Luke 9:9

KJV

And Herod said, John have I beheaded: but who is this, of whom I hear such things? And he desired to see him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} Herod {G2264} said {G2036}, John {G2491} have {G607} I {G1473} beheaded {G607}: but {G1161} who {G5101} is {G2076} this {G3778}, of {G4012} whom {G3739} I {G1473} hear {G191} such things {G5108}? And {G2532} he desired {G2212} to see {G1492} him {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Herod said, “I had Yochanan beheaded, so who is this about whom I keep hearing such things?” And he began trying to see him.

Berean Standard Bible

“I beheaded John,” Herod said, “but who is this man I hear such things about?” And he kept trying to see Jesus.

American Standard Version

And Herod said, John I beheaded: but who is this, about whom I hear such things? And he sought to see him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 9:9 captures the profound perplexity and deep-seated guilt of Herod Antipas, the tetrarch of Galilee, as he grapples with the widespread reports of Jesus' miraculous power and teachings. Having already ordered the execution of John the Baptist, Herod is haunted by the possibility that Jesus might be John resurrected, or another powerful prophet, leading him to an intense, though ultimately superficial, desire to personally encounter this enigmatic figure.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the disciples' return from their mission to preach the kingdom of God and heal the sick, as commissioned by Jesus in [Luke 9:1-6](/luke/9-1-6 "Luke 9:1-6 - The Mission of the Twelve"). The reports of Jesus' power and the disciples' ministry spread rapidly, reaching even Herod Antipas. [Luke 9:7-8](/luke/9-7-8 "Luke 9:7-8 - Herod's Perplexity") details the public speculation about Jesus' identity, with some believing Him to be John the Baptist risen, others Elijah, and still others one of the ancient prophets. Herod's statement in [Luke 9:9](/luke/9-9 "Luke 9:9 - Herod's Desire to See Jesus") serves as a direct response to these rumors, highlighting his personal turmoil and setting the stage for subsequent events, such as the feeding of the five thousand ([Luke 9:10-17](/luke/9-10-17 "Luke 9:10-17 - Feeding the Five Thousand")) and Peter's confession of Jesus as the Christ ([Luke 9:18-21](/luke/9-18-21 "Luke 9:18-21 - Peter's Confession")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Herod Antipas was the son of Herod the Great and ruled as tetrarch over Galilee and Perea from 4 BCE to 39 CE. He was a Roman client king, known for his political maneuvering and moral failings, most notably his unlawful marriage to Herodias, his brother Philip's wife. This marriage led to his conflict with John the Baptist, who publicly condemned it, resulting in John's imprisonment and eventual execution, as recounted in [Mark 6:14-29](/mark/6-14-29 "Mark 6:14-29 - The Death of John the Baptist") and [Matthew 14:1-12](/matthew/14-1-12 "Matthew 14:1-12 - John the Baptist Beheaded"). In the Jewish culture of the time, prophets were highly revered figures, and the expectation of Elijah's return before the Messiah was strong ([Malachi 4:5-6](/malachi/4-5-6 "Malachi 4:5-6 - Prophecy of Elijah's Return")). Herod's fear that Jesus might be John resurrected reflects a popular belief in transmigration or resurrection, but more profoundly, it reveals his superstitious dread and a conscience tormented by his past actions.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several key themes within Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Herod's troubled conscience** and the inescapable burden of unrepented sin, even for those in positions of power. His declaration, "John have I beheaded," is a stark admission of guilt. Secondly, it highlights **Jesus' escalating fame and impact**, as His ministry transcends social strata and reaches the ears of the ruling elite, provoking intense speculation about His true identity. The question "but who is this?" is a central theme throughout the Gospels, emphasizing the **quest for Jesus' identity** that culminates in Peter's confession ([Luke 9:20](/luke/9-20 "Luke 9:20 - Peter's Confession")). Finally, Herod's "desire to see him" introduces the theme of **curiosity versus genuine seeking**. While Herod's interest was strong, it was driven by intellectual intrigue and perhaps fear, rather than a sincere hunger for truth or repentance, setting up his later, disappointing encounter with Jesus during His trial ([Luke 23:8](/luke/23-8 "Luke 23:8 - Herod's Encounter with Jesus")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Herod (Greek, _Hērṓdēs'_):** This refers to Herod Antipas, the tetrarch of Galilee. The name itself, derived from "hero," ironically contrasts with his unheroic and morally compromised actions, particularly the unjust execution of John the Baptist. His identity as a ruler underscores the reach of Jesus' fame even into the highest echelons of power.
* **beheaded (Greek, _apokephalízō'_):** Derived from _apo_ (from) and _kephalē_ (head), this verb literally means "to decapitate." Its use here is a stark, direct confession from Herod, revealing the brutal nature of John's death and the deep, haunting memory of this act. The perfect tense implies a completed action with ongoing consequences, highlighting the persistent guilt that tormented Herod.
* **desired (Greek, _zētéō'_):** This word signifies a persistent, active seeking or endeavor, not merely a fleeting wish. It suggests that Herod's curiosity about Jesus was not casual but a deeply rooted, ongoing pursuit. While it can imply a positive spiritual seeking (as in seeking God), in Herod's case, it was driven by a desire for spectacle or understanding, rather than repentance or faith.
* **to see (Greek, _eídō'_):** This verb means "to see" literally or figuratively, and in the perfect tense, "to know." Herod's desire was to "see" Jesus, implying a wish for a personal encounter to satisfy his curiosity and perhaps to witness a miracle. However, the nuance of "to know" suggests a deeper, albeit unfulfilled, desire to comprehend the source of Jesus' power and identity, which eluded him due to his hardened heart.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Herod said, John have I beheaded:"** This opening clause immediately reveals Herod's internal struggle and the weight of his past actions. His declaration is not merely a statement of fact but an admission of a deed that continues to haunt him. The act of beheading John the Baptist, a righteous prophet, was a grave sin, and its memory is clearly active in Herod's conscience, causing him deep anxiety and fear.
* **"but who is this, of whom I hear such things?"** The conjunction "but" (G1161, _dé_) introduces a sharp contrast between Herod's past action and his present dilemma. His question expresses profound perplexity and bewilderment. The "such things" refer to the extraordinary reports of Jesus' miracles, healings, and authoritative teaching that had reached his court. Herod is struggling to categorize Jesus, unable to reconcile the current reports with his understanding of reality or his own role in John's death.
* **"And he desired to see him."** This final clause reveals Herod's strong, persistent yearning for a personal encounter with Jesus. The verb "desired" (G2212, _zētéō_) indicates an active and ongoing pursuit. This desire was fueled by a combination of curiosity, fear, and perhaps a superstitious dread that Jesus might indeed be John risen from the dead. However, as later events confirm ([Luke 23:8](/luke/23-8 "Luke 23:8 - Herod's Encounter with Jesus")), his desire was not born of genuine spiritual hunger or a readiness for repentance, but rather a wish to witness a spectacle or satisfy his intellectual intrigue.

