New International Version Herod wanted to kill John, but he was afraid of the people, because they considered John a prophet. New Living Translation Herod wanted to kill John, but he was afraid of a riot, because all the people believed John was a prophet. English Standard Version And though he wanted to put him to death, he feared the people, because they held him to be a prophet. Berean Standard Bible Although Herod wanted to kill John, he was afraid of the people, because they regarded John as a prophet. Berean Literal Bible And wanting to kill him, he feared the crowd, because they were holding him as a prophet. King James Bible And when he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet. New King James Version And although he wanted to put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet. New American Standard Bible Although Herod wanted to put him to death, he feared the crowd, because they regarded John as a prophet. NASB 1995 Although Herod wanted to put him to death, he feared the crowd, because they regarded John as a prophet. NASB 1977 And although he wanted to put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they regarded him as a prophet. Legacy Standard Bible And although Herod wanted to put him to death, he feared the crowd, because they were regarding John as a prophet. Amplified Bible Although Herod wished to have him put to death, he feared the people, for they regarded John as a prophet. Berean Annotated Bible Although Herod wanted to kill John, he was afraid of the people, because they regarded John as a prophet. Christian Standard Bible Though Herod wanted to kill John, he feared the crowd since they regarded John as a prophet. Holman Christian Standard Bible Though he wanted to kill him, he feared the crowd, since they regarded him as a prophet. American Standard Version And when he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet. Contemporary English Version Herod wanted to kill John. But the people thought John was a prophet, and Herod was afraid of what they might do. English Revised Version And when he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet. GOD'S WORD® Translation So Herod wanted to kill John. However, he was afraid of the people because they thought John was a prophet. Good News Translation Herod wanted to kill him, but he was afraid of the Jewish people, because they considered John to be a prophet. International Standard Version Although Herod wanted to kill him, he was afraid of the crowd, since they regarded John as a prophet. NET Bible Although Herod wanted to kill John, he feared the crowd because they accepted John as a prophet. New Heart English Bible And though he wanted to kill him, he feared the crowd because they regarded him as a prophet. Webster's Bible Translation And when he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet. Weymouth New Testament And 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 Bible When 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 Bible And wanting to kill him, he feared the crowd, 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 Translation And 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 Version And though he wanted to kill him, he feared the people, because they held him to be a prophet. New American Bible Although he wanted to kill him, he feared the people, for they regarded him as a prophet. New Revised Standard Version Though 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 English And 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 Testament And wishing to kill him, he feared the multitude, because they esteemed him as a prophet. Haweis New Testament And though he wished to kill him, he was afraid of the multitude, for they held him as a prophet. Mace New Testament he would have put him to death, but for fear of the people, who reckoned him a prophet. Weymouth New Testament And he would have liked to put him to death, but was afraid of the people, because they regarded John as a Prophet. Worrell New Testament And, wishing to kill him, he feared the multitude, because they were holding him as a prophet. Worsley New Testament but that he was afraid of the people; for they esteemed him as a prophet. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context The Beheading of John…4because John had been telling him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.” 5Although Herod wanted to kill John, he was afraid of the people, because they regarded John as a prophet. 6On Herod’s birthday, however, the daughter of Herodias danced before them and pleased Herod… Cross References Although Herod wanted to kill John, Mark 6:19 So Herodias held a grudge against John and wanted to kill him. But she had been unable, Mark 6:20 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 3:19-20 But when he rebuked Herod the tetrarch regarding his brother’s wife Herodias and all the evils he had done, / Herod added this to them all: He locked John up in prison. he was afraid of the people, Matthew 21:26 But if we say, ‘From men,’ we are afraid of the people, for they all regard John as a prophet.” Mark 11:32 But if we say, ‘From men’...” they were afraid of the people, for they all held that John truly was a prophet. Luke 20:6 But if we say, ‘From men,’ all the people will stone us, for they are convinced that John was a prophet.” because they regarded John as a prophet. Matthew 11:9 What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. Luke 7:26 What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. Luke 1:76 And you, child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for Him, 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 21:46 Although they wanted to arrest Him, they were afraid of the crowds, because the people regarded Him as a prophet. John 5:35 John was a lamp that burned and gave light, and you were willing for a season to bask in his light. John 7:40-44 On 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 12:3-4 And 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 24:27 After 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 18:17-18 When 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. 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 was the feast of the passover, and of unleavened bread: and the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might take him by craft, and put him 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 all men 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, was it 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 Afraid Although Considered Counted Crowd Death Desiring Eyes Fear Feared Held Herod Holding John Kill Liked Multitude Prophet Regarded WantedJump to Next Afraid Although Considered Counted Crowd Death Desiring Eyes Fear Feared Held Herod Holding John Kill Liked Multitude Prophet Regarded WantedMatthew 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 John, Herod Antipas resented John the Baptist for openly condemning his marriage to Herodias, who had been his brother Philip’s wife. John’s rebuke exposed Herod’s disregard for God’s law and threatened the ruler’s public standing. Mrk 6:19 So Herodias held a grudge against John and wanted to kill… he was afraid of the people, Herod recognized John’s influence among the people and feared that executing him could provoke unrest. His actions were governed not by justice but by self-interest and political caution. Mat 21:26 But if we say, ‘From men,’ we are afraid of the people,… because they regarded John as a prophet. The people saw John as God’s messenger, calling Israel to repentance and preparing the way for the Messiah. Their respect for John restrained Herod for a time, though it did not change his hostility toward him. Mat 11:9 What then did you go out to see? A prophet?… 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 Baptist A 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 People The general populace of Judea and Galilee who held John the Baptist in high regard as a prophet sent by God. 4. Prophet In 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. Fear Herod'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 Prophets John 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. Faith Herod'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 Courage Herod'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 Sin Herod'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? (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 him to 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 a prophet (ὡς προφήτην αὐτὸν εϊχον); so Matthew 21:26 (cf. Matthew 21:46; Mark 11:32; Philippians 2:29). Herod 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.Parallel Commentaries ... Greek Althoughκαὶ (kai) Conjunction Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. [Herod] wanted θέλων (thelōn) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 2309: To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design. to kill ἀποκτεῖναι (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 afraid ἐφοβήθη (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 the τὸν (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. because ὅτι (hoti) Conjunction Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because. they considered εἶχον (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. him 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. 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. Additonal Resources Matthew 14:5 Blue Letter BibleMatthew 14:5 Bible Gateway Matthew 14:5 Bible.com Matthew 14:5 NIV |
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