and sentThis phrase indicates an authoritative command. Herod Antipas, the ruler of Galilee and Perea, had the power to send orders. This reflects the political structure of the time, where local rulers had significant autonomy under Roman oversight. The act of sending also implies a deliberate decision, highlighting Herod's role in the events that follow.
to have John beheaded
Beheading was a common form of execution for those considered a threat to the state or public order. John the Baptist, a prophet and forerunner of Jesus, had publicly criticized Herod for marrying Herodias, his brother's wife, which was against Jewish law (Leviticus 18:16). This act of execution fulfilled Herodias's desire for revenge against John. The method of execution underscores the severity of John's perceived threat to Herod's rule and the influence of Herodias. John's martyrdom is a precursor to the suffering and death of Jesus, who also faced opposition from political and religious leaders.
in the prison
John was imprisoned in the fortress of Machaerus, located east of the Dead Sea. This fortress was one of Herod's strongholds, strategically placed and heavily fortified. The imprisonment of John highlights the tension between the prophetic voice and political power. It also serves as a reminder of the cost of discipleship and the potential consequences of speaking truth to power. John's imprisonment and subsequent execution foreshadow the trials and persecution faced by early Christians and the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Herod AntipasThe tetrarch of Galilee and Perea, who ordered the beheading of John the Baptist. He was a ruler known for his moral weaknesses and political maneuvering.
2.
John the BaptistA prophet and forerunner of Jesus Christ, known for his boldness in preaching repentance and his baptism of Jesus. He was imprisoned and executed for condemning Herod's unlawful marriage.
3.
HerodiasThe wife of Herod Antipas, formerly married to his brother Philip. Herodias held a grudge against John for speaking against her marriage to Herod.
4.
SalomeThe daughter of Herodias, who danced for Herod and, at her mother's behest, requested the head of John the Baptist as a reward.
5.
PrisonThe place where John the Baptist was held captive and ultimately executed. It symbolizes the cost of standing for truth and righteousness.
Teaching Points
The Cost of DiscipleshipJohn the Baptist's unwavering commitment to truth, even at the cost of his life, challenges believers to consider the depth of their own commitment to Christ.
Moral CourageJohn's boldness in confronting sin, regardless of the personal consequences, serves as a model for standing firm in righteousness.
The Influence of SinHerod's actions demonstrate how sin can cloud judgment and lead to destructive decisions, emphasizing the need for repentance and moral clarity.
The Power of InfluenceHerodias' manipulation of Herod through Salome's request illustrates the impact of negative influences and the importance of surrounding oneself with godly counsel.
God's SovereigntyDespite the tragic circumstances, John's death was not outside of God's sovereign plan, reminding believers of God's ultimate control over all events.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Matthew 14:10?
2.How does Matthew 14:10 demonstrate the consequences of unchecked sin and pride?
3.What can we learn about the cost of discipleship from Matthew 14:10?
4.How does John the Baptist's fate connect to Matthew 5:10 on persecution?
5.In what ways can we stand firm in faith like John the Baptist?
6.How should Matthew 14:10 influence our response to unjust authority today?
7.Why did Herod order John the Baptist's beheading in Matthew 14:10?
8.How does Matthew 14:10 reflect on the misuse of power and authority?
9.What does John the Baptist's execution reveal about the cost of discipleship?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Matthew 14?
11.What does the Bible say about beheadings?
12.In Matthew 14:15–21, how can five loaves and two fish realistically feed thousands of people?
13.If Jesus taught peace, why did He say He came to bring a sword (Matthew 10:34)?
14.Proverbs 16:31 declares that gray hair, or old age, is a crown of glory for the righteous--how do we reconcile this with the early deaths of many who lead faithful and moral lives?What Does Matthew 14:10 Mean
Context of the VerseMatthew 14:10 drops us into the climax of a tragic narrative. Herod Antipas had imprisoned John the Baptist for boldly declaring, “It is not lawful for you to have her” regarding Herod’s unlawful marriage (Matthew 14:3-4; cf.Leviticus 18:16). During Herod’s birthday banquet, Herodias’s daughter danced and delighted the guests. When Herod rashly vowed to give her “whatever you ask” (Matthew 14:7), the girl—prompted by her mother—requested John’s head (Matthew 14:8;Mark 6:22-24). Verse 9 tells us Herod was grieved, “but because of his oaths and his guests, he ordered that it be granted.” Verse 10 then records the grim order’s execution.
