Luke 6:11

And they were filled with madnesse, and communed one with another what they might doe to Iesus. Luke 6:11 (KJV)

Context: Luke 6:11 is a verse found within the context of a larger narrative in the Gospel of Luke, and to understand its meaning it is helpful to examine the surrounding verses. In Luke 6:6-11, Jesus enters the synagogue on the Sabbath and encounters a man with a withered hand. The religious leaders, known as the Pharisees and the scribes, were present and watching Jesus closely, eager to find fault with him. Jesus, aware of their intentions, poses a question to them regarding the lawfulness of doing good on the Sabbath: “Is it lawful on the sabbath days to do good, or to do evil? to save life, or to destroy it?” (Luke 6:9, KJV). The Pharisees and scribes remained silent, unable to answer. At this point, Luke 6:11 states that they were “filled with madness” or “filled with fury” (NIV). This phrase indicates their deep anger and frustration. They were so blinded by their own rigid adherence to religious regulations that they failed to recognize the compassion and power of Jesus to heal. Additionally, the verse says they “communed one with another what they might do to Jesus,” showing that their anger didn’t subside; instead, they began to plot against Jesus, discussing various plans to harm or undermine Him. Luke’s account highlights the growing opposition and conflict between Jesus and the religious leaders of his time. The healing of the man with the withered hand presented an opportunity for the Pharisees and scribes to acknowledge Jesus’ authority and compassion. However, their response reveals their hardened hearts and their unwillingness to recognize Jesus as the Son of God.