Matthew 14:3 Study Bible: For Herod had arrested John, and bound him, and put him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife.

◄ Matthew 14:3 ►

Now Herod had arrested John and bound him and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife,

Now Herod
The Herod mentioned here is Herod Antipas, a son of Herod the Great. Herod Antipas was a tetrarch, a ruler of a quarter of his father's kingdom, specifically over Galilee and Perea. Historically, Herod Antipas is known for his political cunning and moral weaknesses, which are evident in his interactions with John the Baptist and later with Jesus. His rule is marked by a desire to maintain power and favor with Rome, often at the expense of justice and righteousness.

had arrested John
John the Baptist, a pivotal figure in the New Testament, was known for his bold proclamation of repentance and the coming of the Messiah. His arrest by Herod signifies the tension between the prophetic voice of God and the political powers of the time. John's arrest is a testament to his unwavering commitment to truth, even when it meant confronting the immorality of those in power.

and bound him
The act of binding John symbolizes the attempt to silence the prophetic voice. In a broader spiritual context, it reflects the ongoing struggle between the forces of darkness and the light of God's truth. Despite being physically restrained, John's message continued to resonate, demonstrating that the truth of God cannot be contained by human chains.

and put him in prison
The imprisonment of John the Baptist serves as a foreshadowing of the persecution that many followers of Christ would face. It highlights the cost of discipleship and the reality that standing for God's truth often leads to suffering. Historically, John's imprisonment was in the fortress of Machaerus, a remote and formidable location, underscoring the severity of Herod's actions.

on account of Herodias
Herodias was the wife of Herod's brother Philip, and her marriage to Herod Antipas was both politically and morally controversial. Herodias is often seen as a symbol of manipulation and moral corruption, using her influence over Herod to achieve her own ends. Herod's actions, driven by Herodias, reflect the dangers of compromising moral integrity for personal or political gain.

his brother Philip’s wife
This phrase highlights the unlawful nature of Herod's marriage to Herodias, as she was still considered the wife of his brother Philip. According to Jewish law, this union was considered adulterous and incestuous. John's condemnation of this marriage was a direct challenge to Herod's authority and moral character, ultimately leading to his arrest. This situation underscores the importance of adhering to God's standards, even when they conflict with societal norms or personal desires.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Herod Antipas
The tetrarch of Galilee and Perea, son of Herod the Great. He is known for his role in the imprisonment and execution of John the Baptist.

2. John the Baptist
A prophet and forerunner of Jesus Christ, known for his call to repentance and baptism. He was imprisoned by Herod Antipas for speaking against Herod's unlawful marriage.

3. Herodias
The wife of Herod's brother Philip, whom Herod unlawfully married. Herodias held a grudge against John the Baptist for condemning their marriage.

4. Philip
Herod's brother, originally married to Herodias. His marriage to Herodias was considered lawful, unlike her subsequent marriage to Herod Antipas.

5. Prison
The place where John the Baptist was held captive. This imprisonment was a result of Herodias's influence over Herod.

Teaching Points

The Cost of Speaking Truth
John the Baptist's imprisonment reminds us that standing for God's truth can lead to personal sacrifice and persecution. Believers are called to uphold biblical principles, even when it is unpopular or dangerous.

The Influence of Sinful Relationships
Herod's unlawful marriage to Herodias led to a series of sinful actions, including the imprisonment and eventual execution of John. This serves as a warning about the consequences of sinful relationships and decisions.

The Power of Conviction
Despite the threat to his life, John the Baptist remained steadfast in his conviction to speak against sin. Christians are encouraged to hold firm to their convictions, trusting in God's justice and sovereignty.

The Danger of Compromise
Herod's decision to imprison John was a compromise to please Herodias, illustrating the dangers of compromising one's values to appease others. Believers should seek to please God above all else.

Bible Study Questions

1. What can we learn from John the Baptist's response to Herod's unlawful marriage about the importance of standing for truth in today's society?

2. How does Herod's relationship with Herodias illustrate the potential consequences of sinful relationships? Can you identify similar warnings in other parts of Scripture?

