Matthew 14 1

Matthew 14:1 kjv

At that time Herod the tetrarch heard of the fame of Jesus,

Matthew 14:1 nkjv

At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the report about Jesus

Matthew 14:1 niv

At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the reports about Jesus,

Matthew 14:1 esv

At that time Herod the tetrarch heard about the fame of Jesus,

Matthew 14:1 nlt

When Herod Antipas, the ruler of Galilee, heard about Jesus,

Matthew 14 verses

Matthew 14 1 Meaning

At this specific juncture, Herod Antipas, the ruler over Galilee and Perea, received extensive reports concerning the notable public actions and reputation of Jesus. This marks the point when Jesus' fame had grown to such an extent that it reached the highest political authority in the region of His primary ministry. It also sets the stage for Herod's fearful reaction and subsequent inquiry into Jesus' identity, deeply connected to his recent actions regarding John the Baptist.

Matthew 14 1 Context

Matthew 14:1 marks a narrative pivot point. Chapter 13 concluded with Jesus teaching in parables and a note on His rejection in His hometown. This verse immediately shifts to the reaction of political authority to Jesus' growing ministry, effectively beginning a new segment of the narrative. Chronologically, it anticipates and explains Herod's subsequent mistaken identification of Jesus with the resurrected John the Baptist (vv. 2-12). Although Matthew recounts John's beheading after this verse, it's widely understood that Herod's awareness and the reports of Jesus' fame happened concurrently or just after John's death, prompting Herod's particular concern. This setting emphasizes the inescapable spread of the Kingdom message, reaching even into the palaces of human power, and the contrasting natures of divine power (Jesus' miracles) and human political power (Herod's authority, fear, and corruption).

Matthew 14 1 Word analysis

• At that time: Greek: ἐν ἐκείνῳ τῷ καιρῷ (en ekeinō tō kairō).
  • en ekeinō: "in that." Indicates a specific, particular moment in time.
  • tō kairō: "the time," but kairos often signifies an appointed, opportune, or decisive time, more than just chronological chronos. Here, it denotes a crucial moment for the narrative development, marking when Jesus' fame reached a level that could no longer be ignored by the ruling power. It highlights the divine timing of events, bringing Herod into confrontation with the reality of Jesus' ministry.
• Herod: Refers to Herod Antipas.
  • Identity: Son of Herod the Great. Ruler of Galilee and Perea from 4 BC to 39 AD. He features prominently in the New Testament due to his involvement with John the Baptist and later brief encounter with Jesus during His trial.
  • Significance: His lineage connects him to the "Herods" who consistently oppose or fear God's plan. Herod Antipas embodies the corrupt, morally weak, and superstitious political power structure that clashed with divine authority and righteousness.
• the tetrarch: Greek: ὁ τετράρχης (ho tetrarchēs).
  • Meaning: "Ruler of a quarter" or "a fourth part." A lesser king, appointed by the Roman Empire, ruling over a specific region of the divided Herodian kingdom.
  • Significance: This title underscores his limited authority, being subject to Rome. It distinguishes him from a full "king" (like his father). Despite his position, he is vulnerable to divine influence and the spreading news of Jesus, ultimately highlighting the supremacy of God's Kingdom over earthly rulers. His authority did not insulate him from fear or moral decay.
• heard: Greek: ἤκουσεν (ēkousen).
  • Meaning: Third-person singular aorist indicative active of akouō, "to hear." It implies the reception of information.
  • Significance: This is not passive hearing but a deliberate acknowledgment or notification. The news of Jesus' deeds and fame reached Herod directly, signifying that Jesus' impact was no longer confined to local areas but had gained widespread political attention. This action word prepares for Herod's subsequent reaction.
• about the fame: Greek: τὴν ἀκοὴν (tēn akoēn), referring to "the report," "the news," or "what was heard."
  • Meaning: Reputation, report, news, renown. While often translated "fame," akoē primarily means "what is heard," emphasizing the nature of information transmission.
  • Significance: Jesus' power and influence were not limited to a small following. The "report" indicates widespread public knowledge, implying Jesus' miraculous works, powerful teaching, and growing following were the subject of public discussion, even in official circles. This news was disturbing to Herod as it represented a potential threat to his established power.
• of Jesus: Refers to Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
  • Significance: Jesus is the ultimate source and subject of this fame. His identity and mission are at the center of this spreading report. The emphasis here is on His public ministry having reached a critical mass, bringing Him to the attention of secular authority.

Matthew 14 1 Bonus section

• Narrative Flashback: This verse begins the story of John the Baptist's execution (Matt 14:3-12), which is recounted after Herod hears about Jesus. This literary device of starting with the result (Herod hearing) then flashing back to the cause (John's death) emphasizes Herod's troubled conscience and immediate fear about Jesus' identity.
• Significance of Fear: Herod's "hearing" is intrinsically linked to his fear. The news of Jesus triggers his superstition, compelling him to wrongly conclude that Jesus is John resurrected. This illustrates how an unrighteous conscience can distort reality and provoke fear, often leading to greater sin.
• Contrast of Kingdoms: The passage implicitly contrasts the spiritual, eternal Kingdom that Jesus represents with the temporal, unstable, and corrupt earthly kingdom of Herod. While Herod’s kingdom is characterized by political maneuverings, pride, and sin (as seen in John's death), Jesus’ fame spreads due to acts of divine power, healing, and truth.
• Prophetic Fulfillment: While not direct, the confrontation of the righteous (Jesus/John) with corrupt rulers (Herod) echoes the struggles of Old Testament prophets (like Elijah with Ahab and Jezebel, or Jeremiah facing kings) who also faced persecution for speaking God's truth to power.

Matthew 14 1 Commentary

Matthew 14:1 serves as a vital bridge in the Gospel narrative. It swiftly moves the focus from Jesus' parables to the increasing political tension surrounding His ministry. The verse concisely tells us that Jesus' renown was undeniable, even reaching the highest echelons of regional power, embodied by Herod Antipas. This highlights the undeniable spread of God's work, which cannot be contained or ignored by human authority, however influential. Herod, a ruler known for his moral weakness and eventual execution of John the Baptist, now stands aware of Jesus, setting the stage for his fearful, superstitious reaction and further demonstrating the clash between God's truth and corrupt human power. This awareness inevitably leads to scrutiny and conflict, emphasizing that living out one's faith can bring the attention of secular authorities, often with perilous implications.