Luke 9:7

KJV

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;

KJV (with Strong's)

Now {G1161} Herod {G2264} the tetrarch {G5076} heard {G191} of all {G3956} that was done {G1096} by {G5259} him {G846}: and {G2532} he was perplexed {G1280}, because {G1223} that it was said {G3004} of {G5259} some {G5100}, that {G3754} John {G2491} was risen {G1453} from {G1537} the dead {G3498};

Complete Jewish Bible

Herod the governor heard about all that was going on and was perplexed, because it was said by some that Yochanan had been raised from the dead,

Berean Standard Bible

When Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was happening, he was perplexed. For some were saying that John had risen from the dead,

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 9:7 marks a crucial point in Jesus' Galilean ministry, revealing that His widespread renown, characterized by powerful miracles and authoritative teaching, had reached the highest political authority in the region, Herod Antipas. This verse highlights Herod's profound perplexity and inner turmoil, as the rumors about Jesus' identity led him to fear that John the Baptist, whom he had executed, had risen from the dead, exposing his deep-seated guilt and the widespread misunderstanding surrounding Jesus' true nature.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Luke 9:7 immediately follows Jesus' commissioning and sending out of the twelve disciples with power and authority to preach the kingdom of God and heal the sick ([Luke 9:1-6](/luke/9-1-6 "Luke 9:1-6 - Jesus Sends Out the Twelve")). The disciples' mission amplified the scope and impact of Jesus' ministry, leading to an even greater public awareness of His work. The phrase "all that was done by him" (referring to Jesus) encompasses not only the disciples' activities but also the extensive miracles, healings, and authoritative teaching that Jesus Himself had performed throughout Galilee, as detailed in the preceding chapters (e.g., healing the paralytic in [Luke 5:17-26](/luke/5-17-26 "Luke 5:17-26 - Jesus Heals a Paralytic"), raising the widow's son in [Luke 7:11-17](/luke/7-11-17 "Luke 7:11-17 - Jesus Raises the Widow's Son"), and calming the storm in [Luke 8:22-25](/luke/8-22-25 "Luke 8:22-25 - Jesus Calms the Storm")). Herod's reaction thus serves as a testament to the undeniable and far-reaching impact of Jesus' ministry.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Herod Antipas, often referred to as "Herod the tetrarch," ruled over Galilee and Perea from 4 BCE to 39 CE. As a tetrarch, he governed one of the four divisions of his father Herod the Great's former kingdom, under the ultimate authority of the Roman Empire. His capital was Tiberias, a city on the Sea of Galilee. John the Baptist had publicly condemned Herod's unlawful marriage to Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, leading to John's imprisonment and subsequent execution at Herodias's instigation ([Luke 3:19-20](/luke/3-19-20 "Luke 3:19-20 - John Imprisoned by Herod") and [Mark 6:14-29](/mark/6-14-29 "Mark 6:14-29 - John the Baptist Beheaded")). This act of injustice weighed heavily on Herod's conscience, making him susceptible to superstitious fears and irrational interpretations of Jesus' identity. The widespread rumors about Jesus reflect the fervent messianic expectations and prophetic hopes prevalent among the Jewish people at the time, leading many to speculate about the identity of this powerful new figure.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several key themes within Luke's Gospel. Firstly, it highlights the **growing recognition and impact of Jesus' ministry**, demonstrating that His fame had transcended local boundaries and reached the highest political echelons, even those hostile to prophetic voices. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **misconceptions about Jesus' identity**, as various theories circulated among the populace, including the idea that He was John the Baptist or one of the Old Testament prophets ([Luke 9:8](/luke/9-8 "Luke 9:8 - Others Thought He Was Elijah")). This sets the stage for Peter's confession of Jesus as the Christ later in the chapter ([Luke 9:20](/luke/9-20 "Luke 9:20 - Peter Confesses Jesus as the Christ")). Finally, Herod's reaction powerfully illustrates the **torment of a guilty conscience** and the **consequences of sin**. His fear that John had risen from the dead reveals the psychological burden of his past actions, a theme that resonates with biblical teachings on judgment and accountability.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **heard (Greek, _akoúō'_):** This primary verb signifies "to hear" in various senses, from simply perceiving sound to giving audience, understanding, or having something reported. In this context, Herod did not just passively hear a rumor; the widespread nature of Jesus' deeds meant the reports had come to his attention in a significant, undeniable way, demanding his consideration and response.
* **perplexed (Greek, _diaporéō'_):** Derived from *diá* (through) and *aporéō* (to be at a loss), this word vividly describes Herod's state of being "thoroughly nonplussed," bewildered, or in great doubt. It conveys a deep mental agitation, an inability to find a way out of a dilemma, reflecting his profound inner turmoil and confusion regarding Jesus' identity and power, especially in light of his past actions concerning John the Baptist.
* **risen (Greek, _egeírō'_):** This verb means "to waken" or "to rouse," used transitively or intransitively. It encompasses literal resurrection from sleep, sitting, disease, or death, but also figuratively, rising from obscurity or inactivity. Here, it is used in the literal sense of resurrection from the dead, specifically concerning John the Baptist, highlighting the terrifying nature of Herod's fear and the supernatural claims being made about Jesus.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was done by him":** This clause establishes the central figure, Herod Antipas, identified by his political title, "the tetrarch" (ruler of a fourth part of a region). It emphasizes the extensive reach of Jesus' ministry, indicating that the reports of His powerful deeds—miracles, healings, and authoritative teaching—had become so widespread and undeniable that they reached even the highest political authority in the region, compelling his attention.
* **"and he was perplexed":** This short, impactful clause reveals Herod's immediate emotional and mental state. The Greek word *diaporéō* signifies a deep state of bewilderment, being at a loss, or thoroughly nonplussed. It suggests a profound inner disturbance, a mind grappling with something it cannot comprehend or reconcile, indicating a significant challenge to his understanding and authority.
* **"because that it was said of some, that John was risen from the dead":** This final clause provides the specific reason for Herod's perplexity. The rumors circulating among "some" people directly linked Jesus to John the Baptist, specifically suggesting that John had been resurrected. This belief, born out of a mix of fear, superstition, and perhaps a guilty conscience, directly confronted Herod with the consequences of his past actions, particularly his unjust execution of John. The idea of John's resurrection would have been particularly terrifying to Herod, stirring up deep-seated guilt and fear of divine retribution.

