Luke 6:11
And they were filled with madness; and communed one with another what they might do to Jesus.
Original Language Analysis
αὐτοὶ
G846
αὐτοὶ
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
1 of 13
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
ἐπλήσθησαν
they were filled
G4130
ἐπλήσθησαν
they were filled
Strong's:
G4130
Word #:
3 of 13
to "fill" (literally or figuratively (imbue, influence, supply)); specially, to fulfil (time)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
διελάλουν
communed
G1255
διελάλουν
communed
Strong's:
G1255
Word #:
6 of 13
to talk throughout a company, i.e., converse or (genitive case) publish
πρὸς
one with another
G4314
πρὸς
one with another
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
7 of 13
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
τί
what
G5101
τί
what
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
9 of 13
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
ποιήσειαν
they might do
G4160
ποιήσειαν
they might do
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
11 of 13
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
Cross References
Acts 5:33When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them.Ecclesiastes 9:3This is an evil among all things that are done under the sun, that there is one event unto all: yea, also the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness is in their heart while they live, and after that they go to the dead.
Historical Context
The religious establishment's hostility to Jesus intensified with each Sabbath controversy. Earlier they criticized his disciples for plucking grain (Luke 6:1-5); now they plotted violence. This escalating opposition foreshadows the cross. Their madness (ἀνοία, anoia) contrasts with the Sabbath's purpose—rest, worship, and delight in God's goodness. Instead of rejoicing that a man was healed, they raged that their authority was challenged. This shows how institutions can prioritize self-preservation over truth and mercy.
Questions for Reflection
- How can religious commitment become so hardened that it responds to God's work with rage rather than worship?
- What evidence of Jesus' power are you resisting because accepting it would require changing your life or theology?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And they were filled with madness (ἐπλήσθησαν ἀνοίας, eplēsthēsan anoias)—anoia (ἀνοία) means senseless rage, irrational fury, mindlessness. Confronted with undeniable evidence of Jesus' divine power and compassion, they responded not with wonder but with insane hatred. They communed one with another what they might do to Jesus (διελάλουν πρὸς ἀλλήλους τί ἂν ποιήσαιεν τῷ Ἰησοῦ, dielāloun pros allēlous ti an poiēsaien tō Iēsou)—plotting his destruction even as he demonstrated life-giving power.
This fulfills Jesus' earlier question (v. 9)—while he saved life, they plotted to destroy it. Their madness reveals the ultimate danger of hardened religiosity: it can witness miracles yet remain unmoved, see God's glory yet seek to extinguish it. This same council would eventually crucify him.