3. In what ways might Christians today face "imprisonment" (literal or metaphorical) for their beliefs, and how can they prepare to stand firm in their faith?

4. How does the account of John the Baptist's imprisonment challenge us to examine areas in our lives where we might be compromising our values?

5. Reflect on a time when you had to speak out against wrongdoing. How did you rely on your faith to guide your actions, and what was the outcome? How does this relate to the example set by John the Baptist?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 18:16 and 20:21
These verses in the Old Testament law explicitly prohibit marrying a brother's wife, which John the Baptist cited as the reason for condemning Herod's marriage to Herodias.

Mark 6:17-29
This passage provides a parallel account of John the Baptist's imprisonment and eventual execution, offering additional details about Herodias's role and Herod's internal conflict.

Luke 3:19-20
These verses summarize John the Baptist's rebuke of Herod and his subsequent imprisonment, highlighting John's boldness in speaking truth to power.

Sermons

A Charger	J. Morison	Matthew 14:1-11
A Court Preacher	E. Bersier, D. D.	Matthew 14:1-11
Blundering Wickedness	W. V. Kelley.	Matthew 14:1-11
Bold in Reproof	Gurnall.	Matthew 14:1-11
Compromising Court Preachers	E. Bersier, D. D.	Matthew 14:1-11
Conscience a Preacher	H. B. Hooker, D. D.	Matthew 14:1-11
Conscience a Tormentor	Bishop Hall.	Matthew 14:1-11
Conscience and the Moral Law	T. Sherlock, D.D.	Matthew 14:1-11
Conscience in Defiance of Sceptical Decrial	Dr. Thomas.	Matthew 14:1-11
Conscience-Fears	H. R. Haweis.	Matthew 14:1-11
Contrast	Vernon W. Hutting, B. A.	Matthew 14:1-11
Dancing	Bishop Hall.	Matthew 14:1-11
Dislike of Faithful Rebuke		Matthew 14:1-11
Faithful Prelates	John Trapp.	Matthew 14:1-11
Fidelity Often Provokes	M. Henry.	Matthew 14:1-11
Head in a Charger		Matthew 14:1-11
Herod a Hypocrite	Bishop Hall.	Matthew 14:1-11
Herod, a Man Governed by Fear	J. P. Norris.	Matthew 14:1-11
Herod; Or, the Power of Conscience	T. Kelly.	Matthew 14:1-11
Herod's Birthday	John Trapp.	Matthew 14:1-11
Herod's Marriage with Herodias		Matthew 14:1-11
Herod's Oath	J. Morison, D. D.	Matthew 14:1-11
Herod's Sorrow At Death of the Baptist	John Trapp.	Matthew 14:1-11
Influence of Balls	S. S. Teacher's Journal	Matthew 14:1-11
Known by Our Pleasures	Bishop Hall.	Matthew 14:1-11
Like Mother, Like Daughter	John Trapp.	Matthew 14:1-11
Martyrdom of John Baptist	S. W. Skeffington, M. A.	Matthew 14:1-11
Monarchs Subject to Law	J. Morison.	Matthew 14:1-11
Need of Ministerial Faithfulness	H. Smith.	Matthew 14:1-11
Reproving the Rich	D. Thomas, D. D.	Matthew 14:1-11
Salome's Death Retributive	Dean Plumptre.	Matthew 14:1-11
The Church Built and Enlarged by Humble But Heroic Fidelity to Truth	E. Bersier, D. D	Matthew 14:1-11
The Dead Prophet Yet Alive	W. V. Kelley.	Matthew 14:1-11
The Last Struggle of Conscience	Dean Plumptre.	Matthew 14:1-11
The Rewards and Punishment of Religion are in the Present as Well as in the Future	T. Sherlock, D.D.	Matthew 14:1-11
The Terrors of Conscience	F. Atterbury.	Matthew 14:1-11
Troubled Conscience	Bishop Hall.	Matthew 14:1-11
Wounds of Conscience	F. Atterbury.	Matthew 14:1-11
John's Death	Marcus Dods	Matthew 14:1-12
The Morals of a Tragedy	J.A. Macdonald	Matthew 14:1-12
The Ruin of Reckless Rashness	P.C. Barker	Matthew 14:1, 2, 3-5, 6-12
The Murder of John the Baptist	W.F. Adeney	Matthew 14:3-12

