Luke 3:20

Added yet this above all, that he shut up John in prison.

Added {G4369} yet {G2532} this {G5124} above {G1909} all {G3956}, that {G2532} he shut up {G2623} John {G2491} in {G1722} prison {G5438}.

whereupon Herod added this to the rest: he locked up Yochanan in prison.

Herod added this to them all: He locked John up in prison.

added this also to them all, that he shut up John in prison.

Commentary

Luke 3:20 concludes the account of John the Baptist's public ministry in Luke's Gospel, highlighting the unjust actions of Herod Antipas against God's prophet.

Context

This verse directly follows Luke 3:19, where the evangelist recounts how Herod Antipas, the tetrarch of Galilee and Perea, was rebuked by John the Baptist for his illicit marriage to Herodias (his brother Philip's wife) and for "all the evils which Herod had done." Herod's actions were a blatant disregard for Mosaic Law, and John, true to his prophetic calling, fearlessly confronted him. The phrase "added yet this above all" indicates that imprisoning John was the crowning wickedness in a series of moral transgressions by Herod. This act effectively silenced John's public ministry and set the stage for Jesus's emergence.

Key Themes

  • The Cost of Prophetic Truth: John the Baptist's unwavering commitment to speaking God's truth, even to powerful rulers, led directly to his imprisonment. This illustrates the potential consequences for those who faithfully proclaim righteousness in a world resistant to it. His fate foreshadows the persecution that Jesus and His followers would also endure (Matthew 10:22).
  • Tyranny and Injustice: Herod's decision to imprison John was an act of tyrannical power, seeking to suppress a voice that challenged his authority and exposed his sin. It represents a common pattern in history where those in power silence dissent and prophetic voices rather than repent.
  • Transition in God's Plan: John's imprisonment marks a significant transition point in Luke's narrative. His role as the forerunner, preparing the way for the Messiah (Malachi 3:1; Luke 3:4), was nearing its completion, paving the way for Jesus's public ministry to begin.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "shut up John in prison" clearly conveys the finality and restriction imposed upon the Baptist. The Greek verb for "shut up" (synekleisen - συνέκλεισεν) implies a definitive confinement, emphasizing the end of John's freedom and public ministry. It is a stark and simple statement, underscoring the severity of Herod's action.

Reflection and Application

Luke 3:20 serves as a powerful reminder of the tension between divine truth and human power. For believers today, it encourages courage in speaking truth, even when it is unpopular or carries personal risk. John's imprisonment, while tragic, did not thwart God's ultimate plan; instead, it cleared the stage for Jesus to step into the spotlight. It teaches us that faithfulness to God's call may bring hardship, but it is always part of His greater redemptive work.

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Cross-References

  • 2 Chronicles 36:16 (2 votes)

    But they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and misused his prophets, until the wrath of the LORD arose against his people, till [there was] no remedy.

  • Matthew 22:6 (2 votes)

    And the remnant took his servants, and entreated [them] spitefully, and slew [them].

  • Matthew 22:7 (2 votes)

    But when the king heard [thereof], he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city.

  • John 3:24 (2 votes)

    For John was not yet cast into prison.

  • 1 Thessalonians 2:15 (2 votes)

    Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men:

  • 1 Thessalonians 2:16 (2 votes)

    Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost.

  • Jeremiah 2:30 (2 votes)

    In vain have I smitten your children; they received no correction: your own sword hath devoured your prophets, like a destroying lion.