Luke 11:54
Laying wait for him, and seeking to catch something out of his mouth, that they might accuse him.
Original Language Analysis
ἐνεδρεύοντες
Laying wait for
G1748
ἐνεδρεύοντες
Laying wait for
Strong's:
G1748
Word #:
1 of 13
to lurk, i.e., (figuratively) plot assassination
αὐτοῦ.
him
G846
αὐτοῦ.
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
2 of 13
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
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
3 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ζητοὺντες
seeking
G2212
ζητοὺντες
seeking
Strong's:
G2212
Word #:
4 of 13
to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by hebraism) to worship (god), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)
θηρεῦσαί
to catch
G2340
θηρεῦσαί
to catch
Strong's:
G2340
Word #:
5 of 13
to hunt (an animal), i.e., (figuratively) to carp at
ἐκ
out of
G1537
ἐκ
out of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
7 of 13
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
στόματος
mouth
G4750
στόματος
mouth
Strong's:
G4750
Word #:
9 of 13
the mouth (as if a gash in the face); by implication, language (and its relations); figuratively, an opening (in the earth); specially, the front or e
αὐτοῦ.
him
G846
αὐτοῦ.
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
10 of 13
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
Cross References
Mark 12:13And they send unto him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, to catch him in his words.Matthew 22:35Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying,Matthew 22:15Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might entangle him in his talk.Mark 3:2And they watched him, whether he would heal him on the sabbath day; that they might accuse him.Matthew 22:18But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites?Luke 20:20And they watched him, and sent forth spies, which should feign themselves just men, that they might take hold of his words, that so they might deliver him unto the power and authority of the governor.
Historical Context
The Sanhedrin needed witnesses and formal charges to condemn Jesus (Mark 14:55-59). Religious leaders' strategy was to provoke self-incriminating statements—blasphemy, sedition, or Torah violation—that could justify execution. This verse shows the plot forming months before the crucifixion, demonstrating Jesus's death was premeditated murder, not spontaneous mob violence.
Questions for Reflection
- How does pride's defensive response to truth escalate from resistance to active opposition to plotting harm?
- What does this passage teach about religious authority corrupted by self-protection rather than truth-seeking?
- How should Christians respond when speaking truth provokes hostility from religious or cultural gatekeepers?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Laying wait for him, and seeking to catch something out of his mouth, that they might accuse him (ἐνεδρεύοντες αὐτὸν θηρεῦσαί τι ἐκ τοῦ στόματος αὐτοῦ, ἵνα κατηγορήσωσιν αὐτοῦ)—enedreuō (laying wait, plotting ambush) describes military ambush strategy applied to verbal combat. Thēreuō (catch, hunt) uses hunting imagery—they're stalking prey. The purpose clause hina katēgorēsōsin (that they might accuse) reveals judicial intent. They sought legal grounds to charge him, anticipating the Sanhedrin trial (22:66-71).
This verse concludes Luke's account of Jesus's Pharisaic confrontation. What began as a dinner invitation (v.37) ends with assassination plotting. Jesus's prophetic denunciation of their hypocrisy turned hosts into hunters. This marks a turning point—open opposition now characterizes religious leadership's stance toward Jesus. The path to the cross intensifies from this moment.