Luke 9:9
New International Version
But Herod said, “I beheaded John. Who, then, is this I hear such things about?” And he tried to see him.

New Living Translation
“I beheaded John,” Herod said, “so who is this man about whom I hear such stories?” And he kept trying to see him.

English Standard Version
Herod said, “John I beheaded, but who is this about whom I hear such things?” And he sought to see him.

Berean Standard Bible
“I beheaded John,” Herod said, “but who is this man I hear such things about?” And he kept trying to see Jesus.

Berean Literal Bible
And Herod said, "John I beheaded, but who is this concerning whom I hear such things?" And he was seeking to see Him.

King James Bible
And Herod said, John have I beheaded: but who is this, of whom I hear such things? And he desired to see him.

New King James Version
Herod said, “John I have beheaded, but who is this of whom I hear such things?” So he sought to see Him.

New American Standard Bible
Herod said, “I myself had John beheaded; but who is this man about whom I hear such things?” And he kept trying to see Him.

NASB 1995
Herod said, “I myself had John beheaded; but who is this man about whom I hear such things?” And he kept trying to see Him.

NASB 1977
And Herod said, “I myself had John beheaded; but who is this man about whom I hear such things?” And he kept trying to see Him.

Legacy Standard Bible
And Herod said, “I myself had John beheaded, but who is this man about whom I hear such things?” And he kept trying to see Him.

Amplified Bible
Herod said, “I personally had John beheaded. Who is this man about whom I hear such things?” And he kept trying to see Jesus.

Christian Standard Bible
“I beheaded John,” Herod said, “but who is this I hear such things about? ” And he wanted to see him.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
I beheaded John,” Herod said, “but who is this I hear such things about?” And he wanted to see Him.

American Standard Version
And Herod said, John I beheaded: but who is this, about whom I hear such things? And he sought to see him.

Contemporary English Version
But Herod said, "I had John's head cut off! Who is this I hear so much about?" Herod was eager to meet Jesus.

English Revised Version
And Herod said, John I beheaded: but who is this, about whom I hear such things? And he sought to see him.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Herod said, "I had John's head cut off. Who is this person I'm hearing so much about?" So Herod wanted to see Jesus.

Good News Translation
Herod said, "I had John's head cut off; but who is this man I hear these things about?" And he kept trying to see Jesus.

International Standard Version
Herod said, "I beheaded John. But who is this man I'm hearing so much about?" So Herod kept trying to see Jesus.

Majority Standard Bible
?I beheaded John,? Herod said, ?but who is this man I hear such things about?? And he kept trying to see Jesus.

NET Bible
Herod said, "I had John beheaded, but who is this about whom I hear such things?" So Herod wanted to learn about Jesus.

New Heart English Bible
Herod said, "John I beheaded, but who is this, about whom I hear such things?" He sought to see him.

Webster's Bible Translation
And Herod said, John have I beheaded; but who is this of whom I hear such things? And he desired to see him.

Weymouth New Testament
And Herod said, "John I have beheaded; but who is this, of whom I hear such reports?" And he sought for an opportunity of seeing Jesus.

World English Bible
Herod said, “I beheaded John, but who is this about whom I hear such things?” He sought to see him.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and Herod said, “I beheaded John, but who is this concerning whom I hear such things?” And he was seeking to see Him.

Berean Literal Bible
And Herod said, "John I beheaded, but who is this concerning whom I hear such things?" And he was seeking to see Him.

Young's Literal Translation
and Herod said, 'John I did behead, but who is this concerning whom I hear such things?' and he was seeking to see him.

Smith's Literal Translation
And Herod said, John I beheaded and who is this, of whom I hear such things? And he sought to see him.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And Herod said: John I have beheaded; but who is this of whom I hear such things? And he sought to see him.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And Herod said: “I beheaded John. So then, who is this, about whom I hear such things?” And he sought to see him.

New American Bible
But Herod said, “John I beheaded. Who then is this about whom I hear such things?” And he kept trying to see him.

New Revised Standard Version
Herod said, “John I beheaded; but who is this about whom I hear such things?” And he tried to see him.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
So Herod said, I have beheaded John; but who is this one concerning whom I hear these things? And he wanted to see him.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And Herodus said, “I have cut off the head of Yohannan, but who is this about whom I have heard these things?” And he wanted to see him.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And Herod said: John I have beheaded: but who is this, of whom I hear such things? And he desired to see him.

