Laying wait for him, and seeking to catch something out of his mouth, that they might accuse him.

LUKE 11:54KJV
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Luke 11:54 (KJV)

What does Luke 11:54 mean?

Luke 11:54 describes how certain religious leaders were watching Jesus closely, hoping to catch him saying something they could use against him and accuse him of wrongdoing. The verse shows that their intent was not honest questioning, but a deliberate attempt to trap Jesus in his words.

In the setting of Luke 11, Jesus has just spoken strong words against the Pharisees and lawyers, exposing their hypocrisy. In response, these leaders begin to plot against him, waiting for any slip in his speech. The verse highlights the growing tension and opposition Jesus faced from those in authority as he continued his public ministry.

The Greek behind Luke 11:54

  • The word "catch" is from the Greek θηρεύω (thēreuō), which means to hunt or trap, often used for catching animals. Here, it paints a vivid picture of the leaders actively lying in wait, like hunters, not just passively listening.
  • The phrase "seeking" comes from ζητέω (zēteō), meaning to seek or look for, showing their ongoing effort and determination to find something incriminating.
  • The word "accuse" is from κατηγορέω (katēgoreō), which means to bring charges or make a legal accusation, emphasizing their goal was to find grounds for formal charges, not just to criticize.

Why Luke 11:54 matters

  • This verse clears up any idea that the religious leaders were simply curious or open-minded; their actions were calculated and adversarial.
  • The language reveals the intensity of their opposition, showing that Jesus was under constant scrutiny and threat from those in power.
  • Understanding this verse helps explain the mounting hostility that eventually leads to Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion, connecting it to the broader narrative of conflict in the Gospel of Luke.

Where else these words appear

“for” Greek G1748 · used in 2 verses

  • Acts 23:21 But do not thou yield unto them: for there lie in wait for him of them more than forty men, which have bound themselves with an oath, that they will neither eat nor drink till they have killed him: and now are they ready, looking for a promise from thee.

“accuse” Greek G2723 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 12:10 And, behold, there was a man which had his hand withered. And they asked him, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath days? that they might accuse him.
  • Luke 23:14 Said unto them, Ye have brought this man unto me, as one that perverteth the people: and, behold, I, having examined him before you, have found no fault in this man touching those things whereof ye accuse him:
  • Acts 24:19 Who ought to have been here before thee, and object, if they had ought against me.

“mouth” Greek G4750 · used in 72 verses

  • Matthew 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
  • Acts 4:25 Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things?
  • James 3:3 Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.

“seeking” Greek G2212 · used in 116 verses

  • Matthew 2:13 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
  • Luke 13:7 Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground?
  • John 16:19 Now Jesus knew that they were desirous to ask him, and said unto them, Do ye enquire among yourselves of that I said, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me?