Luke 23:7
New International Version
When he learned that Jesus was under Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem at that time.

New Living Translation
When they said that he was, Pilate sent him to Herod Antipas, because Galilee was under Herod’s jurisdiction, and Herod happened to be in Jerusalem at the time.

English Standard Version
And when he learned that he belonged to Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him over to Herod, who was himself in Jerusalem at that time.

Berean Standard Bible
And learning that Jesus was under Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent Him to Herod, who himself was in Jerusalem at that time.

Berean Literal Bible
and having learned that He is from the jurisdiction of Herod, he sent Him up to Herod, he himself being also in Jerusalem in those days.

King James Bible
And as soon as he knew that he belonged unto Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who himself also was at Jerusalem at that time.

New King James Version
And as soon as he knew that He belonged to Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent Him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem at that time.

New American Standard Bible
And when he learned that He belonged to Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent Him to Herod, since he also was in Jerusalem at this time.

NASB 1995
And when he learned that He belonged to Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent Him to Herod, who himself also was in Jerusalem at that time.

NASB 1977
And when he learned that He belonged to Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent Him to Herod, who himself also was in Jerusalem at that time.

Legacy Standard Bible
And when he learned that He belonged to Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent Him to Herod, who himself also was in Jerusalem in those days.

Amplified Bible
And when he learned that He belonged to the jurisdiction of Herod [Antipas, the tetrarch of Galilee], he sent Him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem at that time.

Christian Standard Bible
Finding that he was under Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem during those days.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Finding that He was under Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent Him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem during those days.

American Standard Version
And when he knew that he was of Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him unto Herod, who himself also was at Jerusalem in these days.

Contemporary English Version
After Pilate learned that Jesus came from the region ruled by Herod, he sent him to Herod, who was in Jerusalem at that time.

English Revised Version
And when he knew that he was of Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him unto Herod, who himself also was at Jerusalem in these days.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
When Pilate found out that he was, he sent Jesus to Herod. Herod ruled Galilee and was in Jerusalem at that time.

Good News Translation
When he learned that Jesus was from the region ruled by Herod, he sent him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem at that time.

International Standard Version
When he learned with certainty that Jesus came from Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him off to Herod, who was in Jerusalem at that time.

NET Bible
When he learned that he was from Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him over to Herod, who also happened to be in Jerusalem at that time.

New Heart English Bible
When he found out that he was in Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem during those days.

Webster's Bible Translation
And as soon as he knew that he belonged to Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who himself was also at Jerusalem at that time.

Weymouth New Testament
And learning that He belonged to Herod's jurisdiction he sent Him to Herod, for he too was in Jerusalem at that time.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
And learning that Jesus was under Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent Him to Herod, who himself was in Jerusalem at that time.

World English Bible
When he found out that he was in Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem during those days.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and having known that He is from the jurisdiction of Herod, he sent Him back to Herod, he also being in Jerusalem in those days.

Berean Literal Bible
and having learned that He is from the jurisdiction of Herod, he sent Him up to Herod, he himself being also in Jerusalem in those days.

Young's Literal Translation
and having known that he is from the jurisdiction of Herod, he sent him back unto Herod, he being also in Jerusalem in those days.

Smith's Literal Translation
And having known that he is from Herod's authority, he sent him to Herod, he being in Jerusalem in those days.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And when he understood that he was of Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him away to Herod, who was also himself at Jerusalem, in those days.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And when he realized that he was under Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him away to Herod, who was himself also at Jerusalem in those days.

New American Bible
and upon learning that he was under Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod who was in Jerusalem at that time.

New Revised Standard Version
And when he learned that he was under Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him off to Herod, who was himself in Jerusalem at that time.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And when he knew that he was under the jurisdiction of Herod, he sent him to Herod, because he was in Jerusalem in those days.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And when he knew that he was under the authority of Herodus, he sent him to the presence of Herodus, because he was in Jerusalem in those days.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And when he learned that he belonged to the dominion of Herod, he sent him to Herod, who was at that time in Jerusalem.

Godbey New Testament
And learning that He is from the jurisdiction of Herod, he sent Him up to Herod, being himself in Jerusalem in those days.

Haweis New Testament
And when he knew that he came out of Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who was himself at Jerusalem in those days.

Mace New Testament
and finding that he belong'd to Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who was then likewise at Jerusalem.

Weymouth New Testament
And learning that He belonged to Herod's jurisdiction he sent Him to Herod, for he too was in Jerusalem at that time.

Worrell New Testament
And, learning that He was of Herod's jurisdiction, he sent Him up to Herod, who also was in Jerusalem in these days.