People

Herod, Herodias, Jesus, John, Peter, Philip

Places

Galilee, Genneseret, Jerusalem, Sea of Galilee

Topics

Account, Arrested, Bind, Bound, Brother, Chains, Herod, Herodias, Hero'di-as, Hold, Imprisoned, John, Laid, Philip, Philip's, Prison, Sake, Seized, Wife

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Matthew 14:3

     5344   imprisonment
     5460   prison
     5461   prisoners
     5507   rope and cord
     5681   family, nature of
     6163   faults

Matthew 14:1-5

2318 Christ, as prophet

Matthew 14:1-11

5468 promises, human

Matthew 14:1-12

5098 John the Baptist

Matthew 14:2-12

8450 martyrdom

Matthew 14:3-4

     4945   history
     5711   marriage, restrictions
     5744   wife

Matthew 14:3-11

5714 men

Matthew 14:3-12

8828 spite

Library

July 23. "Bring them Hither to Me" (Matt. xiv. 18).
"Bring them hither to Me" (Matt. xiv. 18). Why have ye not received all the fulness of the Holy Spirit? And how may we be anointed with "the rest of the oil?" The greatest need is to make room when God makes it. Look around you at your situation. Are you not encompassed with needs at this very moment, and almost overwhelmed with difficulties, trials and emergencies? These are all divinely provided vessels for the Holy Spirit to fill, and if you would but rightly understand their meaning, they would …
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

The Grave of the Dead John and the Grave of the Living Jesus
'And John's disciples came, and took up the body, and buried it, and went and told Jesus.'--MATT. xiv. 12. 'And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy.'--MATT. xxviii. 8. There is a remarkable parallel and still more remarkable contrast between these two groups of disciples at the graves of their respective masters. John the Baptist's followers venture into the very jaws of the lion to rescue the headless corpse of their martyred teacher from a prison grave. They bear it …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Peter on the Waves
'And Peter answered Him and said, Lord, if it be Thou, bid me come unto Thee on the water.'--MATT. xiv. 28. We owe this account of an episode in the miracle of Christ's walking on the waters to Matthew alone. Singularly enough there is no reference to Peter's venturesomeness and failure in the Gospel which is generally believed to have been written under his special inspection and suggestion. Mark passes by that part of the narrative without a word. That may be because Peter was somewhat ashamed …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Martyrdom of John
'At that time Herod the tetrarch heard of the fame of Jesus, 2. 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. 3. For Herod had laid hold on John, and bound him, and put him in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife. 4. For John said unto him, It is not lawful for thee to have her. 5. And when he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet. 6. …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Food of the World
'He gave the loaves to the disciples, and the disciples to the multitude. 20. And they did all eat, and were filled; and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full.'--MATT. xiv. 19, 20. The miracles of Scripture are not merely wonders, but signs. It is one of their most striking characteristics that they are not, like the pretended portents of false faiths, mere mighty deeds standing in no sort of intellectual relation to the message of which they claim to be the attestation, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The King's Highway
'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. 23. 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. 24. But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. 25. And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. 26. And when the disciples saw Him walking …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Again on Matt. xiv. 25: of the Lord Walking on the Waves of the Sea, and of Peter Tottering.
1. The Gospel which has just been read touching the Lord Christ, who walked on the waters of the sea; [2566] and the Apostle Peter, who as he was walking, tottered through fear, and sinking in distrust, rose again by confession, gives us to understand that the sea is the present world, and the Apostle Peter the type of the One Church. For Peter in the order of Apostles first, and in the love of Christ most forward, answers oftentimes alone for all the rest. Again, when the Lord Jesus Christ asked, …
Saint Augustine—sermons on selected lessons of the new testament

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xiv. 24, "But the Boat was Now in the Midst of the Sea, Distressed by the Waves. "
1. The lesson of the Gospel which we have just heard is a lesson of humility to us all, that we may see and know where we are, and whither we must tend and hasten. For that ship which carries the disciples, which was tossed in the waves by a contrary wind, is not without its meaning. Nor without a meaning [2541] did the Lord after He had left the multitudes, go up into a mountain to pray alone; and then coming to His disciples found them in danger, walking on the sea, and getting up into the ship …
Saint Augustine—sermons on selected lessons of the new testament