#### Literary Devices
Luke employs several **literary devices** in this concise verse to convey profound theological and psychological truths. The most prominent is **Irony**, as Herod, the powerful tetrarch, is portrayed as deeply troubled and fearful, contrasting sharply with his outward authority. His declaration, "John have I beheaded," is a stark admission that underscores the **Psychological Realism** of the narrative, revealing the haunting nature of guilt and unconfessed sin. The question, "but who is this?" serves as a form of **Rhetorical Question**, not necessarily seeking an immediate answer from a listener, but rather expressing Herod's internal bewilderment and the widespread public debate surrounding Jesus' identity. Finally, the verse functions as **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the eventual encounter between Herod and Jesus during the Passion narrative ([Luke 23:8](/luke/23-8 "Luke 23:8 - Herod's Encounter with Jesus")), an encounter that ultimately reveals the superficiality of Herod's "desire to see him."

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 9:9 powerfully illustrates the pervasive nature of Jesus' influence and the profound impact of His ministry, even on those hostile to His message. Herod's troubled conscience serves as a stark reminder that sin, particularly unconfessed and unrepented sin, carries a heavy psychological and spiritual burden, regardless of one's worldly power or status. His perplexity highlights the common human struggle to categorize and comprehend the divine, especially when confronted with a figure who defies conventional expectations. Ultimately, Herod's desire to see Jesus, though strong, was rooted in a superficial curiosity rather than a genuine hunger for truth or salvation, underscoring the critical distinction between intellectual intrigue and true spiritual seeking.

