And he said to them, Go you, and tell that fox, Behold, I cast out devils, and I do cures to day and to morrow, and the third day I shall be perfected.
that fox.
Luke 3:19,20 But Herod the tetrarch, being reproved by him for Herodias his brother Philip's wife, and for all the evils which Herod had done, …
Luke 9:7-9 Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was done by him: and he was perplexed, because that it was said of some, that John was risen from the dead; …
Luke 23:8-11 And when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad: for he was desirous to see him of a long season, because he had heard many things of him; and he hoped to have seen some miracle done by him…
I cast.
Luke 9:7 Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was done by him: and he was perplexed, because that it was said of some, that John was risen from the dead;
Mark 6:14 And king Herod heard of him; (for his name was spread abroad:) and he said, That John the Baptist was risen from the dead, and therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in him.
John 10:32 Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me?
I shall.
John 17:4,5 I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do…
John 19:30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.
Hebrews 2:10 For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.
Go tell that fox
Referring to Herod Antipas, the term "fox" suggests cunning and deceit. In Jewish culture, a fox was considered a symbol of craftiness and insignificance compared to a lion. Jesus uses this term to highlight Herod's sly nature and to assert that Herod's power is limited and not a threat to His divine mission.
‘Look, I will keep driving out demons and healing people
Jesus emphasizes His ongoing ministry of exorcism and healing, which are signs of the Kingdom of God. These acts demonstrate His authority over evil and His compassion for humanity. They fulfill Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah bringing liberation and restoration (Isaiah 61:1).
today and tomorrow
This phrase signifies a short, determined period of time. It reflects Jesus' commitment to His mission despite opposition. The use of "today and tomorrow" can also symbolize the present and immediate future, indicating that His work is ongoing and unstoppable.
and on the third day I will reach My goal
The "third day" is significant in biblical typology, often associated with completion and fulfillment. It foreshadows Jesus' resurrection, which occurs on the third day after His crucifixion. This statement underscores the inevitability of His mission's success and the divine plan that will culminate in His resurrection, affirming His victory over death and sin.
Jesus answers the Pharisees’ warning (Luke 13:31). His immediate response shows:
• Confidence in the Father’s timetable (John 10:17-18).
• Refusal to be manipulated by political threats (John 7:30).
• Determination to address danger openly, never in fear (Isaiah 50:7).
“Fox” points to Herod Antipas’ crafty, self-serving nature (Luke 9:7-9). By sending a message back, Jesus:
• Exposes Herod’s impotence before God’s plan (Psalm 2:1-6).
• Models boldness for disciples facing hostile authorities (Acts 4:19-20).
• Demonstrates that earthly rulers answer to heaven’s King (Revelation 1:5).
Instead of retreating, Jesus pledges to press on:
• Deliverance ministry continues (Luke 4:18-19; 7:22).
• Compassion for the oppressed outweighs personal safety (Matthew 12:15).
• “Today and tomorrow” pictures a fixed, limited period set by God (Ecclesiastes 3:1).
This shows unbroken commitment until every appointed work is done (John 17:4).
Jesus signals the climax of His earthly mission:
• The “third day” anticipates His death and resurrection (Luke 24:6-7).
• “My goal” (telos) speaks of fulfillment—His sacrificial atonement (Hebrews 9:26) and triumph over death (1 Corinthians 15:4).
• Nothing Herod, Rome, or religious leaders attempt can alter this divine schedule (Acts 2:23-24).
Luke 13:32 reveals Christ’s fearless resolve. Threats from a cunning ruler cannot divert Him. He will compassionately free the bound, heal the broken, and keep heaven’s calendar—culminating in the third-day victory that secures our salvation.
(32) Go ye, and tell that fox . . .--The word was eminently descriptive of the character both of the Tetrarch individually, and of the whole Herodian house. The fact that the Greek word for "fox" is always used as a feminine, gives, perhaps, a special touch of indignant force to the original. He had so identified himself with Herodias that he had lost his manliness, and the proverbial type of the worst form of woman's craft was typical of him.Behold, I cast out devils.--What was the meaning of the message? What we read in Luke 23:8, perhaps, supplies the answer to that question. Herod "hoped to have seen some miracle done by Him," and Jesus, reading his thoughts, tells him that the time for such sights and wonders was all but over. One day, and yet another, and yet a third--so our Lord describes, in proverbial speech (comp. the analogous forms of Exodus 5:14; Hosea 6:2), an interval of very short duration, and then "I am perfected." The word is strictly a present tense used predictively, and may be either middle or passive in its meaning, the latter being most in harmony with the use of the verb elsewhere. "Then I am brought to the end; then I reach the goal of this human life of Mine." Very noteworthy in connection with this passage is the prominence given to the verb throughout the Epistle to the Hebrews, as, e.g., in Hebrews 2:10; Hebrews 5:9. . . .
Verse 32. - And he said unto them, Go ye, and tell that fox; literally, that she-fox. The Lord saw through the shallow device, and, in reply to his false friends, bade them go to that intriguing and false court with a message which he would give them, The epithet "she-fox" is perhaps the bitterest and most contemptuous name ever given by the pitiful Master to any of the sons of men. It is possible it might have been intended for Herodias, the influence of that wicked princess being at that time all-powerful at court. Behold, I cast out devils, and I do cures to-day and to-morrow, and the third day I shall be perfected. "Tell Herod or Herodias that I have a work still to work here; a few more evil spirits to cast out, a few more sick folk to heal. I am going on as I have begun; no message, friendly or unfriendly, will turn me from my purpose. I have no fears of his royal power, but I shall not trouble him long; just to-day and to-morrow - this was merely (as in Hosea 6:2) a proverbial expression for a short time - and on the third day I complete my work." This completion some have understood by the crowning miracle on dead Lazarus at Bethany, but it is far better to understand it as referring to the Passion, as including the last sufferings, the cross, and the resurrection. The τελειοῦμαι here was supplemented by the utterance with which the blessed life came to its close on the cross - Τετελέσται! Τελείωσις became a recognized term for martyrdom.