Mr. Fearing Comforted
I think I shall be quite safe in concluding this morning, that there are some here who are full of doubting and fearing. Sure I am that all true Christians have their times of anxious questioning. The heart that hath never doubted has not yet learned to believe. As the farmers say, "The land that will not grow a thistle, will not grow wheat;" and the heart that cannot produce a doubt has not yet understood the meaning of believing. He that never doubted of his state--he may, perhaps he may, too late. …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 5: 1859

First Withdrawal from Herod's Territory and Return.
(Spring, a.d. 29.) Subdivision A. Return of the Twelve and Retirement To the East Shore of Galilee. ^A Matt. XIV. 13; ^B Mark VI. 30-32; ^C Luke IX. 10; ^D John VI. 1. ^b 30 And the apostles gather themselves together unto Jesus; ^c when they were returned, ^b and they told { ^c declared unto} ^b him all things, whatsoever they had done, and whatsoever they had taught. [They had fulfilled the mission on which Jesus had sent them, and on returning each pair made to him a full report of their work.] …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Herod Antipas Supposes Jesus to be John.
^A Matt. XIV. 1-12; ^B Mark VI. 14-29; ^C Luke IX. 7-9. ^b 14 And ^c 7 Now ^a 1 At that season ^b King Herod [Herod Antipas, son of Herod the Great. See page 63.] ^c the tetrarch heard of all that was done ^a heard the report concerning Jesus, ^b for his name had become known: ^c and he was perplexed, because that it was said by some, that John was risen from the dead; 8 and by some, that Elijah had appeared; and by others, that one of the old prophets was risen again. [The work of Jesus impressed …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

First Withdrawal from Herod's Territory and Return.
(Spring, a.d. 29.) Subdivision B. Feeding the Five Thousand. ^A Matt. XIV. 13-21; ^B Mark VI. 33-44; ^C Luke IX. 11-17; ^D John VI. 2-14. ^c 11 But { ^a and} the multitudes heard thereof [heard of Jesus and his disciples crossing the lake], ^b 33 And they saw them going, and ^c perceiving it, ^b many knew them, ^d 2 And a great multitude followed him, because they beheld the signs which he did on them that were sick. ^b and they ran together there on foot from all the cities, and outwent them. ^a …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Miraculous Feeding of the Five Thousand
In the circumstances described in the previous chapter, Jesus resolved at once to leave Capernaum; and this probably alike for the sake of His disciples, who needed rest; for that of the people, who might have attempted a rising after the murder of the Baptist; and temporarily to withdraw Himself and His followers from the power of Herod. For this purpose He chose the place outside the dominions of Antipas, nearest to Capernaum. This was Beth-Saida (the house of fishing,' Fisher-town,' [3198] as …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

The Night of Miracles on the Lake of Gennesaret
THE last question of the Baptist, spoken in public, had been: Art Thou the Coming One, or look we for another?' It had, in part, been answered, as the murmur had passed through the ranks: This One is truly the Prophet, the Coming One!' So, then, they had no longer to wait, nor to look for another! And this Prophet' was Israel's long expected Messiah. What this would imply to the people, in the intensity and longing of the great hope which, for centuries, nay, far beyond the time of Ezra, had swayed …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

The Preachings on the Lake.
Such was the group which, on the borders of the lake of Tiberias, gathered around Jesus. The aristocracy was represented there by a customs-officer and by the wife of one of Herod's stewards. The rest were fishermen and common people. Their ignorance was extreme; their intelligence was feeble; they believed in apparitions and spirits.[1] Not one element of Greek culture had penetrated this first assembly of the saints. They had very little Jewish instruction; but heart and good-will overflowed. The …
Ernest Renan—The Life of Jesus

Be of Good Cheer.
"BE of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid" (Matthew xiv:27). "Let not your heart be troubled; ye believe in God believe also in Me. In my father's house are many mansions; if it were not so I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also" (John xiv:1-3). "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you; not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart …
Arno Gaebelein—The Lord of Glory