* [Matthew 14:1-2](/matthew/14-1-2 "Matthew 14:1-2 - Herod's Fear of Jesus")
* [Mark 6:14-16](/mark/6-14-16 "Mark 6:14-16 - Herod's Reaction to Jesus")
* [Luke 23:8-12](/luke/23-8-12 "Luke 23:8-12 - Herod and Pilate")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Herod Antipas's internal turmoil in Luke 9:9 offers a sobering reflection on the enduring consequences of sin and the nature of true spiritual seeking. His confession, "John have I beheaded," reveals a conscience tormented by past actions, demonstrating that worldly power cannot shield one from the internal repercussions of moral transgression. This serves as a powerful reminder for us today: unaddressed guilt and unrepented sin can haunt the soul, leading to spiritual unrest and a distorted perception of truth. Furthermore, Herod's desire to see Jesus, while seemingly positive, was driven by curiosity and superstition rather than a genuine desire for repentance or understanding of Christ's divine mission. This challenges us to examine the motives behind our own "seeking" of Jesus. Is our interest merely intellectual, or is it a deep, humble longing for transformation, forgiveness, and submission to His Lordship? True seeking involves a willingness to confront our own sin, to repent, and to embrace the truth of who Jesus is, allowing Him to transform our lives rather than merely satisfying our curiosity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What past actions or unconfessed sins might be subtly haunting my own conscience, similar to Herod's experience?**
* **How does my "desire to see" or know Jesus compare to Herod's? Is it driven by genuine spiritual hunger and a desire for transformation, or merely by curiosity or a wish for spectacle?**
* **In what ways does Jesus' reputation and impact still provoke questions and speculation in the world today, and how can I respond to those questions with truth and grace?**

### FAQ

**Why was Herod troubled by Jesus' ministry?**

Answer: Herod was troubled by Jesus' ministry primarily because the widespread reports of Jesus' miracles and teachings caused him to fear that Jesus might be John the Baptist, whom he had unjustly executed, risen from the dead. This fear was rooted in a guilty conscience and perhaps a superstitious belief that John had returned to exact vengeance or that God was judging him for his sin. The sheer power and authority demonstrated by Jesus also defied Herod's understanding and control, adding to his perplexity.

**Did Herod ever get to see Jesus?**

Answer: Yes, Herod's desire to see Jesus was eventually fulfilled, though not in the way he might have expected or hoped. During Jesus' trial, after Pilate learned that Jesus was a Galilean, he sent Him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem at the time ([Luke 23:6-7](/luke/23-6-7 "Luke 23:6-7 - Jesus Before Herod")). Herod was "exceedingly glad" to see Jesus, hoping to witness a miracle ([Luke 23:8](/luke/23-8 "Luke 23:8 - Herod's Encounter with Jesus")). However, Jesus refused to answer Herod's many questions or perform any sign, leading Herod and his soldiers to treat Him with contempt, mock Him, and send Him back to Pilate ([Luke 23:9-11](/luke/23-9-11 "Luke 23:9-11 - Herod Mocks Jesus")). This encounter highlights the superficiality of Herod's curiosity, as he failed to recognize Jesus' divine authority or repent of his sins.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Herod's troubled question, "but who is this, of whom I hear such things?", echoes the fundamental question posed throughout the Gospels and indeed, throughout human history, concerning the identity of Jesus. While Herod's curiosity was tainted by guilt and a desire for spectacle, the true significance of Jesus' identity is revealed in His unique role as the Christ, the Son of God. He is not merely a resurrected prophet like John, or Elijah, but the very embodiment of God's redemptive plan. The "such things" Herod heard were not just reports of miracles, but manifestations of the Kingdom of God breaking into the world through the person of Jesus, who came to seek and to save the lost ([Luke 19:10](/luke/19-10 "Luke 19:10 - The Son of Man Came to Seek and Save the Lost")). Herod's desire to "see him" foreshadows the universal human need to encounter the living Christ, not as a curiosity, but as the Lord and Savior who offers forgiveness for sins, even those as grievous as Herod's execution of John. Ultimately, the New Testament proclaims Jesus as the one who fulfills all prophetic expectations, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), and the only name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved ([Acts 4:12](/acts/4-12 "Acts 4:12 - Salvation Through No Other Name")). His identity is not a mystery to be solved by human curiosity, but a divine revelation to be embraced by 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

Luke 23:8

And when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad: for he was desirous to see him of a long [season], because he had heard many things of him; and he hoped to have seen some miracle done by him.

Luke 13:31

¶ The same day there came certain of the Pharisees, saying unto him, Get thee out, and depart hence: for Herod will kill thee.

Luke 13:32

And he said unto them, Go ye, and tell that fox, Behold, I cast out devils, and I do cures to day and to morrow, and the third [day] I shall be perfected.