And they were filled with madness; and communed one with another what they might do to Jesus.

LUKE 6:11KJV
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Luke 6:11 (KJV)

What does Luke 6:11 mean?

Luke 6:11 describes how the religious leaders became extremely angry and began discussing among themselves what action they could take against Jesus. Their reaction shows a shift from questioning Jesus to actively plotting against him because of what he had done.

In this scene, Jesus had just healed a man on the Sabbath, which angered the scribes and Pharisees who were watching him closely. The verse highlights their emotional response—described as "madness"—and their decision to consult with each other about how to deal with Jesus. This moment marks a turning point where opposition to Jesus becomes more intense and deliberate.

The Greek behind Luke 6:11

  • "madness" (ἄνοια, anoia): This word means irrational rage or senseless fury, not just ordinary anger. It suggests the leaders' reaction was extreme and unreasonable, showing how deeply Jesus' actions disturbed them.
  • "communed" (διελάλουν, dielaloun): This word means to discuss or confer together, often in a way that implies plotting or scheming. The verse is not just about casual conversation but about planning a response.
  • "what they might do" (τί ἂν ποιήσαιεν, ti an poiēsaiēn): The Greek phrase carries the idea of considering possible actions, often with a sense of deliberation or even conspiracy. It shows they were seriously weighing their options against Jesus.

Why Luke 6:11 matters

  • Luke 6:11 clarifies that the religious leaders' opposition to Jesus was not just intellectual disagreement but had become emotionally charged and hostile.
  • The verse connects to the larger narrative by showing how Jesus' actions, especially acts of healing on the Sabbath, directly challenged the established religious order and provoked a strong backlash.
  • Understanding the intensity of the leaders' reaction helps explain why the conflict between Jesus and the authorities escalates in the chapters that follow.

Where else these words appear

“madness” Greek G454 · used in 2 verses

  • 2 Timothy 3:9 But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was.

“communed” Greek G1255 · used in 2 verses

  • Luke 1:65 And fear came on all that dwelt round about them: and all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Judaea.

“filled” Greek G4130 · used in 24 verses

  • Matthew 22:10 So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests.
  • Luke 2:6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
  • Acts 3:10 And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him.

“another” Greek G240 · used in 94 verses

  • Matthew 24:10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.
  • Acts 4:15 But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves,
  • Ephesians 4:2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;