Luke 9:7

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;

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};

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,

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

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

Context of Luke 9:7

Luke 9:7 introduces a pivotal moment in Jesus' public ministry, where His growing fame reaches the ears of the regional ruler, Herod Antipas. This verse immediately follows the account of Jesus empowering and sending out His twelve disciples to preach the kingdom of God and heal the sick (Luke 9:1-6). The phrase "all that was done by him" refers to Jesus' extensive miracles, healings, and authoritative teaching, which had been widely reported throughout Galilee and beyond. Herod the tetrarch, who ruled over Galilee and Perea, could no longer ignore the widespread reports about this remarkable figure.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Herod's Perplexity and Guilty Conscience: Herod Antipas was deeply troubled and "perplexed" by the rumors circulating about Jesus. This perplexity stemmed primarily from the terrifying thought that Jesus might be John the Baptist risen from the dead. Herod had brutally executed John, and the possibility of his resurrection would have haunted his conscience, bringing fear and dread. This highlights how sin, particularly grave injustice, can lead to deep internal turmoil and irrational fears.
  • Misconceptions About Jesus' Identity: The verse reveals the varied and often mistaken ideas people had about Jesus. Some thought He was John the Baptist, others Elijah, or one of the old prophets (mentioned in Luke 9:8). This demonstrates the difficulty many faced in recognizing Jesus for who He truly was—the Messiah, the Son of God. Even those in power struggled to grasp His unique identity and divine authority.
  • The Unstoppable Spread of Jesus' Ministry: Despite His humble beginnings, Jesus' fame had grown to such an extent that it reached the highest political authority in the region. His ministry was not confined to small villages but had become a public phenomenon, drawing attention from all levels of society, including those who sought to control or understand His influence.

Linguistic Insights

The title "Herod the tetrarch" is significant. A tetrarch (from Greek tetrarches) literally means "ruler of a fourth part." Herod Antipas was one of four rulers who divided the former kingdom of his father, Herod the Great. His authority was considerable, yet he remained subordinate to the Roman Emperor. The word "perplexed" (Greek: aporeō) conveys a state of being at a loss, bewildered, or in great doubt, unable to find a way out of a mental dilemma. It reflects Herod's agitation and confusion over Jesus' identity and power, especially given his past actions.

Practical Application

Luke 9:7 offers several insights for today. Firstly, it reminds us that a guilty conscience can lead to great distress and skewed perceptions. Herod's fear of John's resurrection was a direct consequence of his sin. Secondly, it highlights the importance of truly understanding who Jesus is. Like Herod and the people of his day, many still grapple with Jesus' identity, often reducing Him to merely a good teacher or prophet. The Bible consistently calls us to recognize Him as the incarnate Son of God, the Savior of the world. Finally, the spreading fame of Jesus' ministry, even to those who opposed Him, underscores the power of the Gospel to reach every corner of society, challenging hearts and minds.

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Cross-References

  • Mark 6:14 (4 votes)

    ¶ 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 (4 votes)

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

  • Matthew 14:1 (4 votes)

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

  • Matthew 14:12 (4 votes)

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

  • Luke 9:19 (3 votes)

    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 (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,

  • Micah 7:4 (2 votes)

    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.