Worsley New Testament
and understanding that He was of Herod's jurisdiction, he sent Him to Herod, who was also at Jerusalem at that time.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jesus Before Herod
6When Pilate heard this, he asked if the man was a Galilean. 7And learning that Jesus was under Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent Him to Herod, who himself was in Jerusalem at that time. 8When Herod saw Jesus, he was greatly pleased. He had wanted to see Him for a long time, because he had heard about Him and was hoping to see Him perform a miracle.…

Cross References
Matthew 27:11-14
Meanwhile Jesus stood before the governor, who questioned Him: “Are You the King of the Jews?” “You have said so,” Jesus replied. / And when He was accused by the chief priests and elders, He gave no answer. / Then Pilate asked Him, “Do You not hear how many charges they are bringing against You?” ...

Mark 15:1-5
Early in the morning, the chief priests, elders, scribes, and the whole Sanhedrin devised a plan. They bound Jesus, led Him away, and handed Him over to Pilate. / So Pilate questioned Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?” “You have said so,” Jesus replied. / And the chief priests began to accuse Him of many things. ...

John 18:28-38
Then they led Jesus away from Caiaphas into the Praetorium. By now it was early morning, and the Jews did not enter the Praetorium, to avoid being defiled and unable to eat the Passover. / So Pilate went out to them and asked, “What accusation are you bringing against this man?” / “If He were not a criminal,” they replied, “we would not have handed Him over to you.” ...

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.

Acts 13:1
Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch), and Saul.

Matthew 2:1-12
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, / asking, “Where is the One who has been born King of the Jews? We saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.” / When King Herod heard this, he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. ...

Matthew 14:1-12
At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the reports about Jesus / and said to his servants, “This is John the Baptist; he has risen from the dead! That is why miraculous powers are at work in him.” / Now Herod had arrested John and bound him and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, ...

Mark 6:14-29
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.” / Others were saying, “He is Elijah,” and still others, “He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.” / But when Herod heard this, he said, “John, whom I beheaded, has risen from the dead!” ...

John 19:12-16
From then on, Pilate tried to release Him, but the Jews kept shouting, “If you release this man, you are no friend of Caesar. Anyone who declares himself a king is defying Caesar.” / When Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus out and sat on the judgment seat at a place called the Stone Pavement, which in Hebrew is Gabbatha. / It was the day of Preparation for the Passover, about the sixth hour. And Pilate said to the Jews, “Here is your King!” ...

Acts 12:1-4
About that time, King Herod reached out to harm some who belonged to the church. / He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword. / And seeing that this pleased the Jews, Herod proceeded to seize Peter during the Feast of Unleavened Bread. ...

1 Samuel 8:5-6
“Look,” they said, “you are old, and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now appoint a king to judge us like all the other nations.” / But when they said, “Give us a king to judge us,” their demand was displeasing in the sight of Samuel; so he prayed to the LORD.

1 Samuel 12:12
But when you saw that Nahash king of the Ammonites was moving against you, you said to me, ‘No, we must have a king to rule over us’—even though the LORD your God was your king.

2 Kings 23:29-30
During Josiah’s reign, Pharaoh Neco king of Egypt marched up to help the king of Assyria at the Euphrates River. King Josiah went out to confront him, but Neco faced him and killed him at Megiddo. / From Megiddo his servants carried his body in a chariot, brought him to Jerusalem, and buried him in his own tomb. Then the people of the land took Jehoahaz son of Josiah, anointed him, and made him king in place of his father.

2 Chronicles 35:20-24
After all this, when Josiah had set the temple in order, Neco king of Egypt marched up to fight at Carchemish by the Euphrates, and Josiah went out to confront him. / But Neco sent messengers to him, saying, “What is the issue between you and me, O king of Judah? I have not come against you today, but I am fighting another dynasty, and God has told me to hurry. So stop opposing God, who is with me, or He will destroy you!” / Josiah, however, did not turn away from him; instead, in order to engage him in battle, he disguised himself. He did not listen to Neco’s words from the mouth of God, but went to fight him on the Plain of Megiddo. ...

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.


Treasury of Scripture

And as soon as he knew that he belonged to Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who himself also was at Jerusalem at that time.

Herod's.

Luke 3:1
Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judaea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of Ituraea and of the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias the tetrarch of Abilene,

Luke 13:31
The same day there came certain of the Pharisees, saying unto him, Get thee out, and depart hence: for Herod will kill thee.

