John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 6. When Pilate heard of Galilee , etc.] The name of Galilee, as the Syriac and Persic versions read when that was mentioned, he asked ; the Ethiopic version says, the Galilaeans; some of which might be present, being come to the feast of the passover, and were very proper persons to inquire of: whether the man were a Galilean ; so Jesus was reputed to be: for though he was born at Bethlehem of Judah, he was brought up at Nazareth in Galilee, where he spent the greater part of his private life, and his public ministry was chiefly exercised in those parts; hence the Jews thought, that he came out of Galilee, and was a Galilean, ( John 7:41,52) and so he used to be called by Julian the apostate; and it seems, that the answer returned to Pilate was, that he was a Galilean; and so the Persic version adds, and they said, yes; for it follows, Ver. 7. And as soon as he knew that he belonged unto Herod's jurisdiction , etc.] The country which was under his power, and he had the government of; for Herod was tetrarch of Galilee, ( Luke 3:1). This was Herod Antipas, the son of Herod the great, and the same that beheaded John the Baptist; wherefore as soon as Pilate found that Jesus was one of his province, immediately he sent him to Herod: to be examined, and to have his cause tried before him: and this he did partly, that he might be rid of this troublesome business; and partly that he might show to Herod what a regard he had to his jurisdiction, and power; and that he was unwilling to break in upon it, or usurp that to himself, which did not belong to him: the way from Pilate's hall, to the place where Herod was, is computed, by Adrichomius, to be about three hundred and fifty steps: who himself was also at Jerusalem at that time ; or in those days; the days of the passover; for Herod being born a Jew, and the son of a proselyte, was come to Jerusalem, at this time, to keep the feast of the passover.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 6-12 - Herod had heard many things of Jesus in Galilee, and out of curiosit longed to see him. The poorest beggar that asked a miracle for the relief of his necessity, was never denied; but this proud prince, wh asked for a miracle only to gratify his curiosity, is refused. He migh have seen Christ and his wondrous works in Galilee, and would not therefore it is justly said, Now he would see them, and shall not Herod sent Christ again to Pilate: the friendships of wicked men ar often formed by union in wickedness. They agree in little, except i enmity to God, and contempt of Christ.
Greek Textus Receptus
πιλατος 4091 N-NSM δε 1161 CONJ ακουσας 191 5660 V-AAP-NSM γαλιλαιαν 1056 N-ASF επηρωτησεν 1905 5656 V-AAI-3S ει 1487 COND ο 3588 T-NSM ανθρωπος 444 N-NSM γαλιλαιος 1057 N-NSM εστιν 2076 5748 V-PXI-3S
Vincent's NT Word Studies
6. Of Galilee. The best texts omit.
Robertson's NT Word Studies
23:6 {A Galilean} (galilaios). If so, here was a way out for Herod without going back on his own decision.
