Matthew 14:3
For Herod had seized John and bound him and put him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The verse highlights Herod's motive for imprisoning John: "for Herodias' sake." This points not just to John's condemnation of Herod's marriage, but directly to Herodias' influence and desire to silence the prophet who denounced their illicit union.
Jesus has just heard about the execution of his cousin, John the Baptist, and has withdrawn by boat to a desolate place to mourn. This arrest and imprisonment happened because John had boldly confronted Herod, the ruler of Galilee, for taking his brother Philip's wife, Herodias, and marrying her. John's prophetic voice was a threat to Herod's illegitimate relationship and the stability of his rule, leading to his imprisonment.
John the Baptist didn't just speak out against a bad marriage; he confronted a political and religious scandal. What was so wrong about Herod's relationship?
Herod Antipas, the ruler of Galilee, had taken Herodias as his wife. The problem? She was already married to his half-brother, Philip, and was still alive. John the Baptist, a prophet of God, directly confronted Herod with this, declaring it 'not lawful.'
This wasn't just a matter of personal preference; it was a violation of both Mosaic Law and decency.
John's courageous declaration stemmed from his role as a prophet, called to speak God's truth, even to powerful rulers.
Herod knew John was a righteous man and often listened to him. So why did he imprison him instead of heeding his words?
The text reveals a tension between Herod's internal convictions and his external actions. He recognized John's righteousness and holiness, even hearing him gladly on many occasions.
However, Herod was caught in a web of his own making:
This highlights a crucial point: acknowledging truth is not the same as obeying it. Herod's actions demonstrate how political fear and the desire to maintain power can override even a ruler's awareness of righteousness.
Understand the original words
kratēsas · Greek Verb
To lay hold of or arrest someone by force. In a biblical context, it often implies an act of oppression or the subduing of an individual by those in political or religious power.
This verse highlights a pivotal moment where political intrigue, personal sin, and prophetic courage collide, leading to John the Baptist's imprisonment and eventual martyrdom.
c. 4 BC
Death of Herod the Great
Herod the Great, the ruler of Judea, dies. His kingdom is divided among his sons, including Herod Antipas who becomes tetrarch of Galilee and Perea.
c. AD 27-28
John the Baptist's Ministry Begins
John the Baptist begins his public ministry, calling people to repentance and baptizing them in the Jordan River. He preaches about an imminent kingdom.
c. AD 28-29— this verse
John Denounces Herod Antipas
John the Baptist confronts Herod Antipas, the tetrarch of Galilee, for his unlawful marriage to Herodias, his brother Philip's former wife. This act of faithfulness leads to John's imprisonment.
c. AD 29
Herod's Military Defeat
Herod Antipas suffers a significant military defeat at the hands of Aretas IV, the king of Petra and father of Herod's first wife. This defeat is later attributed by some to divine displeasure over Herod's treatment of John the Baptist.
This verse directly prohibits marrying one's brother's wife, which is the core of the sin John confronted Herod about. It establishes the divine law that Herod was violating, underscoring the gravity of his actions.
1 Samuel 15:22This passage emphasizes that obedience to God is more important than sacrifice or outward religious acts. John's bold confrontation with Herod, despite the personal danger, reflects this principle of prioritizing God's command over political expediency or personal safety.
Proverbs 29:12This proverb speaks about rulers listening to truth and lies, suggesting that a ruler who favors falsehood often faces corruption and instability. Herod's choices, driven by lust and a desire to appease his guests, exemplify the destructive path of a ruler who ignores righteous counsel.
Mark 6:17-20This parallel account details Herod's internal conflict: he feared John, knew he was righteous, and listened to him gladly, yet was trapped by his own oath and Herodias's schemes. It provides deeper insight into Herod's complex motivations and his partiality for John's message, even as he ultimately succumbed to sin.
2 Timothy 3:12This verse states that all who want to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. John's imprisonment and subsequent beheading serve as a stark example of the persecution faced by those who stand for righteousness against powerful, ungodly figures.
barnesMatthew 14:3: "For Herod had laid hold on John, and bound him, and put him in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife."
For Herod had laid hold on John ... - See Mark 6:17-20 ; Luke 3:19-20 . This Herodias was a granddaughter of Herod the Great. She was first married to Herod Philip, by whom she had a daughter, Salome, probably the one that danced and pleased Herod. Josephus says that this marriage of Herod Antipas with Herodias took place while he was on a journey to Rome. He stop…
calvinMatthew 14:3-12: "For Herod had laid hold on John, and bound him, and put him in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife."
- For Herod had seized John, and bound him, and put him in prison, on account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip. 4. For John said to him, It is not lawful for thee to have her. 5. And though he wished to put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they accounted him a prophet. 6. But when Herod's birthday was kept, the daughter of Herodias dan…
The verse highlights Herod's motive for imprisoning John: "for Herodias' sake." This points not just to John's condemnation of Herod's marriage, but directly to Herodias' influence and desire to silence the prophet who denounced their illicit union.
Jesus has just heard about the execution of his cousin, John the Baptist, and has withdrawn by boat to a desolate place to mourn. This arrest and imprisonment happened because John had boldly confronted Herod, the ruler of Galilee, for taking his brother Philip's wife, Herodias, and marrying her. John's prophetic voice was a threat to Herod's illegitimate relationship and the stability of his rule, leading to his imprisonment.
Jesus has just heard about the execution of his cousin, John the Baptist, and has withdrawn by boat to a desolate place to mourn. This arrest and imprisonment happened because John had boldly confronted Herod, the ruler of Galilee, for taking his brother Philip's wife, Herodias, and marrying her. John's prophetic voice was a threat to Herod's illegitimate relationship and the stability of his rule, leading to his imprisonment.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Matthew 14:3 is available in the Sola app.
c. AD 30-31
John the Baptist Beheaded
On Herod Antipas's birthday, his stepdaughter Salome dances and pleases the guests. Herod, influenced by an oath and the pressure of his court, orders John the Baptist's execution, fulfilling Herodias's vengeful desire.
"For Herod had seized John and bound him and put him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife," — The verse highlights Herod's motive for imprisoning John: "for Herodias' sake." This points not just to John's condemnation of Herod's marriage, but directly to Herodias' influence and desire to sile…