Godbey New Testament
And Herod said, I beheaded John: but who is this, concerning whom I hear these things? And he was seeking to see Him.

Haweis New Testament
And Herod said, John I beheaded; but who is this, of whom I hear such things? And he sought to see him.

Mace New Testament
but Herod said, John was beheaded by my order, who then can this be, who, they say, performs such strange things? and he desired to have a sight of Jesus.

Weymouth New Testament
And Herod said, "John I have beheaded; but who is this, of whom I hear such reports?" And he sought for an opportunity of seeing Jesus.

Worrell New Testament
And Herod said, "John I beheaded; but Who is This concerning Whom I hear such things?" And he was seeking to see Him.

Worsley New Testament
And Herod said, John have I beheaded: but who is this, of whom I hear such things? and he wanted to see Him.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Herod Desires to See Jesus
8others that Elijah had appeared, and still others that a prophet of old had arisen. 9“I beheaded John,” Herod said, “but who is this man I hear such things about?” And he kept trying to see Jesus. 10Then the apostles returned and reported to Jesus all that they had done. Taking them away privately, He withdrew to a town called Bethsaida.…

Cross References
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!” ...

Luke 23:8-12
When 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. / Herod questioned Jesus at great length, but He gave no answer. / Meanwhile, the chief priests and scribes stood there, vehemently accusing Him. ...

Acts 13:27
The people of Jerusalem and their rulers did not recognize Jesus, yet in condemning Him they fulfilled the words of the prophets that are read every Sabbath.

Matthew 16:14
They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”

Mark 8:28
They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.”

Luke 3:19-20
But when he rebuked Herod the tetrarch regarding his brother’s wife Herodias and all the evils he had done, / Herod added this to them all: He locked John up in prison.

John 1:21
“Then who are you?” they inquired. “Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” He answered, “No.”

John 10:41
Many came to Him and said, “Although John never performed a sign, everything he said about this man was true.”

Matthew 11:11
Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has risen no one greater than John the Baptist. Yet even the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

Matthew 17:12-13
But I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but have done to him whatever they wished. In the same way, the Son of Man will suffer at their hands.” / Then the disciples understood that He was speaking to them about John the Baptist.

Mark 9:11-13
And they asked Jesus, “Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” / He replied, “Elijah does indeed come first, and he restores all things. Why then is it written that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected? / But I tell you that Elijah has indeed come, and they have done to him whatever they wished, just as it is written about him.”

2 Kings 2:11
As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire with horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up into heaven in a whirlwind.

Malachi 4:5
Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and awesome Day of the LORD.

1 Kings 18:17-18
When Ahab saw Elijah, he said to him, “Is that you, O troubler of Israel?” / “I have not troubled Israel,” Elijah replied, “but you and your father’s house have, for you have forsaken the commandments of the LORD and have followed the Baals.


Treasury of Scripture

And Herod said, John have I beheaded: but who is this, of whom I hear such things? And he desired to see him.

John.

Luke 9:7
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;

And he.

Luke 13:31,32
The same day there came certain of the Pharisees, saying unto him, Get thee out, and depart hence: for Herod will kill thee…

Luke 23:8
And when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad: for he was desirous to see him of a long season, because he had heard many things of him; and he hoped to have seen some miracle done by him.

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Luke 9
1. Jesus sends his apostles to work miracles, and to preach.
7. Herod desires to see Jesus.
10. The apostles return.
12. Jesus feeds five thousand;
18. inquires what opinion the world had of him; foretells his passion;
23. proposes to all the pattern of his patience.
28. The transfiguration.
37. He heals the lunatic;
43. again forewarns his disciples of his passion;
46. commends humility;
51. bids them to show mildness toward all, without desire of revenge.
57. Many would follow him, but upon conditions.














"I beheaded John," Herod said
Herod Antipas, the tetrarch of Galilee and Perea, was responsible for the execution of John the Baptist. This act is recorded in the Gospels as a result of John's condemnation of Herod's unlawful marriage to Herodias, his brother's wife. Herod's acknowledgment of beheading John reflects his awareness of his own guilt and the gravity of his actions. Historically, Herod Antipas was known for his political maneuvering and moral weaknesses, which are evident in his interactions with John and later with Jesus.

"but who is this man I hear such things about?"
Herod's question reveals his curiosity and confusion about Jesus' identity. Despite his political power, Herod is perplexed by the reports of Jesus' miraculous works and teachings. This reflects a common theme in the Gospels where Jesus' true identity is often misunderstood or questioned by those in authority. The question also highlights the widespread impact of Jesus' ministry, as even rulers are hearing of His deeds. This echoes earlier scriptural prophecies about the Messiah being a figure of great renown and influence.