The Rationalistic Explanation.
PAULUS. But the champions of this theory may admit all this, and yet fasten the delusion upon the disciples of Christ, who were so dazzled by his character, words, and works, that they mistook an extraordinary man for a divine being, and extraordinary medical cures for supernatural miracles. This is the view of the older German Rationalism.[75]75 It forms a parallel to the heathen rationalism of Euhemerus, of the Cyrenaic school: he explained the gods of the Greek mythology as human sages, heroes, …
Philip Schaff—The Person of Christ

Capernaum
From the things last spoken, we gather no trifling conjecture concerning the situation of the town of Capernaum. Josephus relates that the country of Gennesar, which we have described, was watered "with a spring of excellent water; the people thereabouts call it Capernaum." From that either the city hath its name, or rather that hath its name from the city; and the city from the pleasantness of the place. The evangelists, compared together, do make it clear, that this city was seated in the land …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

The Grave of John, and Another Grave
(MATTHEW XIV. 12.) "When some beloved voice, that was to you Both sound and sweetness, faileth suddenly, And silence, against which you dare not cry, Aches round you like a strong disease and new,-- What hope, what help, what music will undo That silence to your sense? Not friendship's sigh, Not reason's subtle count.... Nay, none of these! Speak, Thou availing Christ!--and fill this pause." E. B. BROWNING. "Tell Jesus"--The Sin-Bearer--The Resurrection of Jesus--The Followers of John, and of …
F. B. Meyer—John the Baptist

The Confidence of Prayer. --Matt. xiv. 22
The Confidence of Prayer.--Matt. xiv. 22. Why thus, my soul, cast down? And why disquieted? Black though the tempest frown, The surge pass o'er thy head; Wait the fourth watch;--for One who saves Comes to thee, walking on the waves. Lord! Lord! if it be Thou, Bid me come down to Thee; Jesus! I know Thee now, And walk upon the sea; Faith fails; ah me! the gulf runs high, Save, Lord, I sink! O save, I die! I grasp thy outstretch'd hand; We climb the vessel's side; And lo! we touch the land, The …
James Montgomery—Sacred Poems and Hymns

The Glory of Penitents and Pious People.
Who are they that compose yonder bright multitude? They are headed by a queen who does not wear a virgin's crown; and yet, she is so beautiful, and enjoys so intimate a union with Jesus. Who is she? She is Mary Magdalen, the bright queen of Penitents, and the star of hope to all who have grievously sinned in this world. She was once a sinner, and such a sinner! Her soul was the home of seven devils! She was a hireling of Satan, to catch the souls of men. But a flash of light came forth from the Heart …
F. J. Boudreaux—The Happiness of Heaven

Christ's Encouragements
'Son, be of good cheer.'--MATT. ix. 2. This word of encouragement, which exhorts to both cheerfulness and courage, is often upon Christ's lips. It is only once employed in the Gospels by any other than He. If we throw together the various instances in which He thus speaks, we may get a somewhat striking view of the hindrances to such a temper of bold, buoyant cheerfulness which the world presents, and of the means for securing it which Christ provides. But before I consider these individually, let …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Dancing.
DANCING is the expression of inward feelings by means of rhythmical movements of the body. Usually these movements are in measured step, and are accompanied by music. In some form or another dancing is as old as the world, and has been practiced by rude as well as by civilized peoples. The passion for amateur dancing always has been strongest among savage nations, who have made equal use of it in religious rites and in war. With the savages the dancers work themselves into a perfect frenzy, into …
J. M. Judy—Questionable Amusements and Worthy Substitutes

The Chronology
45. The length of the public ministry of Jesus was one of the earliest questions which arose in the study of the four gospels. In the second and third centuries it was not uncommon to find the answer in the passage from Isaiah (lxi. 1, 2), which Jesus declared was fulfilled in himself. "The acceptable year of the Lord" was taken to indicate that the ministry covered little more than a year. The fact that the first three gospels mention but one Passover (that at the end), and but one journey to Jerusalem, …
Rush Rhees—The Life of Jesus of Nazareth

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