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Matthew 14

At that time Herod the tetrarch heard of the fame of Jesus,

And said unto his servants, This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead; and therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in him.

For Herod had laid hold on John, and bound him, and put him in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife.

For John said unto him, It is not lawful for thee to have her.

And when he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet.

But when Herod's birthday was kept, the daughter of Herodias danced before them, and pleased Herod.

Whereupon he promised with an oath to give her whatsoever she would ask.

And she, being before instructed of her mother, said, Give me here John Baptist's head in a charger.

And the king was sorry: nevertheless for the oath's sake, and them which sat with him at meat, he commanded it to be given her.

And he sent, and beheaded John in the prison.

And his head was brought in a charger, and given to the damsel: and she brought it to her mother.

And his disciples came, and took up the body, and buried it, and went and told Jesus.

When Jesus heard of it, he departed thence by ship into a desert place apart: and when the people had heard thereof, they followed him on foot out of the cities.

And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick.

And when it was evening, his disciples came to him, saying, This is a desert place, and the time is now past; send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves victuals.

But Jesus said unto them, They need not depart; give ye them to eat.

And they say unto him, We have here but five loaves, and two fishes.

He said, Bring them hither to me.

And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.

And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full.

And they that had eaten were about five thousand men, beside women and children.

And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away.

And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.

But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.

And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.

And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.

But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.

And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.

And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.

But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.

And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?

And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.

Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.

And when they were gone over, they came into the land of Gennesaret.

And when the men of that place had knowledge of him, they sent out into all that country round about, and brought unto him all that were diseased;

And besought him that they might only touch the hem of his garment: and as many as touched were made perfectly whole.

What does Matthew 14:11 mean?

Explanation

The verse Matthew 14:11 refers to a grim event in the New Testament where John the Baptist is beheaded at the request of Herodias' daughter.

In the preceding verses, it is explained that Herodias, the wife of Herod Antipas (the ruler of Galilee), harbored a grudge against John for condemning her marriage to Herod, which was considered unlawful.

During Herod's birthday feast, Herodias' daughter dances before the guests, pleasing Herod, who then promises to grant her any wish.

Prompted by her mother, she asks for the head of John the Baptist on a platter.

Regretfully, Herod honors this gruesome request and has John beheaded in prison.

The verse in question straightforwardly narrates the fulfillment of the daughter's demand: the head is presented on a charger (a large platter or serving dish) to the daughter, who then takes it to her mother, indicating the mother's vindictive role in the narrative and her ultimate victory over John the Baptist.

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Historical Context

This event is set in the first century CE within the context of Judea under Roman occupation.

Herod Antipas was a client king of the Roman Empire and ruled Galilee and Perea.

The mention of this event illustrates the political, social, and moral complexities of the time.

Royal feasts were occasions of political importance and social display, and the dynamics within Herodian court life were turbulent.

Moreover, religious leaders like John the Baptist, who was a prominent figure and sometimes seen as a threat to the political stability, often found themselves at odds with the governing elite.

Theological Insights

From a Christian theological perspective, the martyrdom of John the Baptist is seen as a testament to his unwavering commitment to truth and righteousness. It underscores the dangers of prophetic ministry and the cost of discipleship.

While John's beheading is a stark event, it can be perceived to foreshadow Jesus' own death, reflecting the theme of the righteous sufferer.

Different Christian traditions may emphasize various aspects, such as the moral implications of Herod's weak and irresponsible leadership or the consequences of Herodias' bitterness and manipulation.

Practical Applications

The passage invites reflection on the themes of moral integrity and the consequences of our actions. It challenges readers to consider the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of danger or death.

Furthermore, it warns against the misuse of power and influence, as well as the repercussions of holding grudges or allowing others to manipulate one's decisions, as seen through Herod's regrettable promise and subsequent action.

Cross-References

Mark 6:22-28 - Another account of John the Baptist's beheading.
Matthew 17:12 - Jesus implies that John the Baptist's death was foreshadowed by the suffering of the prophets.
Luke 3:19-20 - Refers to the imprisonment of John the Baptist by Herod.
Romans 12:2 - A call not to conform to the world but to stand for God's will.

Language Study

"Charger": The original Greek word used is "πίνακι" (pinaki), which can denote a small platter or dish, emphasizing the domestic nature of this presentation.
"Damsel": The term "κοράσιον" (korasion) in Greek refers to a young girl or maiden.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In comparison to other ancient narratives, this event shows parallels with themes present in various myths where a hero or significant figure faces death due to the machinations of others.

However, in Jewish and Christian contexts, this story holds unique significance.

John's death is not valorized for the act itself, but rather for the faith and conviction that led to it.

Unlike the sometimes arbitrary whims of the gods in mythology, the God of the Bible is seen as sovereign over such events and able to bring ultimate justice and vindication.

Scientific Perspectives

There is no direct scientific aspect to the verse as it narrates a historical event.

However, this event can be discussed through the lens of psychology in terms of Herod's decision-making under pressure and influence, and the social and political dynamics of the time which led to John's execution.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and commentators have reflected on this episode.

Some focus on the tragic element of John's death and Herod's failure as a leader.

Others explore the roles of Herodias and Salome (traditionally identified with the daughter, though not named in the gospels) as key figures in this narrative.

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible discusses Herod's remorse and the opinion that he feared the multitude, interpreting John as a prophet.

The Pulpit Commentary delves into Herodias' vengeful nature and her manipulation of her daughter to accomplish her own ends.

Matthew Henry's commentary highlights the righteousness and bravery of John the Baptist in the face of mortal danger.

Matthew 14

Matthew 14

What does Matthew 14:11 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Matthew Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Matthew 14:11 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Matthew Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?