Matthew 14 12

Matthew 14:12 kjv

And his disciples came, and took up the body, and buried it, and went and told Jesus.

Matthew 14:12 nkjv

Then his disciples came and took away the body and buried it, and went and told Jesus.

Matthew 14:12 niv

John's disciples came and took his body and buried it. Then they went and told Jesus.

Matthew 14:12 esv

And his disciples came and took the body and buried it, and they went and told Jesus.

Matthew 14:12 nlt

Later, John's disciples came for his body and buried it. Then they went and told Jesus what had happened.

Matthew 14 verses

Matthew 14 12 Meaning

Matthew 14:12 describes the actions of John the Baptist's disciples following his execution. They respectfully took his body and interred it, demonstrating their profound devotion to their master. Afterward, they journeyed to inform Jesus of this tragic event, signifying a recognition of Jesus' close connection to John and perhaps seeking solace or guidance from Him.

Matthew 14 12 Context

Matthew 14:12 concludes the account of John the Baptist's tragic demise, a stark interruption in Matthew's narrative of Jesus' public ministry. Immediately preceding this verse are the grim details of John's arrest by Herod Antipas, Herod's rash promise to Herodias's daughter, and the beheading of John at Herodias's behest. The execution takes place during a lavish and corrupt birthday celebration, starkly contrasting with the humility and righteousness of John. This verse transitions the narrative from John's completed earthly ministry to Jesus' response and the continued development of His own divine mission, implicitly marking the complete passing of the torch from the forerunner to the Messiah. The act of John's disciples signifies a pivotal moment, connecting the two ministries through grief and respect.

Matthew 14 12 Word analysis

• And his disciples: The "disciples" (mathētai) here specifically refer to the followers of John the Baptist, not Jesus' disciples. This highlights their deep loyalty and reverence for their martyred master. They demonstrate true devotion by fulfilling an honorable and necessary task.
• came and took the body: "Came" (proselthontes) implies their brave and purposeful approach to the execution site, despite the circumstances. "Took" (ēran) indicates they carefully lifted and retrieved the deceased prophet's body. This action reflects the honor and piety owed to a prophet and acknowledges John's status.
• and buried it: To "bury" (ethapsan) the dead was a highly significant act of religious duty and compassion in Jewish culture (Deut 21:23). Denying burial was considered a profound dishonor. Their act ensures John received proper, respectful interment, affirming his standing despite the brutal nature of his death. This also contrasts with the desecration sometimes imposed upon the bodies of those considered criminals.
• and they went: "Went" (apēlthon) signifies their deliberate movement away from the immediate site of the execution and burial. It suggests a purpose beyond simply performing the burial.
• and told Jesus: This is a crucial detail. Reporting to Jesus (apēngeilan tō Iēsou) shows their awareness of the special bond between John and Jesus, even though John's ministry was distinct. It could be for several reasons: to share grief, to inform John's cousin, to acknowledge Jesus as John's successor, or to seek solace and guidance from the one who was prophesied by John to be greater (John 3:30).

Words-Group Analysis:

• "And his disciples came and took the body and buried it": This phrase details the immediate and solemn actions of John's loyal followers. It portrays a deep sense of respect, piety, and courageous commitment to their master even in death, performing the necessary ritual of burial under potentially dangerous conditions imposed by Herod's regime. It underlines the stark contrast between the brutal rulers and the faithful followers.
• "and they went and told Jesus": This second action signifies a pivotal moment. It indicates a clear understanding among John's disciples that Jesus was the appropriate, and perhaps only, figure to whom such momentous and sorrowful news should be conveyed. It represents a potential symbolic transfer of allegiance or at least an acknowledgment of Jesus' authority and connection to John's divine mission, bridging the gap between their two distinct but divinely purposed ministries.

Matthew 14 12 Bonus section

• The quiet, dutiful actions of John's disciples contrast sharply with the self-serving, impulsive, and immoral actions of Herod's court, highlighting the integrity of God's servants even amidst persecution.
• This verse signifies a pivotal shift in the Gospels, where John the Baptist, the forerunner, completes his direct ministry, allowing the narrative to wholly focus on the growing and culminating ministry of Jesus Christ.
• The respectful burial of John's body anticipates the similar care shown for Jesus' own body after His crucifixion, highlighting a common reverence for the deceased and particularly for God's anointed.
• The act of telling Jesus reveals a subtle recognition by John's followers that the divine narrative, previously carried by their master, was now clearly transferring to Jesus.

Matthew 14 12 Commentary

Matthew 14:12 provides a poignant and critical bridge in the Gospel narrative. It recounts the faithful duty of John the Baptist's disciples, who, with solemn reverence, retrieved and buried their master's body, fulfilling an essential act of Jewish piety and honoring his prophetic stature. This action, taken despite the oppressive political climate of Herod's court, speaks volumes about their devotion. More profoundly, their subsequent act of informing Jesus of John's death marks a symbolic turning point. It demonstrates their recognition of Jesus' central role, perhaps seeing Him as John's designated successor, the rightful recipient of this grievous news, or a source of understanding and comfort. The silence that follows John’s final act on earth immediately directs the narrative fully to Jesus, positioning Him clearly as the focal point of God’s redemptive plan.