He Sent• “He sent” portrays Herod exercising civic authority to carry out an immoral demand.
• Herod’s decision, though reluctant (Matthew 14:9), illustrates how peer pressure and a desire to save face can override conscience—echoing Pilate’s later capitulation to the crowd (Matthew 27:24).
• Cross reference:Proverbs 29:25 warns, “The fear of man is a snare.” Herod feared the opinion of his guests more than the judgment of God.
He Beheaded John• The action fulfills the violent destiny Jesus hinted at for prophets: “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets” (Matthew 23:37).
• John’s faithful witness cost him his life, making him the forerunner not only of Christ’s message but also of Christ’s suffering (Matthew 17:12).
• Cross reference:Revelation 20:4 honors “those who had been beheaded for their testimony about Jesus.”
In the Prison• The beheading occurs out of sight, in the fortress prison of Machaerus. The secrecy contrasts with John’s formerly public ministry by the Jordan (John 1:28).
• The location underscores the injustice: no trial, no public hearing—just a swift, silent execution (cf.Psalm 94:20-21).
• Cross reference:Hebrews 11:36-38 lists saints “in chains and imprisonment” who were martyred for righteousness.
Theological Implications• God’s sovereignty remains intact even in martyrdom. John’s death, though tragic, fits God’s redemptive plan, preparing the way for Jesus’ ministry (John 3:30).
• John’s faithfulness models bold proclamation regardless of cost, validating Jesus’ tribute: “Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John” (Matthew 11:11).
• Cross reference:2 Timothy 3:12 states, “All who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”
Application for Believers• Expect opposition when truth confronts sin. Like John, believers must speak the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27).
• Guard against compromising convictions for social acceptance—the trap that ensnared Herod (Galatians 1:10).
• Remember that earthly powers are temporary; ultimate vindication comes from God (Matthew 10:28).
summaryMatthew 14:10 records a real historical moment: Herod dispatched an executioner who “beheaded John in the prison.” The verse testifies to the cost of prophetic faithfulness, exposes the moral weakness of worldly rulers, and foreshadows the persecution Christ’s followers can expect. John’s martyrdom calls believers to courageous holiness, trusting that God reigns even when evil seems to triumph.
(10)
He sent, and beheaded John in the prison.--Measured by the standard of earthly greatness, it seems almost like a paradox to say of one who had only been for a few short months a preacher of righteousness in the wilderness of Judaea, as men have said of the kings and conquerors of the world, "So passed from the earth one of the greatest of her sons;" and yet this, and nothing less than this, if we accept our Lord's words, must be our estimate of the Baptist's character. Intensity of purpose, dauntless courage, profound humility, self-denial carried to its highest point, a burning love that passed beyond the limits of race and nation, tenderness of sympathy for the toilers of the world, for the fallen and the outcast, all these were there; and what elements of moral greatness can go beyond them? And the consciousness of Christendom has recognised that greatness. Art and poetry have symbolised it in outward form, and the work of the Forerunner, the conviction that the preaching of repentance must precede that of forgiveness, has been reproduced in every great revival of religious life which has brought the kingdom of heaven nearer to men's hearts and hopes.
Verses 10, 11. -
And he sent, and beheaded John in the prison, and his head was brought in a charger (ver. 8, note),
and given (the fourth time that the word "give" has come in five verses; the head of the herald of the kingdom becomes a royal gift)
to the damsel - (
τῷ κορασίῳ, ver. 6, note) -
and she brought it to her mother. But a few minutes after she had first spoken her request (ver. 8, note).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.sent {to have}πέμψας(pempsas)Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3992:To send, transmit, permit to go, put forth.JohnἸωάννην(Iōannēn)Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2491:Of Hebrew origin; Joannes, the name of four Israelites.beheadedἀπεκεφάλισεν(apekephalisen)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 607:To behead. From apo and kephale; to decapitate.inἐν(en)Preposition
Strong's 1722:In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.theτῇ(tē)Article - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.prison.φυλακῇ(phylakē)Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5438:From phulasso; a guarding or, the act, the person; figuratively, the place, the condition, or, the time, literally or figuratively.
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NT Gospels: Matthew 14:10 And he sent and beheaded John (Matt. Mat Mt) 
