Luke 3:19

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

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},

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;

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

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

Luke 3:19 KJV introduces a pivotal conflict between John the Baptist and Herod Antipas, highlighting John's unwavering commitment to truth and righteousness.

Historical and Cultural Context

This verse sets the stage for the imprisonment of John the Baptist. Herod Antipas, known as "Herod the tetrarch," ruled over the regions of Galilee and Perea during the time of Jesus and John's ministry. His unlawful marriage to Herodias, his half-brother Philip's wife (likely Herod Philip I, not the tetrarch Philip), was a scandalous affair that violated Mosaic Law (Leviticus 18:16; 20:21). John the Baptist, acting as a prophet of God, boldly confronted Herod for this specific sin and for the general wickedness of his reign. This confrontation demonstrates the moral corruption prevalent among the ruling elite of the time and the prophetic role of John in challenging such unrighteousness.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Prophetic Courage: John the Baptist exemplifies profound courage by directly confronting a powerful political leader, Herod Antipas, about his sins. This illustrates the prophetic responsibility to speak truth to power, regardless of personal risk.
  • Reproving Sin: The verse emphasizes John's role in "reproving" (Greek: elegchō, meaning to convict, expose, or rebuke) Herod. This act underscores the biblical principle of calling out sin, even when it is uncomfortable or dangerous, as part of the call to repentance.
  • Consequences of Unrighteousness: Herod's actions, particularly his illicit marriage, are presented as "evils." This foreshadows the negative consequences for John and ultimately for Herod himself, who eventually orders John's execution (Mark 6:17-29).

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "reproved" is elegchō (ἐλέγχω), which carries the strong connotation of exposing, convicting, or bringing to light. It's not merely a gentle suggestion but a forceful declaration of truth intended to bring about awareness of wrongdoing. This term highlights the directness and authority with which John addressed Herod's moral failings.

Related Scriptures

The preceding verses in Luke 3:18 mention John's extensive preaching of the good news. This verse, Luke 3:19, then introduces the reason for his eventual imprisonment. Parallels to John's confrontation with Herod Antipas can be found in Matthew 14:3-4 and Mark 6:17-18, which elaborate on the details of his arrest and Herod's animosity.

Practical Application

Luke 3:19 challenges believers to consider their own moral courage and willingness to stand for righteousness in a world that often condones unbiblical practices. While not everyone is called to publicly confront rulers, we are all called to live lives of integrity and to speak truth in love within our spheres of influence. It reminds us that God's standards apply to everyone, regardless of their position or power, and that true spiritual leadership often involves confronting sin, even at personal cost, just as John the Baptist did.

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Cross-References

  • Luke 3:1 (3 votes)

    ¶ 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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

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

  • Proverbs 15:12 (2 votes)

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

  • Matthew 11:2 (2 votes)

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

  • Matthew 14:3 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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