And as he said these things unto them, the scribes and the Pharisees began to urge him vehemently, and to provoke him to speak of many things:

LUKE 11:53KJV
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Luke 11:53 (KJV)

What does Luke 11:53 mean?

Luke 11:53 describes how, after Jesus spoke to the crowd, the scribes and Pharisees began to press him aggressively and tried to get him to talk about many different topics. This shows their growing hostility and their attempt to trap Jesus in his words.

In this scene, Jesus has just finished a strong rebuke of the religious leaders. The scribes and Pharisees—experts in Jewish law and influential religious figures—respond by urgently questioning him, hoping to provoke him into saying something they could use against him. The verse highlights a turning point where the opposition to Jesus becomes more intense and deliberate.

The Greek behind Luke 11:53

  • ἐνέχειν (enechein, "urge vehemently"): This word carries the sense of pressing or being hostile, not just asking questions but doing so with a sense of animosity or entrapment.
  • ἀποστοματίζειν (apostomatizein, "provoke"): This word is often understood as trying to catch someone off guard or force them to speak, especially in a way that could be used against them. It suggests the Pharisees were not seeking honest answers but looking for a reason to accuse Jesus.

Why Luke 11:53 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the religious leaders were not simply curious but were actively seeking to undermine Jesus, marking a shift from passive skepticism to open hostility.
  • It connects to the wider passage by showing the immediate reaction to Jesus’ criticism, setting the stage for the ongoing conflict that leads to later events in his ministry.
  • Understanding the intensity of the leaders’ actions helps explain why Jesus often responded with caution or parables rather than direct answers in later interactions.

Where else these words appear

“vehemently” Greek G1171 · used in 2 verses

  • Matthew 8:6 And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented.

“urge” Greek G1758 · used in 3 verses

  • Mark 6:19 Therefore Herodias had a quarrel against him, and would have killed him; but she could not:
  • Galatians 5:1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

“things” Greek G4119 · used in 55 verses

  • Matthew 5:20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.
  • John 4:41 And many more believed because of his own word;
  • Acts 25:6 And when he had tarried among them more than ten days, he went down unto Caesarea; and the next day sitting on the judgment seat commanded Paul to be brought.

“scribes” Greek G1122 · used in 67 verses

  • Matthew 2:4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
  • Matthew 26:57 And they that had laid hold on Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled.
  • Mark 15:1 And straightway in the morning the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council, and bound Jesus, and carried him away, and delivered him to Pilate.