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cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad5.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/matthew/14-4.htm" title="Matthew 14:4">◄</a> Matthew 14:5 <a href="/matthew/14-6.htm" title="Matthew 14:6">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/matthew/14.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/matthew/14.htm">New International Version</a> Herod wanted to kill John, but he was afraid of the people, because they considered John a prophet. <a href="/nlt/matthew/14.htm">New Living Translation</a> Herod wanted to kill John, but he was afraid of a riot, because all the people believed John was a prophet. <a href="/esv/matthew/14.htm">English Standard Version</a> And though he wanted to put him to death, he feared the people, because they held him to be a prophet. <a href="/bsb/matthew/14.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Although Herod wanted to kill John, he was afraid of the people, because they regarded John as a prophet. <a href="/blb/matthew/14.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Although wishing to kill him, he feared the multitude, because they were holding him as a prophet. <a href="/kjv/matthew/14.htm">King James Bible</a> And when he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet. <a href="/nkjv/matthew/14.htm">New King James Version</a> And although he wanted to put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet. <a href="/nasb_/matthew/14.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Although Herod wanted to put him to death, he feared the crowd, because they regarded John as a prophet. <a href="/nasb/matthew/14.htm">NASB 1995</a> Although Herod wanted to put him to death, he feared the crowd, because they regarded John as a prophet. <a href="/nasb77/matthew/14.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And although he wanted to put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they regarded him as a prophet. <a href="/lsb/matthew/14.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And although Herod wanted to put him to death, he feared the crowd, because they were regarding John as a prophet. <a href="/amp/matthew/14.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Although Herod wished to have him put to death, he feared the people, for they regarded John as a prophet. <a href="/csb/matthew/14.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Though Herod wanted to kill John, he feared the crowd since they regarded John as a prophet. <a href="/hcsb/matthew/14.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Though he wanted to kill him, he feared the crowd, since they regarded him as a prophet. <a href="/asv/matthew/14.htm">American Standard Version</a> And when he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet. <a href="/cev/matthew/14.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Herod wanted to kill John. But the people thought John was a prophet, and Herod was afraid of what they might do. <a href="/erv/matthew/14.htm">English Revised Version</a> And when he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet. <a href="/gwt/matthew/14.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> So Herod wanted to kill John. However, he was afraid of the people because they thought John was a prophet. <a href="/gnt/matthew/14.htm">Good News Translation</a> Herod wanted to kill him, but he was afraid of the Jewish people, because they considered John to be a prophet. <a href="/isv/matthew/14.htm">International Standard Version</a> Although Herod wanted to kill him, he was afraid of the crowd, since they regarded John as a prophet. <a href="/msb/matthew/14.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Although Herod wanted to kill John, he was afraid of the people, because they regarded John as a prophet. <a href="/net/matthew/14.htm">NET Bible</a> Although Herod wanted to kill John, he feared the crowd because they accepted John as a prophet. <a href="/nheb/matthew/14.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> And though he wanted to kill him, he feared the crowd because they regarded him as a prophet. <a href="/wbt/matthew/14.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And when he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet. <a href="/wey/matthew/14.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> And he would have liked to put him to death, but was afraid of the people, because they regarded John as a Prophet. <a href="/web/matthew/14.htm">World English Bible</a> When he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/matthew/14.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and willing to kill him, he feared the multitude, because as a prophet they were holding him. <a href="/blb/matthew/14.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Although wishing to kill him, he feared the multitude, because they were holding him as a prophet. <a href="/ylt/matthew/14.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and, willing to kill him, he feared the multitude, because as a prophet they were holding him. <a href="/slt/matthew/14.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And wishing to kill him, he was afraid of the crowd, because they held John as a prophet.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/matthew/14.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And having a mind to put him to death, he feared the people: because they esteemed him as a prophet. <a href="/cpdv/matthew/14.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And though he wanted to kill him, he feared the people, because they held him to be a prophet. <a href="/nabre/matthew/14.htm">New American Bible</a> Although he wanted to kill him, he feared the people, for they regarded him as a prophet. <a href="/nrsvce/matthew/14.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Though Herod wanted to put him to death, he feared the crowd, because they regarded him as a prophet.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/matthew/14.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> So Herod wanted to kill him, but he was afraid of the people, because they accepted him as a prophet. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/14.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And he had wanted to kill him and he was afraid of the people who were holding him as a Prophet.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/matthew/14.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> And he intended to put him to death, but feared the multitude, because they regarded him as a prophet. <a href="/godbey/matthew/14.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> And wishing to kill him, he feared the multitude, because they esteemed him as a prophet. <a href="/haweis/matthew/14.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> And though he wished to kill him, he was afraid of the multitude, for they held him as a prophet. <a href="/mace/matthew/14.htm">Mace New Testament</a> he would have put him to death, but for fear of the people, who reckoned him a prophet. <a href="/wey/matthew/14.