Luke 11:53
And as he said these things unto them, the scribes and the Pharisees began to urge him vehemently, and to provoke him to speak of many things:
Original Language Analysis
λέγοντος
as he said
G3004
λέγοντος
as he said
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
1 of 19
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 19
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
πρὸς
unto
G4314
πρὸς
unto
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
5 of 19
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
6 of 19
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Φαρισαῖοι
the Pharisees
G5330
Φαρισαῖοι
the Pharisees
Strong's:
G5330
Word #:
12 of 19
a separatist, i.e., exclusively religious; a pharisean, i.e., jewish sectary
ἐνέχειν
to urge
G1758
ἐνέχειν
to urge
Strong's:
G1758
Word #:
14 of 19
to hold in or upon, i.e., ensnare; by implication, to keep a grudge
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
15 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀποστοματίζειν
to provoke
G653
ἀποστοματίζειν
to provoke
Strong's:
G653
Word #:
16 of 19
to speak off-hand (properly, dictate), i.e., to catechize (in an invidious manner)
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
17 of 19
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
Historical Context
Ancient rhetorical combat involved rapid questioning to expose contradictions or force self-incrimination. The scribes and Pharisees shifted from hosting Jesus (v.37) to hostile interrogation. Luke foreshadows Jesus's trials—religious leaders questioning him, seeking accusations to bring before civil authorities (22:66-71, 23:1-5).
Questions for Reflection
- How do you respond to prophetic confrontation—with defensive hostility or humble repentance?
- What does the religious leaders' reaction to Jesus's critique reveal about pride's response to being exposed?
- In what ways might you be 'urging vehemently' against truth that threatens your self-image or systems?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And as he said these things unto them, the scribes and the Pharisees began to urge him vehemently (Κἀκεῖθεν ἐξελθόντος αὐτοῦ ἤρξαντο οἱ γραμματεῖς καὶ οἱ Φαρισαῖοι δεινῶς ἐνέχειν)—Luke narrates the aftermath of Jesus's six woes. Deinōs (vehemently, terribly) describes their intense response. Enechein (urge, press upon) suggests hostile pressure—they began interrogating him aggressively. And to provoke him to speak of many things (καὶ ἀποστοματίζειν αὐτὸν περὶ πλειόνων)—apostomatizō (provoke to speak) literally means 'to question from the mouth,' rapid-fire questioning designed to elicit incriminating statements.
Jesus's prophetic denunciation provoked exactly the response he predicted—opposition, hostility, attempts to trap him. Rather than repenting under conviction, they hardened in antagonism. This pattern confirms Jesus's diagnosis: they are their fathers' sons, rejecting the Prophet as their ancestors rejected the prophets.