What Does Luke 23:9 Mean in the King James?
Then he questioned with him in many words; but he answered him nothing.
The analysis reads the King James wording.
King James Version The King James Version, first published in 1611. Selah Verse shows the standard text.
THE KEY
Herod keeps questioning, but his many words do not compel even one answer.
THE MEANING
The verse holds the reader inside an asymmetry: the questions accumulate, but no answer comes. The pressure to explain does not erase the reality of Jesus’ silence.
WHAT THIS UNDOES
The belief that enough questions can compel an answer.
THE ROOT
ἀπεκρίνατο
apekrinato
GROWS FROM
κρίνω
krinō
To distinguish, decide, or judge.
The verb means “answered” and belongs to the κρίνω (krinō, distinguish or decide) word family, which also names judging. That makes the silence striking: Jesus gives no spoken position in the exchange.
ALSO GROWS
krisis: Judgment or decision.
κρίσις
This branch shows the family’s connection to making a judgment, close to the idea of taking a position.
anakrinō: Examine or investigate.
ἀνακρίνω
This related verb links the family to examination, echoing the interrogating pressure in the scene.
λόγοις
logois
GROWS FROM
λόγος
logos
A word, saying, account, or reason.
English gives us a count, many words, but λόγος (logos, word or account) can also mean a reasoned account. That sharpens the contrast: words press around Jesus, yet no account is given.
ALSO GROWS
logion: A saying or message.
λόγιον
This branch shows that the word family can name a meaningful utterance, not merely sound.
logizomai: Reckon, consider, or account for.
λογίζομαι
Its connection with accounting makes the many words sound like pressure for an explanation.
THE PATTERN
A barrage of hostile words does not guarantee a spoken defense; Scripture repeatedly holds silence beside pressure.
But I, as a deaf man, heard not; and I was as a dumb man that openeth not his mouth.He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.But Jesus yet answered nothing; so that Pilate marvelled.THE THREAD
Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:Luke’s ἀπεκρίνατο (apekrinato, answered) and Peter’s κρίνοντι (krinonti, judging) share the κρίνω (krinō, distinguish, decide, or judge) stem. Peter places the silence beside judgment entrusted to one who judges righteously: no answer is spoken, but judgment remains present.
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