Luke 23:11

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Luke 23:11 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And Herod with his soldiers set him at nought, and mocked him, and arraying him in gorgeous apparel sent him back to Pilate.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And Herod with his soldiers set him at nought, and mocked him, and arraying him in gorgeous apparel sent him back to Pilate.
Luke 23:11 — American Standard Version

Context — Luke 23

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
11And Herod with his soldiers set him at nought, and mocked him, and arraying him in gorgeous apparel sent him back to Pilate.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And Herod, with his men of war, etc.] Or his soldiers, his bodyguards that attended his person, who came with him from Galilee, and were both for his security and service, and for his pomp and magnificence: set him at nought; made nothing of him; had him in no account; treated him as a silly, and contemptible creature, that could not do any thing that was reported of him; nor able to say any thing for himself; but took him to be a mere fool and idiot; and so they used him: and mocked him; as a king, and made sport and pastime with him: and arrayed him in a gorgeous robe. The Vulgate Latin renders it, “a white robe”; a token of his innocence, though not so designed by them, but rather by way…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“his men of war--his bodyguard. set him at naught, &c.--stung with disappointment at His refusal to amuse him with miracles or answer any of his questions. gorgeous robe--bright robe. If this mean (as sometimes) of shining white, this being the royal color among the Jews, it may have been in derision of His claim to be "King of the Jews." But if so, "He in reality honored Him, as did Pilate with His true title blazoned on the cross" [BENGEL]. sent him again to Pilate--instead of releasing him as he ought, having established nothing against Him (Luk 23:14-15). "Thus he implicated himself with Pilate in all the guilt of His condemnation, and with him accordingly he is classed" (Act 4:27)…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Herod with his men of war - With his soldiers, or his body-guard. It is probable that in traveling he had “a guard” to attend him constantly. Set him at nought - Treated him with contempt and ridicule. A gorgeous robe - A white or shining robe, for this is the meaning of the original. The Roman princes wore “purple” robes, and “Pilate,” therefore, put such a robe on Jesus. The Jewish kings wore a “white” robe, which was often rendered very shining or gorgeous by much tinsel or silver interwoven. Josephus says that the robe which Agrippa wore was so bright with silver that when the sun shone on it, it so dazzled the eyes that it was difficult to look on it. The Jews and Romans, therefore,…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Herod set him at nought - Probably judging him to be a fool, because he answered nothing. In a splendid robe - In royal apparel; intimating that he feared nothing from this king. Luke 23:15”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Herod: Act 4:27, Act 4:28 set: Luk 22:64, Luk 22:65; Psa 22:6, Psa 69:19, Psa 69:20; Isa 49:7, Isa 53:3; Mat 27:27-30; Mar 9:12; Mar 15:16-20 arrayed: Joh 19:5 Luke 23:12”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification