life and rule.

#### Literary Devices
Luke's concise report of this confrontation employs several literary devices. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as this verse immediately precedes John's imprisonment, signaling the inevitable conflict between divine truth and worldly power that will lead to his suffering and death. The narrative also employs **Conflict**, pitting the moral authority and prophetic zeal of John against the political power and moral corruption of Herod. There is an element of **Irony**, as the powerful ruler is "reproved" (a term implying conviction) by a wilderness prophet, highlighting the superior authority of God's word over human sovereignty. Finally, the phrase "all the evils which Herod had done" serves as a form of **Generalization**, implying a pervasive pattern of wickedness beyond the specific, publicly known scandal, thus intensifying the moral indictment against Herod.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 3:19 stands as a powerful testament to the unwavering nature of God's truth and the prophetic call to uphold it, even in the face of formidable opposition. John the Baptist's confrontation with Herod Antipas underscores the biblical principle that divine standards apply to all, regardless of their earthly power or position. It highlights the costly nature of faithfulness, demonstrating that speaking truth to power often incurs significant personal risk, mirroring the experiences of many Old Testament prophets who suffered for their obedience to God's word. Theologically, this event affirms God's sovereignty over human rulers and His demand for righteousness in both personal conduct and public governance. It also sets the stage for the ultimate confrontation between the kingdom of God and the kingdoms of this world, a theme that will be fully realized in the ministry, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

* [Matthew 14:3-4](/matthew/14-3-4 "Matthew 14:3-4 - John's Imprisonment by Herod")
* [Mark 6:17-18](/mark/6-17-18 "Mark 6:17-18 - John's Imprisonment and Herodias")
* [Amos 7:10-13](/amos/7-10-13 "Amos 7:10-13 - Amos Confronts Amaziah, the Priest of Bethel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 3:19 challenges believers to cultivate a spirit of moral courage and unwavering commitment to truth, even when it is unpopular or personally costly. John the Baptist's example calls us to examine our own lives: are we willing to stand for righteousness in a world that increasingly normalizes or even celebrates unbiblical practices? While not every believer is called to publicly confront political leaders, we are all called to live lives of integrity and to speak truth in love within our spheres of influence—our families, workplaces, communities, and churches. This verse reminds us that God's standards are universal and apply equally to everyone, from the most powerful ruler to the humblest citizen. True spiritual leadership and genuine discipleship often involve confronting sin, both in ourselves and in the world around us, just as John the Baptist did, trusting in God's ultimate justice and sovereignty.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or community am I being called to exercise prophetic courage, speaking truth where it is uncomfortable or unpopular?**
* **How does John's willingness to confront Herod, despite the personal cost, challenge my own fears or compromises in living out my faith?**
* **What "evils" in my own life or in society might God be calling me to recognize, repent of, or speak against?**

### FAQ

**Who was Herod the tetrarch mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: Herod the tetrarch refers to Herod Antipas, one of the sons of Herod the Great. He ruled as tetrarch (meaning "ruler of a fourth part") over the regions of Galilee and Perea during the time of John the Baptist's and Jesus' ministries. He is the same Herod who later presides over part of Jesus' trial ([Luke 23:6-12](/luke/23-6-12 "Luke 23:6-12 - Jesus Before Herod")).

**Why was Herod's marriage to Herodias considered "evil" and reproved by John the Baptist?**

Answer: Herod's marriage to Herodias was considered unlawful and "evil" primarily because it violated Mosaic Law. Herodias was his niece and, more significantly, she was the wife of his half-brother Philip (Herod Philip I). [Leviticus 18:16](/leviticus/18-16 "Leviticus 18:16 - Prohibition of Marrying a Brother's Wife") and [Leviticus 20:21](/leviticus/20-21 "Leviticus 20:21 - Penalty for Marrying a Brother's Wife") explicitly forbid a man from marrying his brother's wife while the brother is still alive. John the Baptist, as a prophet upholding God's law, boldly condemned this incestuous and adulterous union, along with other general "evils" Herod had committed, as recorded in [Mark 6:17-18](/mark/6-17-18 "Mark 6:17-18 - John's Imprisonment and Herodias").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 3:19, while focusing on John the Baptist's prophetic confrontation, powerfully points forward to the ultimate Prophet and King, Jesus Christ. John's role as the forerunner, preparing the way for the Lord ([Luke 3:4](/luke/3-4 "Luke 3:4 - John the Baptist, the Voice in the Wilderness")), included clearing the moral ground by exposing sin, even in high places. His uncompromising stand against Herod's wickedness foreshadows Jesus' own ministry, which would likewise confront the spiritual and moral corruption of His day, not only among the common people but also among the religious and political elite ([Matthew 23:1-36](/matthew/23-1-36 "Matthew 23:1-36 - Jesus Denounces the Scribes and Pharisees")). John's suffering and imprisonment for righteousness' sake anticipate the greater suffering of Christ, who would ultimately lay down His life as the perfect Lamb of God to take away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). In confronting Herod, John demonstrated the authority of God's word over worldly power, a truth supremely embodied in Jesus, who declared His kingdom was "not of this world" ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")) yet held all authority in heaven and on earth ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - The Great Commission")). Thus, John's courageous act serves as a poignant prelude to the arrival of the One who is the Truth incarnate ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, Truth, and Life")), whose life and death would fully expose and ultimately conquer all "evils" and establish God's righteous reign.

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

Luke 3:1

¶ Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judaea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of Ituraea and of the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias the tetrarch of Abilene,

Mark 6:17

For Herod himself had sent forth and laid hold upon John, and bound him in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife: for he had married her.

Mark 6:18

For John had said unto Herod, It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother's wife.

Proverbs 15:12

¶ A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise.

Matthew 11:2

Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples,

Matthew 14:3

For Herod had laid hold on John, and bound him, and put [him] in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife.

Matthew 14:4

For John said unto him, It is not lawful for thee to have her.