New Testament
Luke 11:54
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
setting traps for him and trying to catch him saying something they could use against him.
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Laying wait for him, and seeking to catch something out of his mouth, that they might accuse him.
What Luke 11:54 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see the religious leaders plotting against Jesus. They are not genuinely seeking truth or understanding; instead, they are trying to find a way to trap him. Their goal is to catch him saying something that could be twisted or misinterpreted to accuse him of wrongdoing. This reflects their hostility and unwillingness to accept his teachings. The phrase 'laying wait' suggests a premeditated effort to undermine Jesus, showing how far they would go to protect their authority and maintain their influence. This behavior highlights the tension between Jesus and the religious establishment of the time, illustrating the challenges he faced as he preached a message of love and redemption. The verse serves as a reminder of the dangers of hypocrisy and the lengths to which people may go to oppose truth when it threatens their power.
How to apply Luke 11:54 to your life
This verse encourages us to examine our own motives when engaging with others. Are we seeking to understand and support, or are we looking for faults to criticize? It challenges us to approach conversations with honesty and integrity, rather than with a desire to trap or accuse others.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
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Plain Meaning
The scribes and Pharisees were not just arguing with Jesus. They were setting a trap. They kept pushing him to say more, hoping he would say something they could use as a charge against him. The phrase "laying wait" pictures an ambush — they were watching for their moment. "Catch something out of his mouth" means grabbing hold of a word or statement to use against him.
Read It in Context
Jesus had just finished a sharp series of warnings aimed at the Pharisees, scribes, and lawyers — calling out their hypocrisy and their role in killing the prophets. Verse 53 says they began pressing him hard and provoking him to speak more. Verse 54 explains why: they wanted him to slip up.
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Key themes
At a Glance — the Book of Luke
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 11:54 mean?
Luke 11:54 describes the religious leaders' attempts to trap Jesus by finding something he says that they can use against him. This illustrates their hostility and desire to undermine his authority.
What is the significance of 'laying wait' in Luke 11:54?
The phrase 'laying wait' indicates a premeditated effort by the religious leaders to catch Jesus in a mistake. It highlights their determination to oppose him and protect their own power.
How does Luke 11:54 reflect hypocrisy?
Luke 11:54 reflects hypocrisy by showing how the religious leaders are not genuinely seeking truth but are instead trying to trap Jesus. Their actions reveal a willingness to manipulate words for their own agenda.
What themes are present in Luke 11:54?
Key themes in Luke 11:54 include opposition to Jesus, hypocrisy among religious authorities, and the conflict between truth and deception. It highlights the lengths people will go to maintain their influence.
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