Jump to Previous
Authority Belonged Found Herod Herod's Jerusalem Jesus Jurisdiction Learning Remitted Soon Time
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Authority Belonged Found Herod Herod's Jerusalem Jesus Jurisdiction Learning Remitted Soon Time
Luke 23
1. Jesus is accused before Pilate, and sent to Herod.
8. Herod mocks him.
12. Herod and Pilate become friends.
13. Barabbas is desired of the people,
24. and is released by Pilate, and Jesus is given to be crucified.
26. He tells the women, that lament him, the destruction of Jerusalem;
34. prays for his enemies.
39. Two criminals are crucified with him.
46. His death.
50. His burial.














And learning that Jesus was under Herod’s jurisdiction
This phrase indicates Pilate's discovery of Jesus' Galilean origin, placing Him under the authority of Herod Antipas, the tetrarch of Galilee and Perea. Herod's jurisdiction over Galilee is significant, as it reflects the Roman practice of regional governance. Herod Antipas, son of Herod the Great, is known for his role in the execution of John the Baptist (Mark 6:14-29). This jurisdictional transfer highlights the political maneuvering of Pilate, who sought to avoid responsibility for Jesus' fate.

he sent Him to Herod
Pilate's decision to send Jesus to Herod can be seen as an attempt to pass the responsibility of judgment. This act also reflects the strained relationship between Pilate and Herod, which is later reconciled through this interaction (Luke 23:12). The sending of Jesus to Herod fulfills the prophecy of Psalm 2:2, where rulers gather against the Lord's Anointed. It also demonstrates the fulfillment of Jesus' prediction that He would be handed over to the Gentiles (Luke 18:32).

who himself was in Jerusalem at that time
Herod's presence in Jerusalem during the Passover festival is significant, as it was customary for Jewish leaders to be in the city for major feasts. This detail underscores the providential timing of events leading to the crucifixion. Herod's presence in Jerusalem also provides a rare opportunity for him to encounter Jesus, whom he had long desired to see (Luke 9:9). This meeting between Herod and Jesus is a pivotal moment, illustrating the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan through the convergence of political and religious authorities.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus
Central figure of the New Testament, the Messiah, who is being tried and sent to Herod.

2. Herod Antipas
Tetrarch of Galilee and Perea, son of Herod the Great, known for his role in the trial of Jesus.

3. Pontius Pilate
The Roman governor of Judea who initially tried Jesus and then sent Him to Herod.

4. Jerusalem
The city where these events are taking place, significant as the center of Jewish worship and the location of Jesus' crucifixion.

5. Jurisdiction
Refers to the legal authority or control Herod had over Galilee, which is why Jesus was sent to him.
Teaching Points
Understanding Authority and Jurisdiction
Recognize the earthly authorities in our lives and how God uses them to fulfill His purposes, even when they seem unjust.

God's Sovereignty in Trials
Trust that God is in control, even when we face trials and are subject to human authorities. Jesus' journey to Herod was part of God's divine plan.

The Role of Human Decisions in Divine Plans
Reflect on how human decisions, like Pilate sending Jesus to Herod, are used by God to accomplish His will. Our choices matter, but God’s plan prevails.

Responding to Injustice
Consider how Jesus responded to injustice with silence and dignity, setting an example for us in facing unfair treatment.

The Importance of Prophecy Fulfillment
Study how the events of Jesus' trial and crucifixion fulfill Old Testament prophecies, reinforcing the reliability of Scripture.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Luke 23:7?

2. Why did Pilate send Jesus to Herod in Luke 23:7?

3. How does Herod's jurisdiction over Galilee relate to Jesus' trial?

4. What does Luke 23:7 reveal about political dynamics in Jesus' time?

5. How can we discern God's sovereignty in political situations today?

6. How should Christians respond when facing unjust treatment by authorities?

7. Why was Jesus sent to Herod in Luke 23:7?

8. What does Herod's role in Luke 23:7 reveal about political power?

9. How does Luke 23:7 reflect the fulfillment of prophecy?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Luke 23?

11. What is the plot of Jesus Christ Superstar?

12. Who was Jesus' earthly father?

13. Why does Pilate, a known ruthless governor, appear unusually hesitant in sentencing Jesus?

14. How many animals did Jesus ride into Jerusalem? One (Mark 11:7, Luke 19:35) or two (Matthew 21:7)?
What Does Luke 23:7 Mean
And learning that Jesus was under Herod’s jurisdiction

• Pilate discovers Jesus comes from Galilee, the territory ruled by Herod Antipas (Luke 3:1).

