Bible Strands
Luke 9:7
When Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was happening, he was perplexed. For some were saying that John had risen from the dead,
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The narrative shifts from the disciples' missionary journey to Herod the tetrarch, who learns of the widespread reports circulating about Jesus. Herod's confusion arises as crowds speculate about the identity of the miracle-worker.
The words — The Greek verb Ἤκουσεν (Ēkousen) literally means "he heard," indicating Herod's reception of circulating reports. The phrase τὰ γινόμενα (ta ginomena) translates to "the things being done," referring to the miracles and preaching that triggered the rumors.
The thread — This report of Herod hearing about Jesus parallels Matthew 14:1 and Mark 6:14, which record the same political reaction to the disciples' and Jesus' ministry. The tetrarch's title and the theme of fearful confusion also echo the distress described in Job 18:11.
Why it lands — The verse demands recognition that public rumor and political anxiety often precede divine revelation. It requires the reader to observe how human speculation about resurrection and prophecy operates independently of factual understanding.
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
Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was done by him: and he was perplexed, because that it was said of some, that John was risen from the dead;
Cross-references
- Matthew 14:1 At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the reports about Jesus
- Mark 6:14 Now King Herod heard about this, for Jesus’ name had become well known, and people were saying, “John the Baptist has risen from the dead! That is why miraculous powers are at work in him.”
- Job 18:11 Terrors frighten him on every side and harass his every step.
- Psalms 73:19 How suddenly they are laid waste, completely swept away by terrors!
- Luke 3:1 In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, while Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene,
- Luke 9:19 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, that a prophet of old has arisen.”
- Isaiah 22:5 For the Lord GOD of Hosts has set a day of tumult and trampling and confusion in the Valley of Vision—of breaking down the walls and crying to the mountains.
- Micah 7:4 The best of them is like a brier; the most upright is sharper than a hedge of thorns. The day for your watchmen has come, the day of your visitation. Now is the time of their confusion.
- Luke 21:25 There will be signs in the sun and moon and stars, and on the earth dismay among the nations, bewildered by the roaring of the sea and the surging of the waves.