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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 14:8 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 14:8 recounts a moment during King Herod's birthday feast where the daughter of Herodias, traditionally known as Salome, makes a gruesome request.

Having been prompted by her mother, she asks for the head of John the Baptist, a prominent prophet at the time, to be delivered to her on a platter, or "charger", a large dish or serving tray.

This verse not only illustrates the literal execution of a holy man at the hands of a ruling power but also serves as a deeper commentary on manipulation, the perversion of justice, and the profound consequences of vindictiveness and pride.

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Historical Context

At the time of this writing, King Herod Antipas was the ruler of Galilee under the Roman Empire.

Herodias, Herod's wife, harbored a grudge against John the Baptist for condemning her marriage to Herod, as Herod had divorced his previous wife and married Herodias, his brother's former spouse, which was against Jewish law.

John's public criticism of this marriage made him a target for Herodias' anger.

The scene described in Matthew 14:8 takes place against the backdrop of John the Baptist's imprisonment for his outspoken stance, and it concludes with his execution.

Theological Insights

From a Christian theological perspective, this passage demonstrates the consequences of prophetic ministry, how speaking truth to power can lead to persecution and martyrdom.

John's unwavering commitment to God's law, even in the face of death, models a path of righteousness.

Additionally, this verse underscores the idea that God’s prophets often suffer at the hands of earthly rulers and serves as an example of the theme of righteous suffering that is present throughout the Scriptures.

Practical Applications

The practical applications of this verse can be seen in the call to be unwavering in one's faith and morals, even under pressure or threat.

For individuals, it promotes integrity and courage to speak the truth.

It also urges caution against the influence of others in making decisions, especially when such influence may lead to unjust or morally reprehensible actions.

For society, it serves as a warning against the abuse of power and a reminder to uphold justice and righteousness.

Cross-References

Mark 6:24-25: "And she went forth, and said unto her mother, What shall I ask? And she said, The head of John the Baptist.

And she came in straightway with haste unto the king, and asked, saying, I will that thou give me by and by in a charger the head of John the Baptist."

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, Added yet this above all, that he shut up John in prison."

Language Study

The key words in the original Greek text of this passage include:

"ἀποκεφαλισμόν" (apokephalismón) from "ἀποκεφαλίζω" (to behead): underscores the brutality of the request and act.
"πίνακι" (pinaki), which is translated as "charger" or "platter": a term indicating the presentation of the head as a dish at a banquet, highlighting the gruesome nature of Salome's request.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In ancient times, the presentation of a foe's head was not uncommon and symbolized the absolute defeat and subjugation of an enemy.

Comparatively, various cultures, including the Romans and Greeks, depicted the severing of a head in their mythology, such as the beheading of Medusa by Perseus.

In religious terms, this narrative stands in stark contrast to the respect given to prophets and holy figures in other traditions, where such an act would constitute a profound desecration.

Scientific Perspectives

There is little scientific discussion directly related to the specific event in this verse.

However, in modern times, the scientific study of morality, decision-making, and the influence of others can provide insight into the psychological mechanisms at play when individuals are swayed by external pressures to commit acts they might not independently choose.

Commentaries

Commentaries on this verse focus on the historical validity of the event, the symbolic meaning of John the Baptist's death, and the role of key figures in the narrative.

Many experts depict Herodias as a vindictive character and discuss the weakness of Herod, who succumbs to the wishes of his wife and the influence of the celebratory atmosphere. John the Baptist is seen as a martyr whose death foreshadows the suffering and persecution of Christ and his followers.

Commentators often analyze this verse to reflect on the cost of discipleship and the nature of true moral courage.

Matthew 14

Matthew 14

What does Matthew 14:8 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 14:8 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?