Luke Chapter 13 · Verse 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.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτοῖς
unto them
G846
αὐτοῖς
unto them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 21
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
Πορευθέντες
Go ye
G4198
Πορευθέντες
Go ye
Strong's:
G4198
Word #:
4 of 21
to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ταύτῃ
G3778
ταύτῃ
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
8 of 21
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐπιτελῶ
I do
G2005
ἐπιτελῶ
I do
Strong's:
G2005
Word #:
14 of 21
to fulfill further (or completely), i.e., execute; by implication, to terminate, undergo
σήμερον
to day
G4594
σήμερον
to day
Strong's:
G4594
Word #:
15 of 21
on the (i.e., this) day (or night current or just passed); generally, now (i.e., at present, hitherto)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
16 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὔριον
to morrow
G839
αὔριον
to morrow
Strong's:
G839
Word #:
17 of 21
properly, fresh, i.e., (adverb with ellipsis of g2250) to-morrow
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
18 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Historical Context
This bold response demonstrates Jesus' fearless confrontation of political power. Unlike many religious leaders who compromised with authorities, Jesus spoke truth regardless of consequences. His reference to 'the third day' connects to resurrection imagery throughout Scripture (Hosea 6:2) and specifically anticipates His resurrection after three days in the tomb. That He frames death as being 'perfected' rather than defeated reveals His understanding that the cross was not failure but the culmination of His mission—through death He would destroy death (Hebrews 2:14-15).
Questions for Reflection
- What does Jesus' refusal to be intimidated by political power teach about Christian witness in hostile environments?
- How does framing death as being 'perfected' transform Christian understanding of suffering and martyrdom?
- In what ways should believers balance prudence (avoiding unnecessary danger) with boldness (refusing to compromise truth despite threats)?
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus responds defiantly: '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.' Calling Herod a 'fox' is contemptuous—foxes symbolize cunning, destruction, and insignificance (Nehemiah 4:3, Song of Solomon 2:15, Ezekiel 13:4). Jesus refuses to be intimidated. His statement 'I cast out devils, and I do cures to day and to morrow' affirms His continuing ministry despite threats. The phrase 'the third day I shall be perfected' anticipates His death and resurrection—His mission will be completed on God's schedule, not Herod's. The verb 'be perfected' means to reach the goal, accomplish the purpose.