Luke 23:10
And the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused him.
Original Language Analysis
εἱστήκεισαν
stood
G2476
εἱστήκεισαν
stood
Strong's:
G2476
Word #:
1 of 10
to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀρχιερεῖς
the chief priests
G749
ἀρχιερεῖς
the chief priests
Strong's:
G749
Word #:
4 of 10
the high-priest (literally, of the jews; typically, christ); by extension a chief priest
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 10
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 #:
6 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
εὐτόνως
and vehemently
G2159
εὐτόνως
and vehemently
Strong's:
G2159
Word #:
8 of 10
in a well-strung manner, i.e., (figuratively) intensely (in a good sense, cogently; in a bad one, fiercely)
Historical Context
The presence of chief priests and scribes at Herod's examination reveals their determination to control the proceedings. These were likely members of the Sanhedrin who had condemned Jesus at their early morning session (22:66-71). Their willingness to appear before Herod Antipas—whom they normally despised as a collaborator with Rome—shows how hatred of Christ transcends normal boundaries and creates unlikely alliances.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the religious leaders' vehemence in accusing the innocent Christ expose the danger of religious zeal divorced from truth?
- What does their 'standing' before Herod while Jesus remained silent teach us about the postures of self-righteousness versus humble submission?
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Analysis & Commentary
The chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused him (εἱστήκεισαν...κατηγοροῦντες αὐτόν, heistēkeisan...katēgorountes auton)—their continued presence ensures no escape from execution. The adverb vehemently (εὐτόνως, eutonōs, found only here in the NT) means 'vigorously,' 'strenuously,' 'with intense energy.' Their accusations before Herod mirror those before Pilate (v. 2), demonstrating coordinated determination to secure death despite lack of evidence.
The verb katēgorountes (accusing) is the root of our word 'category'—they sought to categorize Jesus as a criminal deserving death. Yet they stand as unwitting fulfillments of Psalm 109:3-4: 'They compassed me about also with words of hatred; and fought against me without a cause. For my love they are my adversaries: but I give myself unto prayer.' While the Lamb of God remained silent, his accusers 'stood'—a legal posture of formal prosecution. Their vehemence reveals the desperation of those who oppose God's purposes; human intensity cannot thwart divine sovereignty.