7Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was happening, and he was utterly perplexed, because it was said by some that John had been raised from the dead, [9:8] by some that Elijah had appeared, and by others that one of the ancient prophets had arisen. [9:9] Herod said: "John I beheaded — but who is this about whom I am hearing such things?" And he kept seeking to see him.
LUK 9:7-9
Herod Tries to See Jesus
In the world it was spoken into
Herod Antipas, tetrarch of Galilee and Perea, ruled as a client king under Roman authority, maintaining power through political maneuvering and suppression of dissent. His execution of John the Baptist, a popular prophetic figure, had already stirred unrest among the populace. Hearing reports of Jesus’ miraculous deeds and the speculation surrounding His identity—whether He was John resurrected, Elijah returned, or another ancient prophet—Herod was deeply unsettled. In the honor-shame culture of the 1st century, such rumors threatened Herod’s legitimacy, as they implied divine intervention outside his control. The term 'tetrarch' underscored his subordinate status, reminding listeners of his dependence on Rome. Herod’s perplexity ('') reflects not just confusion but fear of losing his tenuous grip on power. His persistent seeking ('') to see Jesus was likely driven by a mix of curiosity, anxiety, and a desire to assess whether Jesus posed a political threat. For the original audience, this passage highlighted the tension between Herod’s fragile authority and the growing movement around Jesus.
›See the receipts
How other translations render this
LUK 9:7
- KJV
- 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;
- BSB
- When Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was happening, he was perplexed. For some were saying that John had risen from the dead,
- Koinōnos
- Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was happening, and he was utterly perplexed, because it was said by some that John had been raised from the dead,
LUK 9:8
- KJV
- And of some, that Elias had appeared; and of others, that one of the old prophets was risen again.
- BSB
- others that Elijah had appeared, and still others that a prophet of old had arisen.
- Koinōnos
- by some that Elijah had appeared, and by others that one of the ancient prophets had arisen.
LUK 9:9
- KJV
- And Herod said, John have I beheaded: but who is this, of whom I hear such things? And he desired to see him.
- BSB
- “I beheaded John,” Herod said, “but who is this man I hear such things about?” And he kept trying to see Jesus.
- Koinōnos
- Herod said: "John I beheaded — but who is this about whom I am hearing such things?" And he kept seeking to see him.
Only verses where the wording diverges meaningfully are shown. Identical phrasings are suppressed.
Where the historical framing draws from
- Josephus, AntiquitiesAntiquities 18.5.2
›Josephus, Antiquities Antiquities 18.5.2
“Now some of the Jews thought that the destruction of Herod's army came from God, and that very justly, as a punishment of what he did against John, that was called the Baptist”
Cited to ground: His execution of John the Baptist, a popular prophetic figure, had already stirred unrest among the populace.
Translator's notes
LUK 9:7
- Tetrarch:The term translated 'Tetrarch' referred to a ruler of a fourth part of a region, a title given by the Roman Empire to local rulers of lesser status than a king.
- being done:The word translated 'being done' carries a sense of something actively happening or coming into existence, emphasizing the ongoing nature of the events.
- all:The word translated 'all' here means to be utterly perplexed or at a complete loss, indicating a state of extreme confusion and doubt.
LUK 9:9
- such things?:The word translated 'such things?' implies a strong desire or active effort to seek out or investigate, not just a casual question.