Bible Strands
Luke 23:9
Herod questioned Jesus at great length, but He gave no answer.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Herod questions Jesus during the trial proceedings, immediately after expressing pleasure at the opportunity to see a miracle, while the chief priests and scribes stand nearby vehemently accusing Him.
The words — The Greek ἐπηρώτα (epērōta) means "He was questioning," modified by ἐν λόγοις ἱκανοῖς (en logois hikanois), literally "in many words," which describes the prolonged nature of the interrogation.
The thread — Jesus' refusal to speak appears in Matthew 27:14, where He answers not even a single charge, and mirrors the silent posture described in Psalms 38:13 and Psalms 39:1 amid false accusation.
Why it lands — The text records that Jesus offered no defense regardless of the prolonged questioning, requiring the reader to accept that divine authority does not submit to political or religious demands for explanation.
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
Then he questioned with him in many words; but he answered him nothing.
Cross-references
- Matthew 27:14 But Jesus gave no answer, not even to a single charge, much to the governor’s amazement.
- Psalms 38:13 But like a deaf man, I do not hear; and like a mute man, I do not open my mouth.
- Psalms 39:1 For the choirmaster. For Jeduthun. A Psalm of David. I said, “I will watch my ways so that I will not sin with my tongue; I will guard my mouth with a muzzle as long as the wicked are present.”
- Psalms 39:9 I have become mute; I do not open my mouth because of what You have done.
- Isaiah 53:7 He was oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so He did not open His mouth.
- Matthew 7:6 Do not give dogs what is holy; do not throw your pearls before swine. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces.
- Luke 13:32 But Jesus replied, “Go tell that fox, ‘Look, I will keep driving out demons and healing people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach My goal.’
- Acts 8:32 The eunuch was reading this passage of Scripture: “He was led like a sheep to the slaughter, and as a lamb before the shearer is silent, so He did not open His mouth.
- 1 Peter 2:23 When they heaped abuse on Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats, but entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.