And when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad: for he was desirous to see him of a long season, because he had heard many things of him; and he hoped to have seen some miracle done by him.

LUKE 23:8KJV
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Luke 23:8 (KJV)

What does Luke 23:8 mean?

Luke 23:8 describes how Herod was extremely pleased to finally see Jesus, because he had wanted to meet him for a long time, having heard many reports about him, and he hoped to witness Jesus perform a miracle. This verse shows Herod’s curiosity and excitement were driven by stories of Jesus’ miraculous acts, not by faith or understanding.

In this scene, Jesus has been brought before Herod Antipas during his trial. Herod is not interested in the charges against Jesus, but rather in the possibility of seeing something amazing or supernatural. The verse highlights Herod’s superficial interest—he treats Jesus almost like a spectacle, hoping for entertainment rather than seeking truth or justice.

The Greek behind Luke 23:8

  • The word "exceeding" (λίαν, transliterated as lian) is from the Greek word πολύς (polys), but here the tag is G3029, which is μάλα (mala), meaning "very much" or "exceedingly." This emphasizes just how glad Herod was—his excitement was unusually strong.
  • The word "miracle" (σημεῖον, transliterated as sēmeion) means "sign" or "miraculous sign." In the Greek, this word often points to something that reveals deeper meaning, but here, Herod just wants to see something impressive, missing the true purpose of such signs.
  • The word "hoped" (ἤλπιζεν, ēlpizen) comes from a Greek word that means to expect or look forward to something. Herod’s hope is not about faith, but about anticipation of a show.

Why Luke 23:8 matters

  • This verse clears up the misunderstanding that all who sought Jesus did so for sincere reasons; Herod’s interest is shallow and self-serving.
  • Luke 23:8 emphasizes the contrast between Herod’s curiosity and the seriousness of Jesus’ mission, highlighting how some people miss the true significance of Jesus by focusing only on the spectacular.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage by showing the different attitudes of the authorities Jesus faced—Pilate, Herod, and the religious leaders each respond to Jesus in their own way, none truly understanding him.

Where else these words appear

“exceeding” Greek G3029 · used in 14 verses

  • Matthew 2:16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men.
  • Mark 1:35 And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.
  • 2 Corinthians 11:5 For I suppose I was not a whit behind the very chiefest apostles.

“hoped” Greek G1679 · used in 31 verses

  • Matthew 12:21 And in his name shall the Gentiles trust.
  • 1 Corinthians 13:7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
  • 1 Timothy 3:14 These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly:

“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.

“long” Greek G2425 · used in 41 verses

  • Matthew 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
  • Luke 22:38 And they said, Lord, behold, here are two swords. And he said unto them, It is enough.
  • Acts 19:19 Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver.