Luke 23:8
New International Version
When Herod saw Jesus, he was greatly pleased, because for a long time he had been wanting to see him. From what he had heard about him, he hoped to see him perform a sign of some sort.

New Living Translation
Herod was delighted at the opportunity to see Jesus, because he had heard about him and had been hoping for a long time to see him perform a miracle.

English Standard Version
When Herod saw Jesus, he was very glad, for he had long desired to see him, because he had heard about him, and he was hoping to see some sign done by him.

Berean Standard Bible
When Herod saw Jesus, he was greatly pleased. He had wanted to see Him for a long time, because he had heard about Him and was hoping to see Him perform a miracle.

Berean Literal Bible
And Herod, having seen Jesus, was exceedingly glad; for of a long time he is wishing to see Him, because of hearing concerning Him; and he was hoping to see some sign done by Him.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
Now when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceedingly glad; for he had desired for a long time to see Him, because he had heard many things about Him, and he hoped to see some miracle done by Him.

New American Standard Bible
Now Herod was overjoyed when he saw Jesus; for he had wanted to see Him for a long time, because he had been hearing about Him and was hoping to see some sign performed by Him.

NASB 1995
Now Herod was very glad when he saw Jesus; for he had wanted to see Him for a long time, because he had been hearing about Him and was hoping to see some sign performed by Him.

NASB 1977
Now Herod was very glad when he saw Jesus; for he had wanted to see Him for a long time, because he had been hearing about Him and was hoping to see some sign performed by Him.

Legacy Standard Bible
Now when Herod saw Jesus, he rejoiced greatly; for he had wanted to see Him for a long time, because he had been hearing about Him and was hoping to see some sign performed by Him.

Amplified Bible
When Herod saw Jesus, he was exceedingly pleased. He had wanted to see Him for a long time because of what he had heard about Him, and was hoping to see some [miraculous] sign [even something spectacular] done by Him.

Christian Standard Bible
Herod was very glad to see Jesus; for a long time he had wanted to see him because he had heard about him and was hoping to see some miracle performed by him.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Herod was very glad to see Jesus; for a long time he had wanted to see Him because he had heard about Him and was hoping to see some miracle performed by Him.

American Standard Version
Now when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad: for he was of a long time desirous to see him, because he had heard concerning him; and he hoped to see some miracle done by him.

Contemporary English Version
For a long time Herod had wanted to see Jesus and was very happy because he finally had this chance. He had heard many things about Jesus and hoped to see him work a miracle.

English Revised Version
Now when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad: for he was of a long time desirous to see him, because he had heard concerning him; and he hoped to see some miracle done by him.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Herod was very pleased to see Jesus. For a long time he had wanted to see him. He had heard about Jesus and hoped to see him perform some kind of miracle.

Good News Translation
Herod was very pleased when he saw Jesus, because he had heard about him and had been wanting to see him for a long time. He was hoping to see Jesus perform some miracle.

International Standard Version
Now Herod was very glad to see Jesus, because he had been wanting to see him for a long time on account of what he had heard about him. He was also hoping to see some sign done by him.

Majority Standard Bible
When Herod saw Jesus, he was greatly pleased. He had wanted to see Him for a long time, because he had heard many things about Him and was hoping to see Him perform a miracle.

NET Bible
When Herod saw Jesus, he was very glad, for he had long desired to see him, because he had heard about him and was hoping to see him perform some miraculous sign.

New Heart English Bible
Now when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceedingly glad, for he had wanted to see him for a long time, because he had heard about him. He hoped to see some miracle done by him.

Webster's Bible Translation
And when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad: for he had been for a long time, desirous to see him, because he had heard many things of him; and he hoped to see some miracle done by him.

Weymouth New Testament
To Herod the sight of Jesus was a great gratification, for, for a long time, he had been wanting to see Him, because he had heard so much about Him. He hoped also to see some miracle performed by Him.

World English Bible
Now when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceedingly glad, for he had wanted to see him for a long time, because he had heard many things about him. He hoped to see some miracle done by him.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Herod rejoiced exceedingly having seen Jesus, for he was wishing to see Him for a long [time], because of hearing many things about Him, and he was hoping to see some sign done by Him,

Berean Literal Bible
And Herod, having seen Jesus, was exceedingly glad; for of a long time he is wishing to see Him, because of hearing concerning Him; and he was hoping to see some sign done by Him.

Young's Literal Translation
And Herod having seen Jesus did rejoice exceedingly, for he was wishing for a long time to see him, because of hearing many things about him, and he was hoping some sign to see done by him,

Smith's Literal Translation
And Herod having seen Jesus, rejoiced greatly: for he was wishing a long while since to see him, for hearing many things of him: and he hoped to see some sign done by him.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And Herod, seeing Jesus, was very glad; for he was desirous of a long time to see him, because he had heard many things of him; and he hoped to see some sign wrought by him.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then Herod, upon seeing Jesus, was very glad. For he had been wanting to see him for a long time, because he had heard so many things about him, and he was hoping to see some kind of sign wrought by him.

New American Bible
Herod was very glad to see Jesus; he had been wanting to see him for a long time, for he had heard about him and had been hoping to see him perform some sign.

New Revised Standard Version
When Herod saw Jesus, he was very glad, for he had been wanting to see him for a long time, because he had heard about him and was hoping to see him perform some sign.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
When Herod saw Jesus he was exceedingly glad, for he had wanted to see him for a long time, because he had heard many things concerning him; and he hoped to see some miracle by him.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Now when Herodus saw Yeshua, he was very glad, for he had wanted to see him for a long time, because he had heard many things about him and he had hoped to see some sign from him.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
When Herod saw Jesus, he rejoiced greatly; for he had, for a long time, desired to see him, because he had heard many things of him; and he hoped to see some sign done by him.

Godbey New Testament
And Herod seeing Jesus, rejoiced exceedingly: for from a long time, wishing to see Him, because He was hearing about Him; and he was hoping to see some miracle wrought by Him.

Haweis New Testament
Now when Herod saw Jesus, he was vastly delighted: for he had been long desirous to see him, because he had heard many things of him; and he hoped to see some miracle wrought by him.

Mace New Testament
When Herod saw Jesus he was extremely pleased; for he had long desired to see him, having heard much of him, and hoped to see him perform some miracle.

Weymouth New Testament
To Herod the sight of Jesus was a great gratification, for, for a long time, he had been wanting to see Him, because he had heard so much about Him. He hoped also to see some miracle performed by Him.

Worrell New Testament
Now Herod, seeing Jesus, rejoiced exceedingly; for he was wishing for a long time to see Him, because he had heard concerning Him; and he was hoping to see some sign wrought by Him.

Worsley New Testament
And Herod, when he saw Jesus, was very glad; for he had of a long time been desirous to see Him, because he had heard much of Him, and he hoped to see some miracle wrought by Him.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jesus Before Herod
7And learning that Jesus was under Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent Him to Herod, who himself was in Jerusalem at that time. 8When Herod saw Jesus, he was greatly pleased. He had wanted to see Him for a long time, because he had heard about Him and was hoping to see Him perform a miracle. 9Herod questioned Jesus at great length, but He gave no answer.…

Cross References
Matthew 14:1-2
At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the reports about Jesus / and said to his servants, “This is John the Baptist; he has risen from the dead! That is why miraculous powers are at work in him.”

Mark 6:14-16
Now King Herod heard about this, for Jesus’ name had become well known, and people were saying, “John the Baptist has risen from the dead! That is why miraculous powers are at work in him.” / Others were saying, “He is Elijah,” and still others, “He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.” / But when Herod heard this, he said, “John, whom I beheaded, has risen from the dead!”

Matthew 2:1-3
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, / asking, “Where is the One who has been born King of the Jews? We saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.” / When King Herod heard this, he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him.

Luke 9:7-9
When Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was happening, he was perplexed. For some were saying that John had risen from the dead, / others that Elijah had appeared, and still others that a prophet of old had arisen. / “I beheaded John,” Herod said, “but who is this man I hear such things about?” And he kept trying to see Jesus.

John 4:47-48
When he heard that Jesus had come from Judea to Galilee, he went and begged Him to come down and heal his son, who was about to die. / Jesus said to him, “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will never believe.”

Acts 8:9-11
Prior to that time, a man named Simon had practiced sorcery in the city and astounded the people of Samaria. He claimed to be someone great, / and all the people, from the least to the greatest, heeded his words and said, “This man is the divine power called the Great Power.” / They paid close attention to him because he had astounded them for a long time with his sorcery.

Matthew 12:38-39
Then some of the scribes and Pharisees said to Him, “Teacher, we want to see a sign from You.” / Jesus replied, “A wicked and adulterous generation demands a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah.

John 6:14-15
When the people saw the sign that Jesus had performed, they began to say, “Truly this is the Prophet who is to come into the world.” / Then Jesus, realizing that they were about to come and make Him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by Himself.

1 Kings 10:1-2
Now when the queen of Sheba heard about the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the LORD, she came to test him with difficult questions. / She arrived in Jerusalem with a very large caravan—with camels bearing spices, gold in great abundance, and precious stones. And she came to Solomon and spoke to him all that was on her mind.

2 Kings 5:5-6
“Go now,” said the king of Aram, “and I will send you with a letter to the king of Israel.” So Naaman departed, taking with him ten talents of silver, six thousand shekels of gold, and ten sets of clothing. / And the letter that he took to the king of Israel stated: “With this letter I am sending my servant Naaman, so that you may cure him of his leprosy.”

Matthew 16:1-4
Then the Pharisees and Sadducees came and tested Jesus by asking Him to show them a sign from heaven. / But He replied, “When evening comes, you say, ‘The weather will be fair, for the sky is red,’ / and in the morning, ‘Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but not the signs of the times. ...

John 12:18-19
That is also why the crowd went out to meet Him, because they heard that He had performed this sign. / Then the Pharisees said to one another, “You can see that this is doing you no good. Look how the whole world has gone after Him!”

Acts 13:6-8
They traveled through the whole island as far as Paphos, where they found a Jewish sorcerer and false prophet named Bar-Jesus, / an attendant of the proconsul, Sergius Paulus. The proconsul, a man of intelligence, summoned Barnabas and Saul because he wanted to hear the word of God. / But Elymas the sorcerer (for that is what his name means) opposed them and tried to turn the proconsul from the faith.

1 Samuel 28:7-8
Then Saul said to his servants, “Find me a woman who is a medium, so I can go and consult her.” “There is a medium at Endor,” his servants replied. / So Saul disguised himself by putting on different clothes, and he set out with two of his men. They came to the woman at night, and Saul said, “Consult a spirit for me. Bring up for me the one I name.”

Daniel 5:7-9
The king called out for the enchanters, astrologers, and diviners to be brought in, and he said to these wise men of Babylon, “Whoever reads this inscription and tells me its interpretation will be clothed in purple and have a gold chain placed around his neck, and he will be made the third highest ruler in the kingdom.” / So all the king’s wise men came in, but they could not read the inscription or interpret it for him. / Then King Belshazzar became even more terrified, his face grew even more pale, and his nobles were bewildered.


Treasury of Scripture

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.

for.

Luke 9:7-9
Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was done by him: and he was perplexed, because that it was said of some, that John was risen from the dead; …

Matthew 14:1
At that time Herod the tetrarch heard of the fame of Jesus,

Mark 6:14
And king Herod heard of him; (for his name was spread abroad:) and he said, That John the Baptist was risen from the dead, and therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in him.

and he.

Luke 4:23
And he said unto them, Ye will surely say unto me this proverb, Physician, heal thyself: whatsoever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in thy country.

2 Kings 5:3-6,11
And she said unto her mistress, Would God my lord were with the prophet that is in Samaria! for he would recover him of his leprosy…

Acts 8:19
Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.

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Desire Desired Desirous Exceeding Exceedingly Glad Gratification Great Greatly Heard Hearing Herod Hoped Hoping Jesus Miracle Pleased Rejoice Rejoiced Season Sight Sign Time Wanted Wanting Wishing Wonders
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Desire Desired Desirous Exceeding Exceedingly Glad Gratification Great Greatly Heard Hearing Herod Hoped Hoping Jesus Miracle Pleased Rejoice Rejoiced Season Sight Sign Time Wanted Wanting Wishing Wonders
Luke 23
1. Jesus is accused before Pilate, and sent to Herod.
8. Herod mocks him.
12. Herod and Pilate become friends.
13. Barabbas is desired of the people,
24. and is released by Pilate, and Jesus is given to be crucified.
26. He tells the women, that lament him, the destruction of Jerusalem;
34. prays for his enemies.
39. Two criminals are crucified with him.
46. His death.
50. His burial.














When Herod saw Jesus
The phrase introduces Herod Antipas, the tetrarch of Galilee and Perea, who played a significant role in the political landscape of Judea during Jesus' time. Herod's encounter with Jesus is a pivotal moment, reflecting the intersection of political power and divine purpose. The Greek word for "saw" (εἶδεν, eiden) implies more than just physical sight; it suggests a moment of recognition or realization. Herod's seeing of Jesus is not just a visual encounter but a moment laden with expectation and curiosity.

he was greatly pleased
Herod's reaction is one of joy and anticipation. The Greek word for "greatly pleased" (ἐχάρη, echarē) conveys a sense of delight and excitement. This reaction is ironic, given Herod's notorious reputation for moral corruption and political manipulation. His pleasure is not rooted in spiritual insight but in a superficial desire for entertainment and spectacle. This highlights the contrast between Herod's worldly perspective and the true nature of Jesus' mission.

