Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judaea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of Ituraea and of the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias the tetrarch of Abilene,

LUKE 3:1KJV
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Luke 3:1 (KJV)

What does Luke 3:1 mean?

Luke 3:1 sets the historical scene for the events about to unfold by listing the rulers in power when John the Baptist began his ministry. The verse names the Roman emperor Tiberius Caesar, regional governors like Pontius Pilate, and local rulers such as Herod, Philip, and Lysanias to anchor the story in a specific time and place.

Luke, the author, is writing to give his readers a clear sense of when these events happened, using well-known political figures as reference points. By naming these leaders, Luke shows that the story of John the Baptist and Jesus is rooted in real history, not legend or myth, and he signals that something significant is about to happen during this particular period.

The Greek behind Luke 3:1

  • ἡγεμονεύοντος (hēgemoneuontos, "governor"): This word describes Pontius Pilate’s official role as the Roman governor of Judaea. It highlights the Roman control over the region and sets the political backdrop for later events in Jesus’ life.
  • τετραάρχης (tetrarchēs, "tetrarch"): Used for Herod, Philip, and Lysanias, this term means "ruler of a fourth part." It points to the division of Herod the Great’s kingdom among his sons and others, showing the fragmented local rule under Rome.
  • ἔτος (etos, "year") and βασιλείας (basileias, "reign"): These words together mark the "fifteenth year of the reign" of Tiberius Caesar, giving a precise historical timestamp that helps readers connect biblical events to secular history.

Why Luke 3:1 matters

  • Luke 3:1 clears up any confusion about when John the Baptist’s ministry began, anchoring it firmly in world history rather than leaving it vague or symbolic.
  • The verse emphasizes that the gospel story unfolds amid real political powers, showing that God’s work happens in the midst of everyday life and world events.
  • By listing both Roman and local rulers, Luke prepares the reader for the tensions and interactions between different authorities that will shape the rest of the narrative.

Where else these words appear

“governor” Greek G2230 · used in 2 verses

  • Luke 2:2 ( And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

“Pontius” Greek G4194 · used in 4 verses

  • Matthew 27:2 And when they had bound him, they led him away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor.
  • Acts 4:27 For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together,
  • 1 Timothy 6:13 I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession;

“Caesar” Greek G2541 · used in 25 verses

  • Matthew 22:17 Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not?
  • Luke 20:25 And he said unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar's, and unto God the things which be God's.
  • Acts 25:11 For if I be an offender, or have committed any thing worthy of death, I refuse not to die: but if there be none of these things whereof these accuse me, no man may deliver me unto them. I appeal unto Caesar.

“region” Greek G5561 · used in 27 verses

  • Matthew 2:12 And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.
  • Luke 12:16 And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully:
  • Acts 8:1 And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.