#### Literary Devices
Luke's concise narrative in this verse employs several literary devices. The use of **Foreshadowing** is evident, as Herod's fear of John's resurrection hints at the greater truth of Jesus' own future resurrection, though Herod tragically misunderstands it. The verse also employs **Irony**, as Herod, the powerful ruler, is utterly "perplexed" and tormented by a figure he perceives as a resurrected prophet, demonstrating the ultimate powerlessness of worldly authority against divine truth and a guilty conscience. The mention of "Herod the tetrarch" is a form of **Metonymy**, where the title represents the full weight of his political power and the historical context of his rule. Finally, the contrasting figures of the powerful Herod and the humble, yet profoundly impactful, Jesus create a subtle **Juxtaposition**, highlighting the different sources of authority and power at play in the narrative.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 9:7 serves as a powerful theological statement about the inescapable nature of truth and the pervasive influence of God's kingdom. Herod's perplexity is a direct consequence of his sin and a testament to the fact that even those in positions of power cannot ignore the divine activity unfolding around them. His fear of John's resurrection underscores the biblical principle that actions have consequences, and a guilty conscience, unaddressed, can lead to profound internal torment and irrational fears. The verse also highlights the broader theme in the Gospels of the world's struggle to comprehend and accept Jesus' true identity, often attempting to fit Him into pre-conceived notions rather than recognizing Him as the unique Son of God.

