Luke 3:20 (KJV) states, "Added yet this above all, that he shut up John in prison." This verse is a part of the larger passage depicting the imprisonment of John the Baptist by Herod Antipas, the ruler of Galilee. The broader context of this verse is the record of John the Baptist's ministry and his bold public preaching against Herod's sinful relationship with his brother's wife, Herodias. The verse is a poignant revelation of the consequences suffered by John the Baptist for his uncompromising stand for righteousness and for speaking truth to those in power.

The theme of persecution for righteousness and the consequences of standing for the truth are evident in this passage. John the Baptist was a prophet and a forerunner of Jesus Christ, and he boldly preached a message of repentance and the coming of the Messiah. His uncompromising stance stirred the anger of those in authority, resulting in his arrest and eventual execution. This story serves as a reminder of the cost of discipleship and the trials and persecutions that accompany a life of faithfulness to God.

The political and social context of the verse is crucial to understand the significance of John's imprisonment. Herod Antipas was a puppet ruler appointed by the Roman Empire, and he held power over Galilee during the time of Jesus' ministry. John the Baptist's denunciation of Herod's adulterous relationship with his brother's wife, Herodias, struck at the heart of Herod's authority and moral standing. Thus, Herod imprisoned John in response to the threat he posed to his political and personal interests.

Symbolism is also present in this verse, as John's imprisonment serves as a foreshadowing of Jesus' own persecution and crucifixion. Both John and Jesus were righteous men who faced opposition and suffering for their commitment to God's will. John's imprisonment is representative of the spiritual struggle between good and evil, righteousness and sin. His imprisonment also points to the human tendency to suppress truth and righteousness in favor of selfish desires and worldly power.

Furthermore, John's imprisonment serves as a potent reminder that faithfulness to God often leads to suffering and persecution. As followers of Christ, we are called to stand firm in our faith and to speak out against injustice, even in the face of opposition and adversity. The story of John the Baptist challenges us to consider the cost of discipleship and the sacrifices that may come with living out our beliefs.

In conclusion, Luke 3:20 (KJV) portrays the imprisonment of John the Baptist as a result of his uncompromising stand for righteousness and against sin. The verse serves as a sobering reminder of the cost of discipleship and the trials that come with standing for truth in the face of opposition. It also highlights the political and social context in which John's imprisonment took place, and the symbolic significance of his suffering in anticipation of Jesus' own persecution. Ultimately, this passage calls us to reflect on our own commitment to God and our willingness to endure hardships for the sake of righteousness.