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> And he would have liked to put him to death, but was afraid of the people, because they regarded John as a Prophet. <a href="/worrell/matthew/14.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> And, wishing to kill him, he feared the multitude, because they were holding him as a prophet. <a href="/worsley/matthew/14.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> but that he was afraid of the people; for they esteemed him as a prophet. <a href="/parallel/matthew/14-5.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hriiyJYqzvc?start=3989" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/matthew/14.htm">The Beheading of John</a> …4because John had been telling him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.” 5<a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">Although</a> <a href="/greek/2309.htm" title="2309: thelōn (V-PPA-NMS) -- To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design. ">Herod wanted</a> <a href="/greek/615.htm" title="615: apokteinai (V-ANA) -- To put to death, kill; fig: I abolish. From apo and kteino; to kill outright; figuratively, to destroy.">to kill</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: auton (PPro-AM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">John,</a> <a href="/greek/5399.htm" title="5399: ephobēthē (V-AIP-3S) -- From phobos; to frighten, i.e. to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e. Revere.">he was afraid</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ton (Art-AMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">of the</a> <a href="/greek/3793.htm" title="3793: ochlon (N-AMS) -- From a derivative of echo; a throng; by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot.">people,</a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.">because</a> <a href="/greek/2192.htm" title="2192: eichon (V-IIA-3P) -- To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.">they regarded</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: auton (PPro-AM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">John</a> <a href="/greek/5613.htm" title="5613: hōs (Adv) -- Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.">as</a> <a href="/greek/4396.htm" title="4396: prophētēn (N-AMS) -- From a compound of pro and phemi; a foreteller; by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet.">a prophet.</a> 6On Herod’s birthday, however, the daughter of Herodias danced before them and pleased Herod…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/mark/6-19.htm">Mark 6:19-20</a> So 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. <a href="/luke/9-9.htm">Luke 9:9</a> “I beheaded John,” Herod said, “but who is this man I hear such things about?” And he kept trying to see Jesus. <a href="/matthew/21-26.htm">Matthew 21:26</a> But if we say, ‘From men,’ we are afraid of the people, for they all regard John as a prophet.” <a href="/matthew/21-46.htm">Matthew 21:46</a> Although they wanted to arrest Him, they were afraid of the crowds, because the people regarded Him as a prophet. <a href="/mark/11-32.htm">Mark 11:32</a> But if we say, ‘From men’...” they were afraid of the people, for they all held that John truly was a prophet. <a href="/luke/20-6.htm">Luke 20:6</a> But if we say, ‘From men,’ all the people will stone us, for they are convinced that John was a prophet.” <a href="/john/5-35.htm">John 5:35</a> John was a lamp that burned and gave light, and you were willing for a season to bask in his light. <a href="/john/7-40.htm">John 7:40-44</a> 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?” ... <a href="/acts/12-3.htm">Acts 12:3-4</a> 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. <a href="/acts/24-27.htm">Acts 24:27</a> After two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And wishing to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison. <a href="/1_kings/18-17.htm">1 Kings 18:17-18</a> 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. <a href="/1_kings/21-20.htm">1 Kings 21:20</a> When 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. <a href="/1_kings/22-8.htm">1 Kings 22:8</a> The 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. <a href="/jeremiah/26-21.htm">Jeremiah 26:21-24</a> King 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. ... <a href="/jeremiah/38-4.htm">Jeremiah 38:4-6</a> Then 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.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And when he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet.when.<a href="/mark/6-19.htm">Mark 6:19,20</a> Therefore Herodias had a quarrel against him, and would have killed him; but she could not: … <a href="/mark/14-1.htm">Mark 14:1,2</a> 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… <a href="/acts/4-21.htm">Acts 4:21</a> 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.<a href="/matthew/21-26.htm">Matthew 21:26,32</a> But if we shall say, Of men; we fear the people; for all hold John as a prophet… <a href="/mark/11-30.htm">Mark 11:30-32</a> The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men? answer me… <a href="/luke/20-6.htm">Luke 20:6</a> But and if we say, Of men; all the people will stone us: for they be persuaded that John was a prophet.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/matthew/10-31.htm">Afraid</a> <a href="/malachi/2-15.htm">Although</a> <a href="/matthew/1-20.htm">Considered</a> <a href="/hosea/8-12.htm">Counted</a> <a href="/matthew/13-34.htm">Crowd</a> <a href="/matthew/12-14.htm">Death</a> <a href="/matthew/12-47.htm">Desiring</a> <a href="/matthew/13-16.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/matthew/13-29.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/malachi/3-16.htm">Feared</a> <a href="/matthew/12-36.htm">Held</a> <a href="/matthew/14-3.htm">Herod</a> <a href="/jeremiah/20-9.htm">Holding</a> <a href="/matthew/14-4.htm">John</a> <a href="/matthew/12-14.htm">Kill</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/28-4.htm">Liked</a> <a href="/matthew/13-36.htm">Multitude</a> <a href="/matthew/13-57.htm">Prophet</a> <a href="/hosea/8-12.htm">Regarded</a> <a href="/obadiah/1-5.htm">Wanted</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/matthew/14-27.htm">Afraid</a> <a href="/matthew/14-9.htm">Although</a> <a href="/matthew/21-46.htm">Considered</a> <a href="/matthew/26-15.htm">Counted</a> <a href="/matthew/14-14.htm">Crowd</a> <a href="/matthew/15-4.htm">Death</a> <a href="/matthew/20-20.htm">Desiring</a> <a href="/matthew/17-3.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/matthew/14-26.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/matthew/21-46.htm">Feared</a> <a href="/matthew/18-18.htm">Held</a> <a href="/matthew/14-6.htm">Herod</a> <a href="/matthew/21-46.htm">Holding</a> <a href="/matthew/14-8.htm">John</a> <a href="/matthew/17-23.htm">Kill</a> <a href="/acts/19-30.htm">Liked</a> <a href="/matthew/14-14.htm">Multitude</a> <a href="/matthew/16-4.htm">Prophet</a> <a href="/matthew/21-46.htm">Regarded</a> <a href="/matthew/17-12.htm">Wanted</a><div class="vheading2">Matthew 14</div>1. <a href="/matthew/14-1.htm">Herod's opinion of Jesus.