Luke 9:9

9 “I beheaded John,” Herod said, “but who is this man I hear such things about?” And he kept trying to see Jesus.

Luke 9:9 Meaning and Commentary

Luke 9:9

And Herod said, John have I beheaded
That is, he had ordered him to be beheaded, and which was accordingly done by the executioner; of which he had full proof, since the head was brought him in a charger, and which he delivered to the daughter of Herodias:

but who is this of whom I hear such things?
such, wonderful things, such amazing miracles, as were done by Christ: he seems to have reasoned after this manner with himself, surely this cannot be John, for I have beheaded him! and yet who should it be? and whereas some affirmed, that it was John that was risen from the dead, he began to fear that it was he;

and he desired to see him:
that he might be satisfied whether it was he or not; for he had had personal knowledge of John, and converse with him, and therefore, upon sight of him, could tell whether it was he that was risen from the dead, or not; but we do not find Herod had a sight of Christ, until he was sent by Pilate to him at Jerusalem; see ( Luke 23:7 Luke 23:8 ) .

Luke 9:9 In-Context

7 When Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was happening, he was perplexed. For some were saying that John had risen from the dead,

8 others that Elijah had appeared, and still others that a prophet of old had arisen.

9 “I beheaded John,” Herod said, “but who is this man I hear such things about?” And he kept trying to see Jesus.

10 Then the apostles returned and reported to Jesus all that they had done. Taking them away privately, He withdrew to a town called Bethsaida.

11 But the crowds found out and followed Him. He welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and He healed those who needed healing.