Luke 3:20 (KJV)

What does Luke 3:20 mean?

Luke 3:20 describes how Herod, after being rebuked by John the Baptist for his actions, added to his wrongdoings by imprisoning John. This verse highlights that Herod’s decision to lock up John was an additional and significant offense on top of his earlier misdeeds.

In this part of Luke’s Gospel, the focus is on Herod Antipas, the ruler of Galilee, and his reaction to John the Baptist’s criticism. John had publicly condemned Herod for marrying his brother’s wife and other wrongs. Instead of listening, Herod responded by having John put in prison, which the verse presents as a particularly serious act among Herod’s many faults.

The Greek behind Luke 3:20

• The word translated “added” is προστίθημι (prostithēmi, G4369), which often means to add something on top of what is already there. Here, it emphasizes that imprisoning John was not Herod’s only wrongdoing, but an additional, even greater one.
• The phrase “shut up” comes from κατακλείω (katakleiō, G2623), which means to lock up or confine securely. This word stresses the deliberate and forceful nature of John’s imprisonment, not just a casual arrest.
• The word for “prison” is φυλακή (phylakē, G5438), meaning a place of confinement. This underlines the seriousness of John’s situation—he was not just silenced, but physically restrained and cut off from his ministry.

Why Luke 3:20 matters

• This verse clarifies that Herod’s treatment of John was not an isolated act, but the culmination of a pattern of wrongdoing, making the imprisonment especially significant.
• It sets the stage for the later events in the Gospel, where John’s fate becomes a turning point in the story of Jesus’ ministry.
• The verse also shows the cost of speaking truth to power, highlighting John’s courage and the risks faced by those who challenge corrupt leaders.