And the same day Pilate and Herod were made friends together: for before they were at enmity between themselves.

LUKE 23:12KJV
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Luke 23:12 (KJV)

What does Luke 23:12 mean?

Luke 23:12 describes how Pilate and Herod, who had previously been enemies, became friends on the day of Jesus’ trial. Their new friendship was formed because of their shared involvement in the events surrounding Jesus’ fate.

This verse is part of the account of Jesus’ trial before his crucifixion. Pilate was the Roman governor, and Herod was the ruler of Galilee; both had authority over Jesus at different points. The verse highlights how their relationship changed due to the unusual circumstances of Jesus being brought before them, showing how political alliances could shift quickly in response to shared interests.

The Greek behind Luke 23:12

  • φίλοι (phíloi, G5384): This word means "friends." Here, it emphasizes that Pilate and Herod moved from hostility to a cooperative relationship, which is notable given their previous rivalry.
  • ἔχθρα (échthra, G2189): This word means "enmity" or "hostility." The Greek here carries the sense of active opposition, not just a lack of friendship, so the change in their relationship is significant.
  • μετὰ (metá, G3326) + ἀλλήλων (allēlōn, G240): Together, these mean "with each other." The Greek construction stresses the mutual nature of their new friendship, not just a one-sided gesture.

Why Luke 23:12 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Jesus’ trial had political effects beyond just the decision about his fate; it even changed relationships among rulers.
  • Luke 23:12 shows how Jesus’ presence and the controversy around him could unite former enemies, underlining the far-reaching impact of his trial.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage by explaining why Herod and Pilate acted together, which helps the reader understand the political dynamics at play during Jesus’ crucifixion.

Where else these words appear

“before” Greek G4391 · used in 2 verses

  • Acts 8:9 But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one:

“enmity” Greek G2189 · used in 6 verses

  • Romans 8:7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
  • Galatians 5:20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
  • Ephesians 2:16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:

“friends” Greek G5384 · used in 27 verses

  • Matthew 11:19 The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children.
  • Luke 14:12 Then said he also to him that bade him, When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbours; lest they also bid thee again, and a recompence be made thee.
  • John 15:14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.

“Herod” Greek G2264 · used in 41 verses

  • Matthew 2:1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
  • Mark 6:16 But when Herod heard thereof, he said, It is John, whom I beheaded: he is risen from the dead.
  • Luke 13:31 The same day there came certain of the Pharisees, saying unto him, Get thee out, and depart hence: for Herod will kill thee.