because for a long time he had wanted to see Him
Herod's longstanding desire to see Jesus indicates a persistent curiosity. The Greek phrase "for a long time" (ἐξ ἱκανοῦ χρόνου, ex hikanou chronou) suggests an enduring interest, possibly fueled by reports of Jesus' miracles and teachings. This desire, however, is not born of faith or repentance but of a fascination with the miraculous. Herod's interest is emblematic of those who seek Jesus for personal gain or entertainment rather than spiritual transformation.

since he had heard about Him
Herod's knowledge of Jesus comes from secondhand reports, highlighting the widespread impact of Jesus' ministry. The Greek word for "heard" (ἀκούων, akouōn) implies that Herod was continually receiving information about Jesus. This underscores the pervasive influence of Jesus' works and words, which reached even the highest echelons of political power. Yet, Herod's hearing did not lead to understanding or belief, illustrating the difference between hearing about Jesus and truly knowing Him.

and was hoping to see Him perform a sign
Herod's hope to witness a sign reveals his misunderstanding of Jesus' mission. The Greek word for "sign" (σημεῖον, sēmeion) refers to a miraculous event that points to a deeper spiritual truth. Herod's desire for a sign is rooted in a desire for spectacle rather than a search for truth. This reflects a common human tendency to seek the miraculous without understanding its purpose. Herod's hope is ultimately unfulfilled, as Jesus does not perform signs on demand, emphasizing that faith is not built on spectacle but on a relationship with God.

(8) He was desirous to see him of a long season.--The vague feeling of wonder had begun soon after the death of the Baptist. (See Notes on Matthew 14:2; Mark 6:14.) It had its beginning in hearing of wonders; it ended in a desire to see one. It was mingled, possibly, with a feeling of bitter enmity which no miracle could remove. (See Note on Luke 13:31.)

Verse 8 - 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. This was Herod Antipas, the slayer of John the Baptist. He was at that time living in open incest with that princess Herodias concerning whom the Baptist had administered the public rebuke which had led to his arrest and subsequent execution. Godet graphically sums up the situation: "Jesus was to Herod Antipas what a juggler is to a sated court - an object of curiosity. But Jesus did not lend himself to such a part; he had neither words nor miracles for a man so disposed, in whom, besides, he saw with horror the murderer of John the Baptist. Before this personage, a monstrous mixture of bloody levity and sombre superstition, he maintained a silence which even the accusation of the Sanhedrin (ver. 10) could not lead him to break. Herod, wounded and humiliated, took vengeance on this conduct by contempt."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
When
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

Herod
Ἡρῴδης (Hērōdēs)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2264: Compound of heros and eidos; heroic; Herod, the name of four Jewish kings.

saw
ἰδὼν (idōn)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3708: Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear.

Jesus,
Ἰησοῦν (Iēsoun)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2424: Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.

he was
ἦν (ēn)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

greatly
λίαν (lian)
Adverb
Strong's 3029: Very; very much, exceedingly, greatly. Of uncertain affinity; much.

pleased.
ἐχάρη (echarē)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 5463: A primary verb; to be 'cheer'ful, i.e. Calmly happy or well-off; impersonally, especially as salutation, be well.

He had wanted
θέλων (thelōn)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2309: To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design.

to see
ἰδεῖν (idein)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 3708: Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear.

Him
αὐτὸν (auton)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

for
ἐξ (ex)
Preposition
Strong's 1537: From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.

a long
ἱκανῶν (hikanōn)
Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 2425: From hiko; competent, i.e. Ample or fit.

time,
χρόνων (chronōn)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 5550: A space of time or interval; by extension, an individual opportunity; by implication, delay.

because
διὰ (dia)
Preposition
Strong's 1223: A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.

he had heard
ἀκούειν (akouein)
Verb - Present Infinitive Active
Strong's 191: To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.

about
περὶ (peri)
Preposition
Strong's 4012: From the base of peran; properly, through, i.e. Around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time.

Him
αὐτοῦ (autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

was hoping
ἤλπιζέν (ēlpizen)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1679: To hope, hope for, expect, trust. From elpis; to expect or confide.

to see
ἰδεῖν (idein)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 3708: Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear.

Him
αὐτοῦ (autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

perform
γινόμενον (ginomenon)
Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 1096: A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.

a
τι (ti)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5100: Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.

miracle.
σημεῖον (sēmeion)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4592: Neuter of a presumed derivative of the base of semaino; an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally.


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NT Gospels: Luke 23:8 Now when Herod saw Jesus he was (Luke Lu Lk)
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