New International VersionHerod wanted to kill John, but he was afraid of the people, because they considered John a prophet.
New Living TranslationHerod wanted to kill John, but he was afraid of a riot, because all the people believed John was a prophet.
English Standard VersionAnd though he wanted to put him to death, he feared the people, because they held him to be a prophet.
Berean Standard BibleAlthough Herod wanted to kill John, he was afraid of the people, because they regarded John as a prophet.
Berean Literal BibleAlthough wishing to kill him, he feared the multitude, because they were holding him as a prophet.
King James BibleAnd when he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet.
New King James VersionAnd although he wanted to put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet.
New American Standard BibleAlthough Herod wanted to put him to death, he feared the crowd, because they regarded John as a prophet.
NASB 1995Although Herod wanted to put him to death, he feared the crowd, because they regarded John as a prophet.
NASB 1977And although he wanted to put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they regarded him as a prophet.
Legacy Standard BibleAnd although Herod wanted to put him to death, he feared the crowd, because they were regarding John as a prophet.
Amplified BibleAlthough Herod wished to have him put to death, he feared the people, for they regarded John as a prophet.
Christian Standard BibleThough Herod wanted to kill John, he feared the crowd since they regarded John as a prophet.
Holman Christian Standard BibleThough he wanted to kill him, he feared the crowd, since they regarded him as a prophet.
American Standard VersionAnd when he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet.
Contemporary English VersionHerod wanted to kill John. But the people thought John was a prophet, and Herod was afraid of what they might do.
English Revised VersionAnd when he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationSo Herod wanted to kill John. However, he was afraid of the people because they thought John was a prophet.
Good News TranslationHerod wanted to kill him, but he was afraid of the Jewish people, because they considered John to be a prophet.
International Standard VersionAlthough Herod wanted to kill him, he was afraid of the crowd, since they regarded John as a prophet.
NET BibleAlthough Herod wanted to kill John, he feared the crowd because they accepted John as a prophet.
New Heart English BibleAnd though he wanted to kill him, he feared the crowd because they regarded him as a prophet.
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd when he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet.
Weymouth New TestamentAnd he would have liked to put him to death, but was afraid of the people, because they regarded John as a Prophet. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAlthough Herod wanted to kill John, he was afraid of the people, because they regarded John as a prophet.
World English BibleWhen he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand willing to kill him, he feared the multitude, because as a prophet they were holding him.
Berean Literal BibleAlthough wishing to kill him, he feared the multitude, because they were holding him as a prophet.
Young's Literal Translation and, willing to kill him, he feared the multitude, because as a prophet they were holding him.
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd wishing to kill him, he was afraid of the crowd, because they held John as a prophet. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd having a mind to put him to death, he feared the people: because they esteemed him as a prophet.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd though he wanted to kill him, he feared the people, because they held him to be a prophet.
New American BibleAlthough he wanted to kill him, he feared the people, for they regarded him as a prophet.
New Revised Standard VersionThough Herod wanted to put him to death, he feared the crowd, because they regarded him as a prophet. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleSo Herod wanted to kill him, but he was afraid of the people, because they accepted him as a prophet.
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishAnd he had wanted to kill him and he was afraid of the people who were holding him as a Prophet. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentAnd he intended to put him to death, but feared the multitude, because they regarded him as a prophet.
Godbey New TestamentAnd wishing to kill him, he feared the multitude, because they esteemed him as a prophet.
Haweis New TestamentAnd though he wished to kill him, he was afraid of the multitude, for they held him as a prophet.
Mace New Testamenthe would have put him to death, but for fear of the people, who reckoned him a prophet.
Weymouth New TestamentAnd he would have liked to put him to death, but was afraid of the people, because they regarded John as a Prophet.
Worrell New TestamentAnd, wishing to kill him, he feared the multitude, because they were holding him as a prophet.
Worsley New Testamentbut that he was afraid of the people; for they esteemed him as a prophet.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The Beheading of John… 4because John had been telling him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.” 5AlthoughHerod wantedto killJohn,he was afraidof thepeople,becausethey regardedJohnasa prophet.6On Herod’s birthday, however, the daughter of Herodias danced before them and pleased Herod…
Cross References Mark 6:19-20So Herodias held a grudge against John and wanted to kill him. But she had been unable, / because Herod feared John and protected him, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man. When he heard John’s words, he was greatly perplexed; yet he listened to him gladly.
Luke 9:9“I beheaded John,” Herod said, “but who is this man I hear such things about?” And he kept trying to see Jesus.
Matthew 21:26But if we say, ‘From men,’ we are afraid of the people, for they all regard John as a prophet.”
Matthew 21:46Although they wanted to arrest Him, they were afraid of the crowds, because the people regarded Him as a prophet.
Mark 11:32But if we say, ‘From men’...” they were afraid of the people, for they all held that John truly was a prophet.
Luke 20:6But if we say, ‘From men,’ all the people will stone us, for they are convinced that John was a prophet.”
John 5:35John was a lamp that burned and gave light, and you were willing for a season to bask in his light.
John 7:40-44On hearing these words, some of the people said, “This is truly the Prophet.” / Others declared, “This is the Christ.” But still others asked, “How can the Christ come from Galilee? / Doesn’t the Scripture say that the Christ will come from the line of David and from Bethlehem, the village where David lived?” ...
Acts 12:3-4And seeing that this pleased the Jews, Herod proceeded to seize Peter during the Feast of Unleavened Bread. / He arrested him and put him in prison, handing him over to be guarded by four squads of four soldiers each. Herod intended to bring him out to the people after the Passover.
Acts 24:27After two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And wishing to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison.
1 Kings 18:17-18When Ahab saw Elijah, he said to him, “Is that you, O troubler of Israel?” / “I have not troubled Israel,” Elijah replied, “but you and your father’s house have, for you have forsaken the commandments of the LORD and have followed the Baals.
1 Kings 21:20When Elijah arrived, Ahab said to him, “So you have found me out, my enemy.” He replied, “I have found you out because you have sold yourself to do evil in the sight of the LORD.
1 Kings 22:8The king of Israel answered, “There is still one man through whom we can inquire of the LORD, but I hate him because he never prophesies anything good for me, but only bad. He is Micaiah son of Imlah.” “The king should not say that!” Jehoshaphat replied.
Jeremiah 26:21-24King Jehoiakim and all his mighty men and officials heard his words, and the king sought to put him to death. But when Uriah found out about it, he fled in fear and went to Egypt. / Then King Jehoiakim sent men to Egypt: Elnathan son of Achbor along with some other men. / They brought Uriah out of Egypt and took him to King Jehoiakim, who had him put to the sword and his body thrown into the burial place of the common people. ...
Jeremiah 38:4-6Then the officials said to the king, “This man ought to die, for he is discouraging the warriors who remain in this city, as well as all the people, by speaking such words to them; this man is not seeking the well-being of these people, but their ruin.” / “Here he is,” replied King Zedekiah. “He is in your hands, since the king can do nothing to stop you.” / So they took Jeremiah and dropped him into the cistern of Malchiah, the king’s son, which was in the courtyard of the guard. They lowered Jeremiah with ropes into the cistern, which had no water but only mud, and Jeremiah sank down into the mud.
Treasury of Scripture And when he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet. when. Mark 6:19,20 Therefore Herodias had a quarrel against him, and would have killed him; but she could not: … Mark 14:1,2 After two days wasthe feast of the passover, and of unleavened bread: and the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might take him by craft, and puthim to death… Acts 4:21 So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for allmen glorified God for that which was done. because. Matthew 21:26,32 But if we shall say, Of men; we fear the people; for all hold John as a prophet… Mark 11:30-32 The baptism of John, wasit from heaven, or of men? answer me… Luke 20:6 But and if we say, Of men; all the people will stone us: for they be persuaded that John was a prophet. Jump to Previous AfraidAlthoughConsideredCountedCrowdDeathDesiringEyesFearFearedHeldHerodHoldingJohnKillLikedMultitudeProphetRegardedWantedJump to Next AfraidAlthoughConsideredCountedCrowdDeathDesiringEyesFearFearedHeldHerodHoldingJohnKillLikedMultitudeProphetRegardedWantedMatthew 14 1.Herod's opinion of Jesus.3.Wherefore John Baptist was beheaded.13.Jesus departs into a solitary place,15.where he feeds five thousand men with five loves and two fishes.22.He walks on the sea to his disciples;34.and landing at Gennesaret,35.heals the sick who touch of the hem of his garment.Although Herod wanted to kill JohnHerod Antipas, the tetrarch of Galilee and Perea, was a ruler known for his moral weaknesses and political maneuvering. His desire to kill John the Baptist stemmed from John's public condemnation of Herod's unlawful marriage to Herodias, his brother's wife. This reflects the tension between political power and prophetic truth, a recurring theme in the Bible where God's messengers often face opposition from rulers (e.g., Elijah and Ahab in 1 Kings 18). he was afraid of the people
Herod's fear of the people highlights the influence and respect John the Baptist commanded among the Jewish populace. This fear indicates Herod's political vulnerability and his awareness of the potential for unrest if he acted against a popular figure. It also underscores the tension between Herod's personal desires and his need to maintain public order, a common dilemma for rulers in biblical narratives. because they regarded John as a prophet
John the Baptist was widely recognized as a prophet, a messenger of God who called for repentance and prepared the way for Jesus Christ. This recognition by the people is significant, as it places John in the line of Old Testament prophets who spoke God's truth to power. The people's regard for John as a prophet also fulfills the expectation of a prophetic voice preceding the Messiah, as seen inMalachi 3:1 andIsaiah 40:3. This acknowledgment by the people contrasts with the rejection of Jesus by many of the religious leaders, highlighting the theme of true spiritual insight versus hardened hearts. Persons / Places / Events 1. Herod AntipasThe tetrarch of Galilee and Perea, son of Herod the Great. He is known for his role in the execution of John the Baptist and later, his interactions with Jesus. 2. John the BaptistA prophet and forerunner of Jesus Christ, known for his call to repentance and baptism. He was imprisoned and eventually executed by Herod Antipas. 3. The PeopleThe general populace of Judea and Galilee who held John the Baptist in high regard as a prophet sent by God. 4. ProphetIn the Jewish tradition, a prophet is a person chosen by God to deliver His messages to the people. John the Baptist was recognized as such by the people. 5. FearHerod's fear of the people highlights the tension between his political power and the spiritual authority recognized by the populace. Teaching Points The Power of Public OpinionHerod's fear of the people demonstrates the significant influence public opinion can have on leaders. As Christians, we should be aware of how societal pressures can impact decisions and strive to prioritize God's will over human approval. The Role of ProphetsJohn the Baptist's recognition as a prophet underscores the importance of prophetic voices in guiding and correcting God's people. We should be attentive to those who speak truthfully and biblically into our lives. Fear vs. FaithHerod's fear of the people contrasts with the faith and courage demonstrated by John the Baptist. Believers are called to live by faith, not fear, trusting in God's sovereignty over human opinion. Moral CourageHerod's lack of moral courage serves as a cautionary tale. Christians are encouraged to stand firm in their convictions, even when faced with opposition or potential backlash. The Consequences of SinHerod's eventual decision to execute John the Baptist, despite his initial reluctance, illustrates how sin can lead to destructive choices. We must be vigilant in resisting sin and seeking God's guidance in our decisions. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Matthew 14:5?
2.Why did Herod fear the people regarding John the Baptist in Matthew 14:5?
3.How does Herod's fear reflect on his leadership and decision-making?
4.What Old Testament examples show leaders fearing people over God?
5.How can we prioritize God's will over people's opinions in our lives?
6.What steps can we take to stand firm in our faith like John?
7.Why did Herod fear the people in Matthew 14:5?
8.How does Matthew 14:5 reflect Herod's political concerns?
9.What does Matthew 14:5 reveal about Herod's character?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Matthew 14?
11.What led to John the Baptist's beheading?