• Roman practice respected regional jurisdictions, so Pilate recognizes Herod’s legal authority over a Galilean (cf. Acts 25:9–12, where governors juggle jurisdictions).

• This moment shows God’s sovereignty: Jesus is examined by multiple authorities, Jewish and Gentile, fulfilling Psalm 2:1–2 and Acts 4:26–27, which speak of “the kings of the earth” gathering against the Lord’s Anointed.

• It also highlights Jesus’ blamelessness—each court must examine Him, yet none find legitimate guilt (Luke 23:4; John 18:38).


he sent Him to Herod

• Pilate’s referral signals political maneuvering: he wishes to avoid responsibility for condemning an innocent man (Matthew 27:24) and seeks favor with Herod (Luke 23:12 notes they became friends that very day).

• Herod’s court represents worldly curiosity rather than true justice; earlier Herod had wanted to see Jesus perform a miracle (Luke 9:9).

• The transfer fulfills Isaiah 53:8, “By oppression and judgment He was taken away,” as Jesus is shuffled among leaders without a fair verdict.

• It underscores Christ’s voluntary submission to flawed human systems while accomplishing redemption (John 10:18).


who himself was in Jerusalem at that time

• Normally in Galilee, Herod is in the capital city for Passover, a convergence of political and religious authorities (Luke 22:1).

• This timing was no accident: God orchestrated Herod’s presence so that every level of local governance would reject the Messiah, confirming the prophetic pattern (Acts 2:23).

• Pilate’s ability to pass Jesus to Herod depends on this providential overlap, emphasizing that nothing about Christ’s passion is random (Luke 24:26–27).

• The scene unites Jewish leadership (Sanhedrin), regional ruler (Herod), and imperial governor (Pilate) in a single storyline, prefiguring the universal scope of Christ’s atonement (Revelation 5:9–10).


summary

Luke 23:7 records Pilate’s discovery of Jesus’ Galilean identity, his decision to send Him to Herod, and the providential circumstance of Herod’s presence in Jerusalem. The verse reveals political maneuvering, human reluctance to render true justice, and God’s sovereign design that multiple authorities would examine—and ultimately reject—His spotless Son. Through this layered legal process, Scripture affirms both Jesus’ innocence and His intentional path toward the cross for our salvation.

(7) Unto Herod's jurisdiction.--The word is the same as that commonly translated "authority," but the English exactly expresses its meaning here.

Who himself also was at Jerusalem.--It was, of course, no strange thing that the Tetrarch of Galilee, professing Judaism, should come up to keep the Passover in the Holy City. And it is clear that he kept a kind of court there, had his so-called Herodian Rabbis with him (see Notes on Mark 3:6; Mark 12:13), and was attended by his troops (Luke 23:11). Up to this time he had remained in sullen seclusion, and no visits of courtesy had been exchanged between him and Pilate.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
And
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

learning
ἐπιγνοὺς (epignous)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1921: From epi and ginosko; to know upon some mark, i.e. Recognize; by implication, to become fully acquainted with, to acknowledge.

that
ὅτι (hoti)
Conjunction
Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.

[Jesus] was
ἐστὶν (estin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

under
ἐκ (ek)
Preposition
Strong's 1537: From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.

Herod’s
Ἡρῴδου (Hērōdou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2264: Compound of heros and eidos; heroic; Herod, the name of four Jewish kings.

jurisdiction,
ἐξουσίας (exousias)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 1849: From exesti; privilege, i.e. force, capacity, competency, freedom, or mastery, delegated influence.

he sent Him
ἀνέπεμψεν (anepempsen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 375: To send up (to a higher tribunal), send back. From ana and pempo; to send up or back.

to
πρὸς (pros)
Preposition
Strong's 4314: To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.

Herod,
Ἡρῴδην (Hērōdēn)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2264: Compound of heros and eidos; heroic; Herod, the name of four Jewish kings.

[who] himself
αὐτὸν (auton)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

was
ὄντα (onta)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

Jerusalem
Ἱεροσολύμοις (Hierosolymois)
Noun - Dative Neuter Plural
Strong's 2414: The Greek form of the Hebrew name: Jerusalem. Of Hebrew origin; Hierosolyma

at
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

that
ταύταις (tautais)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Dative Feminine Plural
Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it.

time.
ἡμέραις (hēmerais)
Noun - Dative Feminine Plural
Strong's 2250: A day, the period from sunrise to sunset.


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NT Gospels: Luke 23:7 When he found out that he was (Luke Lu Lk)
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