* [Mark 6:14-16](/mark/6-14-16 "Mark 6:14-16 - Herod's Reaction to Jesus' Fame")
* [Matthew 14:1-2](/matthew/14-1-2 "Matthew 14:1-2 - Herod Hears of Jesus")
* [Luke 9:18-20](/luke/9-18-20 "Luke 9:18-20 - Peter's Confession of Jesus")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 9:7 offers profound insights for contemporary reflection. Herod's troubled conscience serves as a stark reminder that unconfessed sin and unaddressed guilt can lead to deep psychological distress and distorted perceptions of reality. His fear of John's resurrection, though based on a false premise about Jesus, reveals the torment that can plague a heart unwilling to repent. For us, this prompts an examination of our own consciences: are there unconfessed sins that are causing us inner turmoil or leading us to misinterpret God's work in our lives? Furthermore, the varied opinions about Jesus' identity in that era, including Herod's, challenge us to move beyond superficial understandings and truly grapple with who Jesus claimed to be and who the Scriptures declare Him to be—not merely a good teacher or prophet, but the Son of God, the Messiah. Our response to Jesus' identity profoundly shapes our lives and our eternal destiny.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does a guilty conscience, like Herod's, manifest in our lives today, and what steps can we take to find true peace and freedom?**
* **In what ways might we, like the people of Herod's time, be tempted to reduce Jesus to a mere historical figure or a prophet, rather than embracing His full divine identity?**
* **How does the unstoppable spread of the Gospel, even to those in power, encourage us in our own witness and evangelism?**

### FAQ

**Why was Herod Antipas so perplexed by Jesus?**

Answer: Herod Antipas was perplexed because the widespread reports of Jesus' powerful deeds and teachings led him to fear that Jesus was John the Baptist, whom Herod had previously executed, risen from the dead. This fear was rooted in his guilty conscience over his unjust act against John, causing him deep mental agitation and confusion. The idea of John's resurrection would have been particularly terrifying to Herod, suggesting divine retribution for his sin.

**What does "Herod the tetrarch" mean?**

Answer: "Herod the tetrarch" refers to Herod Antipas, who ruled over Galilee and Perea. A "tetrarch" (Greek *tetrarches*) literally means "ruler of a fourth part." This title indicates that his territory was one of four divisions of the kingdom previously ruled by his father, Herod the Great. While he held significant regional power, he was still subordinate to the Roman Emperor.

**How does Luke 9:7 connect to John the Baptist's ministry?**

Answer: Luke 9:7 directly connects to John the Baptist's ministry by revealing Herod's deep-seated guilt and fear regarding John's execution. John had publicly condemned Herod's unlawful marriage ([Luke 3:19-20](/luke/3-19-20 "Luke 3:19-20 - John Imprisoned by Herod")), leading to his imprisonment and eventual beheading. The rumors that Jesus was John resurrected brought Herod's past sin to the forefront of his mind, demonstrating the lasting impact of John's prophetic witness even after his death.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 9:7, while focusing on Herod's earthly perplexity, subtly points toward Christ's ultimate triumph over death and the world's inability to fully grasp His divine identity. Herod's superstitious fear that John the Baptist had "risen from the dead" foreshadows the actual, glorious resurrection of Jesus Christ, which would definitively conquer sin and death ([Romans 6:9](/romans/6-9 "Romans 6:9 - Christ's Victory Over Death")). Unlike John, who was a prophet and a forerunner, Jesus is the Son of God, the source of life itself ([John 1:4](/john/1-4 "John 1:4 - In Him Was Life")). Herod's inability to comprehend Jesus' true nature—reducing Him to a resurrected prophet—highlights humanity's persistent struggle to recognize God's unique revelation in Christ, a theme powerfully addressed in the New Testament ([John 1:10-11](/john/1-10-11 "John 1:10-11 - The World Did Not Know Him")). Ultimately, while Herod was tormented by a false resurrection, the true resurrection of Jesus offers peace, forgiveness, and eternal life to all who believe, transforming perplexity into profound understanding and fear into faith ([1 Peter 1:3-5](/1_peter/1-3-5 "1 Peter 1:3-5 - A Living Hope Through Resurrection")).

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

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.

Mark 6:28

And brought his head in a charger, and gave it to the damsel: and the damsel gave it to her mother.

Matthew 14:1

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

Matthew 14:12

And his disciples came, and took up the body, and buried it, and went and told Jesus.

Luke 9:19

They answering said, John the Baptist; but some [say], Elias; and others [say], that one of the old prophets is risen again.

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,

Micah 7:4

The best of them [is] as a brier: the most upright [is sharper] than a thorn hedge: the day of thy watchmen [and] thy visitation cometh; now shall be their perplexity.