Luke 23:2
And they began to accuse him, saying, We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying that he himself is Christ a King.
Original Language Analysis
κατηγορεῖν
to accuse
G2723
κατηγορεῖν
to accuse
Strong's:
G2723
Word #:
3 of 20
to be a plaintiff, i.e., to charge with some offence
αὐτοῦ
him
G846
αὐτοῦ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
4 of 20
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
λέγοντα
saying
G3004
λέγοντα
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
5 of 20
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
διαστρέφοντα
fellow perverting
G1294
διαστρέφοντα
fellow perverting
Strong's:
G1294
Word #:
8 of 20
to distort, i.e., (figuratively) misinterpret, or (morally) corrupt
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔθνος
the nation
G1484
ἔθνος
the nation
Strong's:
G1484
Word #:
10 of 20
a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
φόρους
tribute
G5411
φόρους
tribute
Strong's:
G5411
Word #:
14 of 20
a load (as borne), i.e., (figuratively) a tax (properly, an individual assessment on persons or property; whereas g5056 is usually a general toll on g
διδόναι
to give
G1325
διδόναι
to give
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
15 of 20
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
λέγοντα
saying
G3004
λέγοντα
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
16 of 20
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ἑαυτὸν
that he himself
G1438
ἑαυτὸν
that he himself
Strong's:
G1438
Word #:
17 of 20
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
Cross References
John 19:12And from thenceforth Pilate sought to release him: but the Jews cried out, saying, If thou let this man go, thou art not Caesar's friend: whosoever maketh himself a king speaketh against Caesar.Luke 23:14Said unto them, Ye have brought this man unto me, as one that perverteth the people: and, behold, I, having examined him before you, have found no fault in this man touching those things whereof ye accuse him:Acts 24:5For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes:Psalms 62:4They only consult to cast him down from his excellency: they delight in lies: they bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly. Selah.Jeremiah 20:10For I heard the defaming of many, fear on every side. Report, say they, and we will report it. All my familiars watched for my halting, saying, Peradventure he will be enticed, and we shall prevail against him, and we shall take our revenge on him.Jeremiah 38:4Therefore the princes said unto the king, We beseech thee, let this man be put to death: for thus he weakeneth the hands of the men of war that remain in this city, and the hands of all the people, in speaking such words unto them: for this man seeketh not the welfare of this people, but the hurt.Mark 12:17And Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's. And they marvelled at him.Zechariah 11:8Three shepherds also I cut off in one month; and my soul lothed them, and their soul also abhorred me.Matthew 22:21They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's.John 18:30They answered and said unto him, If he were not a malefactor, we would not have delivered him up unto thee.
Historical Context
Judea was under direct Roman rule (AD 6-66), governed by prefects like Pontius Pilate (AD 26-36). Roman law required the Jewish Sanhedrin to bring capital cases to the governor for sentencing. Political charges—sedition, tax revolt, claiming kingship—were executable offenses. The Jewish leaders cynically weaponized Roman fear of uprising.
Questions for Reflection
- How do religious or ideological opponents today twist language to make biblical truth sound dangerous or extremist?
- The Sanhedrin knew Jesus taught submission to Caesar (Luke 20:25). What does their willingness to lie reveal about hearts hardened against truth?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
"We found this fellow perverting the nation" (διαστρέφοντα, diastrephonta)—the verb means "to twist" or "distort," implying Jesus was corrupting Israel's religious and political order. This was a calculated lie; the Sanhedrin knew their religious charge of blasphemy (22:70-71) would not move Pilate, so they manufactured three political accusations.
The charges were masterful distortions:
They reframed Jesus's spiritual messiahship as political insurrection, knowing Rome crucified rebels. Their goal was Pilate's death sentence, not truth.