Bible Strands
Luke 23:12
That day Herod and Pilate became friends; before this time they had been enemies.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Luke records this event as Jesus is returned from Herod’s court to Pilate after being mocked and dressed in a royal robe. The moment occurs during the trial proceedings, marking a sudden shift in the political relationship between the two rulers.
The words — The Greek phrase φίλοι ἐγένοντο (philoi egenonto) literally renders “became friends.” This verb phrase captures the immediate reversal of their prior hostile stance.
The thread — This alliance echoes the conspiracy noted in Acts 4:27, where Herod and Pilate join with Gentiles and Israel’s leaders against Jesus. It also mirrors the unified political maneuvering described in Revelation 17:13 and Psalms 83:4.
Why it lands — The text states that political expediency overrode prior enmity, producing a temporary alliance against Jesus. It asks the reader to observe how human authorities can align against divine purposes without altering their ultimate accountability.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
And the same day Pilate and Herod were made friends together: for before they were at enmity between themselves.
Cross-references
- Acts 4:27 In fact, this is the very city where Herod and Pontius Pilate conspired with the Gentiles and the people of Israel against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed.
- Revelation 17:13 These kings have one purpose: to yield their power and authority to the beast.
- Psalms 83:4 saying, “Come, let us erase them as a nation; may the name of Israel be remembered no more.”
- Matthew 16:1 Then the Pharisees and Sadducees came and tested Jesus by asking Him to show them a sign from heaven.