</a> 3. <a href="/matthew/14-3.htm">Wherefore John Baptist was beheaded.</a> 13. <a href="/matthew/14-13.htm">Jesus departs into a solitary place,</a> 15. <a href="/matthew/14-15.htm">where he feeds five thousand men with five loves and two fishes.</a> 22. <a href="/matthew/14-22.htm">He walks on the sea to his disciples;</a> 34. <a href="/matthew/14-34.htm">and landing at Gennesaret, </a> 35. <a href="/matthew/14-35.htm">heals the sick who touch of the hem of his garment.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/14.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/matthew/14.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Although Herod wanted to kill John Herod 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 <a href="/1_kings/18.htm">1 Kings 18</a>).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 in <a href="/malachi/3.htm">Malachi 3:1</a> and <a href="/isaiah/40-3.htm">Isaiah 40:3</a>. 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.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/h/herod_antipas.htm">Herod Antipas</a> The 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. <a href="/topical/j/john_the_baptist.htm">John the Baptist</a> 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. <a href="/topical/t/the_people.htm">The People</a> The general populace of Judea and Galilee who held John the Baptist in high regard as a prophet sent by God. 4. <a href="/topical/p/prophet.htm">Prophet</a> 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. <a href="/topical/f/fear.htm">Fear</a> Herod's fear of the people highlights the tension between his political power and the spiritual authority recognized by the populace.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_public_opinion.htm">The Power of Public Opinion</a> Herod'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. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_prophets.htm">The Role of Prophets</a> 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. <a href="/topical/f/fear_vs._faith.htm">Fear vs. Faith</a> 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. <a href="/topical/m/moral_courage.htm">Moral Courage</a> 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. <a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_sin.htm">The Consequences of Sin</a> 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.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_matthew_14.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Matthew 14</a> <a href="/q/why_was_john_the_baptist_beheaded.htm">What led to John the Baptist's beheading?</a> <a href="/q/did_herod_want_john_the_baptist_dead.htm">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)</a> <a href="/q/is_john_the_baptist_elijah.htm">Was John the Baptist Elijah? (Matthew 11:14 vs. John 1:21)</a> <a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_isaiah_53_7_with_gospels.htm">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?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/matthew/14.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(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 (<a href="/mark/6-20.htm" title="For Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just man and an holy, and observed him; and when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly.">Mark 6:20</a>). 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.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/14.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 5. - And when he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude (cf. <a href="/luke/20-6.htm">Luke 20:6</a>). 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 <a href="/matthew/21-26.htm">Matthew 21:26</a> (cf. <a href="/matthew/21-46.htm">Matthew 21:46</a>; <a href="/mark/11-32.htm">Mark 11:32</a>; <a href="/philippians/2-29.htm">Philippians 2:29</a>). <a href="/commentaries/matthew/14-5.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Although καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. [Herod] wanted θέλων (thelōn) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2309.htm">Strong's 2309: </a> To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design. to kill ἀποκτεῖναι (apokteinai) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_615.htm">Strong's 615: </a> 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 <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> 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 <a href="/greek/strongs_5399.htm">Strong's 5399: </a> 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 <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> 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 <a href="/greek/strongs_3793.htm">Strong's 3793: </a> From a derivative of echo; a throng; by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot. because ὅτι (hoti) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3754.htm">Strong's 3754: </a> Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because. they considered εἶχον (eichon) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2192.htm">Strong's 2192: </a> 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 <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> 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 <a href="/greek/strongs_4396.htm">Strong's 4396: </a> From a compound of pro and phemi; a foreteller; by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/14-5.htm">Matthew 14:5 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/matthew/14-5.htm">Matthew 14:5 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/matthew/14-5.htm">Matthew 14:5 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/matthew/14-5.htm">Matthew 14:5 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/matthew/14-5.htm">Matthew 14:5 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/14-5.htm">Matthew 14:5 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/14-5.htm">Matthew 14:5 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/14-5.htm">Matthew 14:5 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/14-5.htm">Matthew 14:5 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/matthew/14-5.htm">Matthew 14:5 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/matthew/14-5.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 14:5 When he would have put him (Matt. Mat Mt) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/matthew/14-4.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Matthew 14:4"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Matthew 14:4" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/matthew/14-6.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Matthew 14:6"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Matthew 14:6" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>