Luke 23:11

ἐξουθενήσας : on this verb and kindred forms, vide at Mark 9:12. Herod, feeling slighted by Jesus, slights Him in turn, inciting his bodyguards (τοῖς στρατεύμασιν, which cannot here mean armies) to mock Him, and having Him invested with a costly robe, probably a cast-off royal mantle of his own, and so sending Him back a mock king to Pilate, a man to be laughed at, not to be feared or punished. ἐσθῆτα λαμπρὰν, a splendid robe; of what colour, purple or white, commentators vainly inquire. ἀνέπεμψεν, “sent Him again” (A.V [194]), or “back” (R.V [195]). The verb may mean here, as in Luke 23:7, sent Him to Pilate as the proper person to try the case. The two magnates compliment each other, and shirk unpleasant work by sending Jesus hither and thither from tribunal to tribunal, the plaything and sport of unprincipled men.

[194] Authorised Version.

[195] Revised Version.