12.Did Herod want to kill John the Baptist? Yes (Matthew 14:5) No. It was Herodias, the wife of Herod who wanted to kill him. But Herod knew that he was a righteous man and kept him safe (Mark 6:20)
13.Was John the Baptist Elijah? (Matthew 11:14 vs. John 1:21)
14.According to Isaiah 53:7, the servant remains silent when oppressed, yet in the Gospels Jesus speaks during his trials--how do we reconcile this contradiction?What Does Matthew 14:5 Mean Although Herod wanted to kill John• Herod Antipas had arrested John because John boldly confronted his immoral union with Herodias (Matthew 14:3-4;Mark 6:18-19). • The king’s desire was not for justice but for self-preservation of his sinful lifestyle—echoing Ahab’s hostility toward Elijah in1 Kings 18:17. • Scripture consistently shows that when confronted by truth, hardened hearts often seek to silence the messenger (Acts 7:52).
he was afraid of the people• Political calculation overruled Herod’s murderous intent. He feared an uprising, since John had wide popular support—much like the leaders who hesitated to seize Jesus because “they were afraid of the people” (Luke 20:19). •Proverbs 29:25 warns, “The fear of man lays a snare,” illustrating Herod’s dilemma: his fear bound him, preventing decisive action. • Fear of the crowd, rather than fear of God, exposes the shallowness of Herod’s authority (compareJohn 12:42-43).
because they regarded John as a prophet• The crowds recognized John’s divine commission, fulfillingMalachi 3:1’s promise of a forerunner. Jesus affirmed this view, calling John “more than a prophet” (Matthew 11:9-11). • John’s prophetic role carried weight similar to Elijah (Luke 1:17), so harming him risked popular revolt. • Even after John’s death, the people’s esteem endured; when Jesus later challenged the chief priests regarding John’s baptism, they evaded answering “for they feared the people, for everyone held that John really was a prophet” (Mark 11:32).
summaryHerod Antipas longed to eliminate the voice that exposed his sin, yet political fear restrained him. The people’s conviction that John was a genuine prophet safeguarded John’s life for a season, underscoring how God can use public reverence to hinder evil plans.Matthew 14:5 therefore highlights the clash between sinful power and prophetic truth, revealing a ruler governed by human fear rather than repentance and reminding readers that God’s messengers remain under His ultimate protection until their mission is complete. (5) He feared the multitude.--St. Mark, whose narrative is here much the fullest of the three, adds that Herod himself "feared John," knowing "him to be a just man and a holy," and was much perplexed--this, rather than "did many things" is the true reading--and heard him gladly ( Mark 6:20). There was yet a struggle of conscience against passion in the weak and wicked tetrarch, as there was in Ahab in his relations with Elijah. In Herodias, as in Jezebel, there was no halting between two opinions, and she, in the bitterness of her hate, thirsted for the blood of the prophet who had dared to rebuke her guilt. Verse 5. - And when he would have put himto death, he feared the multitude (cf. Luke 20:6). Mark has, "And Herodias set herself against him, and would have put him to death; and she could not; for Herod feared John." The more detailed account in Mark is doubtless the more exact. Perhaps the facts of the case were that, in the first heat of his resentment, Herod wished to kill John, but feared the anger of the people, and that afterwards, when he him in his power and Herodias still urged his death, Herod had himself learned to respect him. Observe (1) that it is quite impossible to suppose that either evangelist had the words of the other in front of him. The difference does not consist merely of addition or explanation; (2) that these are exactly the kind of verbal coincidences which might be expected to be found in two oral traditions starting from a common basis.For they counted him as aprophet (ὡς προφήτην αὐτὸν εϊχον); soMatthew 21:26 (cf.Matthew 21:46;Mark 11:32;Philippians 2:29).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek Althoughκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.[Herod] wantedθέλων(thelōn)Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2309:To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design.to killἀποκτεῖναι(apokteinai)Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 615:To put to death, kill; fig: I abolish. From apo and kteino; to kill outright; figuratively, to destroy.[John],αὐτὸν(auton)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.he was afraidἐφοβήθη(ephobēthē)Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 5399:From phobos; to frighten, i.e. to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e. Revere.of theτὸν(ton)Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.people,ὄχλον(ochlon)Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3793:From a derivative of echo; a throng; by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot.becauseὅτι(hoti)Conjunction
Strong's 3754:Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.they consideredεἶχον(eichon)Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2192:To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.himαὐτὸν(auton)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.a prophet.προφήτην(prophētēn)Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4396:From a compound of pro and phemi; a foreteller; by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet.
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NT Gospels: Matthew 14:5 When he would have put him (Matt. Mat Mt) |
