And he said unto them, Go ye, and tell that fox, Behold, I cast out devils, and I do cures to day and to morrow, and the third day I shall be perfected.

LUKE 13:32KJV
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Luke 13:32 (KJV)

What does Luke 13:32 mean?

Luke 13:32 records Jesus calling Herod “that fox” and saying He will continue casting out demons and healing people today and tomorrow, and on the third day He will reach His goal. Jesus is making clear that He will not be stopped or hurried by threats, and that His mission will unfold on His own terms.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to some Pharisees who warn Him that Herod wants to kill Him. By calling Herod a “fox,” Jesus uses a common image for someone sly or cunning, but also insignificant compared to God’s plan. Jesus’ mention of “today, tomorrow, and the third day” is a way of saying He has a set time for His work, and He will not be diverted from it by Herod’s threats.

The Greek behind Luke 13:32

  • ἀλώπηξ (alōpēx, “fox”): This word often described someone crafty or sly, but also could imply being unimportant or lacking real power. Jesus’ use of it for Herod suggests both contempt for Herod’s character and a dismissal of his threat.
  • τελειοῦμαι (teleioumai, “I shall be perfected”): This Greek word means to be made complete or to finish a task. Here, Jesus is saying that His mission will reach its intended end, regardless of opposition.

Why Luke 13:32 matters

  • This verse shows Jesus’ courage and determination in the face of political threats, making clear that no earthly ruler can alter God’s plan.
  • The use of “fox” for Herod helps clarify Jesus’ view of worldly power: cunning but ultimately powerless against God’s purpose.
  • Jesus’ reference to a set timeline (“today, tomorrow, and the third day”) connects to the theme throughout Luke of Jesus’ journey toward Jerusalem and His coming death and resurrection.

Where else these words appear

“fox” Greek G258 · used in 3 verses

  • Matthew 8:20 And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.
  • Luke 9:58 And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.

“cures” Greek G2392 · used in 3 verses

  • Acts 4:22 For the man was above forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing was shewed.
  • Acts 4:30 By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.

“do” Greek G2005 · used in 10 verses

  • Romans 15:28 When therefore I have performed this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will come by you into Spain.
  • 2 Corinthians 8:11 Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have.
  • Hebrews 8:5 Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount.

“morrow” Greek G839 · used in 14 verses

  • Matthew 6:30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?
  • Luke 13:33 Nevertheless I must walk to day, and to morrow, and the day following: for it cannot be that a prophet perish out of Jerusalem.
  • Acts 23:20 And he said, The Jews have agreed to desire thee that thou wouldest bring down Paul to morrow into the council, as though they would enquire somewhat of him more perfectly.