Luke 23:9
Then he questioned with him in many words; but he answered him nothing.
Original Language Analysis
αὐτῷ
him
G846
αὐτῷ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 11
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
λόγοις
words
G3056
λόγοις
words
Strong's:
G3056
Word #:
5 of 11
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
ἱκανοῖς
many
G2425
ἱκανοῖς
many
Strong's:
G2425
Word #:
6 of 11
competent (as if coming in season), i.e., ample (in amount) or fit (in character)
αὐτῷ
him
G846
αὐτῷ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
7 of 11
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
οὐδὲν
nothing
G3762
οὐδὲν
nothing
Strong's:
G3762
Word #:
9 of 11
not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing
Historical Context
Herod's 'many words' likely included questions about Jesus's miraculous powers, his identity, and perhaps his relationship to John the Baptist. As tetrarch of Galilee, Herod would have received reports of Jesus's ministry throughout his territory for over two years. His questioning may have mixed genuine curiosity with mockery, seeking to satisfy his long-standing desire to witness Jesus's supernatural abilities firsthand.
Questions for Reflection
- What distinguishes those to whom Jesus speaks from those to whom he remains silent, and where do you find yourself?
- How should Christ's silence before Herod shape our understanding of persistent rejection of God's Word and messengers?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
He questioned with him in many words; but he answered him nothing—Jesus's absolute silence before Herod fulfills Isaiah 53:7: 'He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth.' The Greek construction (ἐπηρώτα...ἐν λόγοις ἱκανοῖς, αὐτὸς δὲ οὐδὲν ἀπεκρίνατο αὐτῷ, epērōta...en logois hikanois, autos de ouden apekrinato autō) emphasizes the contrast: Herod's 'many words' met with Christ's complete silence—ouden, 'nothing whatsoever.'
This silence is not passive but powerful. To Pilate, Jesus offered measured responses (John 18:34-37); to Herod, nothing. Why? Herod had rejected John the Baptist's testimony, murdered the prophet, and now sought entertainment, not truth. Jesus casts no pearls before swine (Matthew 7:6). The Word made flesh (John 1:14) offers no word to those who have persistently rejected his messengers. This sobering silence warns of judgment to come—there comes a point when God's patience ends and his voice falls silent to the hardened heart (Romans 1:24, 26, 28).