Luke 3:20
Added yet this above all, that he shut up John in prison.
Original Language Analysis
προσέθηκεν
Added
G4369
προσέθηκεν
Added
Strong's:
G4369
Word #:
1 of 12
to place additionally, i.e., lay beside, annex, repeat
καὶ
that
G2532
καὶ
that
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
2 of 12
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐπὶ
above
G1909
ἐπὶ
above
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
4 of 12
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
καὶ
that
G2532
καὶ
that
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 12
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
κατέκλεισεν
he shut up
G2623
κατέκλεισεν
he shut up
Strong's:
G2623
Word #:
7 of 12
to shut down (in a dungeon), i.e., incarcerate
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
Herod imprisoned John in Machaerus fortress near the Dead Sea. This imprisonment lasted approximately one year before Herod executed John at Herodias's instigation (Mark 6:14-29). John's imprisonment marked transition from his ministry to Jesus's, demonstrating God's sovereign timing in redemptive history.
Questions for Reflection
- How does rejecting truth lead to progressive hardening and greater sin?
- What does Herod's response teach about how powerful people often respond to prophetic confrontation?
- How did God use John's imprisonment to advance His redemptive purposes?
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Analysis & Commentary
Herod's adding imprisonment to 'all' his other evils demonstrates how rejecting truth leads to greater sin. The phrase 'added yet this above all' shows imprisonment of God's prophet exceeded his other wickedness. This demonstrates the progressive nature of sin—rejecting conviction hardens the heart and produces worse evil. Herod's shutting up John in prison attempted to silence truth rather than submit to it. This response models how powerful people often respond to prophetic confrontation—elimination of the prophet rather than repentance. Yet imprisoning John couldn't stop God's purposes; it positioned John to decrease as Jesus increased (John 3:30) and prepared the way for Jesus's public ministry.