And he kept trying to see Jesus.
Herod's persistent desire to see Jesus indicates a mix of intrigue and perhaps fear. While he is curious, there is also an underlying tension, as Herod might be concerned about Jesus' growing influence and the potential threat to his own authority. This desire to see Jesus is not driven by faith or repentance but rather by a fascination with the miraculous and the unknown. Herod's eventual encounter with Jesus during the Passion narrative further illustrates his inability to comprehend Jesus' true nature and mission, fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah about the Messiah being misunderstood and rejected by those in power.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Herod Antipas
The tetrarch of Galilee and Perea, son of Herod the Great. Known for his role in the execution of John the Baptist.

2. John the Baptist
A prophet and forerunner of Jesus, known for his call to repentance and baptism. He was beheaded by Herod Antipas.

3. Jesus
The central figure of the New Testament, whose growing reputation and miraculous works were causing widespread attention and curiosity.

4. Galilee
The region where much of Jesus' ministry took place and where Herod Antipas ruled.

5. The Public's Reaction
The growing curiosity and speculation about Jesus' identity and the source of His power.
Teaching Points
Curiosity vs. Faith
Herod's curiosity about Jesus was not rooted in faith or a desire for truth but in intrigue and fear. We should examine our own motivations when seeking Jesus.

The Consequences of Sin
Herod's guilt over John the Baptist's death haunted him, illustrating how sin can lead to fear and confusion. Repentance and seeking forgiveness are crucial.

The Identity of Jesus
The question of "Who is Jesus?" is central to the Gospel. Understanding His true identity is essential for faith and salvation.

The Power of a Good Conscience
Herod's troubled conscience serves as a warning. A clear conscience before God is vital for peace and spiritual growth.

The Impact of Jesus' Ministry
Jesus' works and teachings were so powerful that even rulers like Herod took notice. Our lives should similarly reflect Christ's influence, drawing others to Him.(9) And he desired to see him.--St. Luke returns (Luke 23:8) to the working of this desire, which he apparently knew from sources that were not within the reach of the other Evangelists.

Verse 9. - And he desired to see him; that is, Jesus. The desire of Herod was gratified, but not then. He saw him the day of the Crucifixion, when Pilate sent him to Herod for judgment; but the tetrarch, weak and wicked though he was, declined the responsibility of shedding that blood, so he sent him back to the Roman governor. Here, in SS. Matthew and Mark, follows the dramatic and vivid account of the death of John the Baptist. St. Luke probably omits it, as his Gospel, or rather Paul's, was derived from what they heard from eyewitnesses and hearers of the Lord. As regards SS. Matthew and Mark, the latter of whom was probably simply the amanuensis of St. Peter, the awful event was woven into their life's story. It was most natural that, in their public preaching and teaching, they should make constant mention of the tragedy which so personally affected Jesus and his little company. St. Luke and his master, Paul, on the other hand, who were not personally present with the Lord when these events took place, would be likely to confine their memoirs as closely as possible to those circumstances in which Jesus alone occupied the prominent place.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
“I
ἐγὼ (egō)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

beheaded
ἀπεκεφάλισα (apekephalisa)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 607: To behead. From apo and kephale; to decapitate.

John,”
Ἰωάννην (Iōannēn)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2491: Of Hebrew origin; Joannes, the name of four Israelites.

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

said,
Εἶπεν (Eipen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2036: Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.

“but
δέ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

who
τίς (tis)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5101: Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.

is
ἐστιν (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.

this [man]
οὗτος (houtos)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it.

I hear
ἀκούω (akouō)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 191: To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.

such things
τοιαῦτα (toiauta)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 5108: (including the other inflections); from toi and houtos; truly this, i.e. Of this sort (to denote character or individuality).

about?”
περὶ (peri)
Preposition
Strong's 4012: From the base of peran; properly, through, i.e. Around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time.

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

he kept trying
ἐζήτει (ezētei)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2212: To seek, search for, desire, require, demand. Of uncertain affinity; to seek; specially, to worship, or to plot.

to see
ἰδεῖν (idein)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 3708: Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear.

[Jesus].
αὐτόν (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.


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NT Gospels: Luke 9:9 Herod said John I beheaded but who (Luke Lu Lk)
Luke 9:8
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