Luke 13:32

Luke 13:32, in plain English

Jesus isn't intimidated. He essentially says, 'Tell Herod I'm not done yet — I'll keep healing and setting people free today, tomorrow, and until my mission is finished.'

Why it's here

Calling Herod a 'fox' was bold — it meant Jesus saw him as sly but ultimately powerless to derail God's plan.

Who's speaking

Jesus speaks with fierce confidence, making it clear that no earthly king gets to set His schedule.

Where it sits in the story

Instead of running from danger, Jesus doubles down on His mission. It's one of the most courageous moments in the Gospels.

The scholarly reading

Jesus calls Herod a 'fox' (alōpex), a term connoting cunning and insignificance in Jewish tradition. The three-day framework ('today, tomorrow, and the third day') signals the completion of His mission on God's timetable, not Herod's.

Language and setting

Jesus's response demonstrates His sovereignty over His own itinerary. The 'third day' (tē tritē) likely carries resurrection overtones in Lukan theology.

Voice

Jesus responds with defiant authority, dismissing Herod's threat and affirming that His ministry of exorcism and healing will continue unimpeded.

Significance

Rather than fleeing, Jesus sends a message back to Herod: He will continue casting out demons and healing on His own schedule until His work is complete.

30And indeed, some who are last will be first, and some who are first will be last.”

31At that very hour, some Pharisees came to Jesus and told Him, “Leave this place and get away, because Herod wants to kill You.”

32But Jesus replied, “Go tell that fox, ‘Look, I will keep driving out demons and healing people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach My goal.’

33Nevertheless, I must keep going today and tomorrow and the next day, for it is not admissible for a prophet to perish outside of Jerusalem.

34O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her, how often I have longed to gather your children together as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling!

Read all of Luke 13 — A bent-over woman is healed on the Sabbath, a mustard seed grows into a tree, and Jesus weeps over Jerusalem's refusal to come home.