Matthew 14 9

Matthew 14:9 kjv

And the king was sorry: nevertheless for the oath's sake, and them which sat with him at meat, he commanded it to be given her.

Matthew 14:9 nkjv

And the king was sorry; nevertheless, because of the oaths and because of those who sat with him, he commanded it to be given to her.

Matthew 14:9 niv

The king was distressed, but because of his oaths and his dinner guests, he ordered that her request be granted

Matthew 14:9 esv

And the king was sorry, but because of his oaths and his guests he commanded it to be given.

Matthew 14:9 nlt

Then the king regretted what he had said; but because of the vow he had made in front of his guests, he issued the necessary orders.

Matthew 14 verses

Matthew 14 9 Meaning

Matthew 14:9 describes Herod Antipas's internal conflict and ultimate decision regarding the demand for John the Baptist's head. Though "distressed" or "grieved," likely due to his own respect for John or perhaps for the public outcry if he executed a righteous man, Herod felt bound by his sworn oath and the presence of his esteemed guests. He prioritized his reputation, honor, and public image among his peers over moral rectitude and justice. Consequently, he issued the command for John the Baptist to be beheaded.

Matthew 14 9 Context

Matthew 14:9 is embedded within the tragic account of John the Baptist's martyrdom. Herod Antipas, a tetrach (not a full king) ruling Galilee and Perea, had imprisoned John because John publicly condemned his unlawful marriage to Herodias, his brother Philip's wife. Herodias harbored a deep grudge against John. On Herod's birthday, he hosted a lavish feast for his high-ranking officials and military commanders. Herodias's daughter, Salome, performed a dance that greatly pleased Herod and his guests, leading him to make a rash, sworn oath to give her whatever she asked, "up to half of his kingdom." Prompted by her mother, Salome requested John the Baptist's head on a platter. Verse 9 then details Herod's conflicted reaction to this demand: he was "grieved" but felt compelled to uphold his public oath, sacrificing John for his perceived honor among his banqueting peers. This immediate context highlights Herod's moral weakness, his fear of man over God, and the sinister influence of Herodias, culminating in the execution of God's prophet.

Matthew 14 9 Word analysis

• Καὶ (Kai): "And." A simple conjunction, yet crucial. It directly links this verse to the preceding one, demonstrating an immediate consequence of Salome's request. It signifies continuity in the narrative, portraying a rapid shift from pleasure to dilemma to execution.
• ἐλυπήθη (elypēthē): "was distressed," "was grieved," or "became sorry." (From λυπέω, lypeō - to grieve, distress). This verb is in the passive voice, indicating an experience of internal pain or discomfort rather than active sorrow. Herod's grief was likely not true repentance or moral remorse over the injustice, but rather a complex mix: regret over his rash oath, a superficial respect for John whom he "feared" as a righteous man (Matt 14:5), concern for public opinion regarding John's popular following, or a sense of unease over having to perform such a brutal act. It signifies a temporary internal conflict, not a transformative conviction.
• ὁ βασιλεύς (ho basileus): "the king." While Herod Antipas was technically a tetrach, Matthew (and Mark) refer to him as "king." This might be a popular title for a ruler in common parlance, or a narrative choice emphasizing the ultimate authority of his position. It highlights the profound responsibility and power associated with his command, drawing a stark contrast between a worldly ruler's authority and a true King's righteousness. It sets the stage for a tragic misuse of sovereign power.
• διὰ (dia): "because of," "on account of." This preposition introduces the reasons for Herod's distress, specifically pointing to his oath and his guests as the causal factors overriding his conscience.
• δὲ (de): "but," "however," or "and." This particle often indicates a slight shift or emphasis. Here, it transitions from the statement of his grief to the factors that compelled him to act despite that grief, presenting a mild adversative relationship.
• τοὺς ὅρκους (tous horkous): "the oaths." (Plural of ὅρκος, horkos - oath, sworn declaration). The use of the plural implies the seriousness and perhaps the repetition or emphatic nature of the promise ("I swear... whatever you ask me, up to half of my kingdom" - Mk 6:23). Oaths in the ancient world, especially public ones by rulers, carried immense weight and were seen as binding for one's honor and credibility, even more so than morality for a ruler like Herod.
• καὶ (kai): "and." This conjunction links the two primary reasons for Herod's decision: his oaths and his guests. Both were factors related to his public reputation.
• τοὺς συνανακειμένους (tous synanakeimenous): "his guests," literally "those reclining with him at table." (From συνανακεῖμαι, synanakeimai - to recline with, feast with). This detail paints a vivid picture of a banqueting scene. In ancient custom, guests reclined while eating, signifying intimacy and status. Their presence put intense social pressure on Herod. They were witnesses to his rash vow, and failing to keep it would lead to a loss of face, public humiliation, and damage to his perceived honor among his political and military elite. This shows Herod valued his social standing more than the life of an innocent man.
• ἐκέλευσεν (ekeleusen): "he commanded." (From κελεύω, keleuō - to command, order). This is a strong, authoritative verb, reflecting a definitive, decisive action despite his earlier distress. It highlights his ultimate exercise of power and the finality of his decision to kill John. This immediate command signifies the swift, irreversible consequences of his weak will.
• δοθῆναι (dothēnai): "to be given." (Aorist passive infinitive of δίδωμι, didōmi - to give). Though passive, the command originating from Herod makes him the ultimate agent of this brutal act. It underscores the nature of the request—something 'given' to the girl, highlighting the depersonalized view of John's life as an object of a horrific exchange.

Matthew 14 9 Bonus section

• A Figure of Authority vs. Divine Will: Herod, though called "king," exemplifies a ruler operating purely on human authority and ambition, detached from divine counsel. His reign stands in stark contrast to the true Kingship of God and His Messiah, whose kingdom is based on justice and truth, not compromised by human sin.
• Rash Vows and Their Consequences: The narrative powerfully illustrates the danger of making impulsive vows, particularly those driven by intoxication or pride. Herod's oath, though seemingly honorable in form, lacked moral grounding and led to an irreversible, unrighteous act.
• Martyrdom as Fulfillment: John the Baptist's death is presented not just as a political assassination but as a martyrdom, a testimony to his unwavering stance against sin and for righteousness. His end foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, who also died unjustly at the hands of earthly powers, fulfilling prophecy and demonstrating divine purpose even amidst human wickedness.
• Herodias's Malice: While Herod is distressed, the driving force behind the execution is the relentless malice of Herodias. This highlights the destructive power of unresolved sin, vengeance, and a desire to silence truth.
• Parallel Accounts: The accounts in Mark 6 and Matthew 14 provide consistent theological insights, emphasizing Herod's internal struggle and external pressure. While concise, they paint a comprehensive picture of the events.

Matthew 14 9 Commentary

Matthew 14:9 unveils the tragic culmination of Herod's moral weakness and the devastating power of unholy alliances and public pressure. Herod was genuinely "distressed," indicating some level of conscience or, at minimum, an uncomfortable awareness of John's righteous standing. However, his distress was overcome not by a commitment to justice or divine law, but by his fear of social shame and his perceived obligation to a foolish, impious oath. The "oaths" and the "guests" were symbols of his pride and his worldly reputation. He chose to safeguard his honor among men rather than obey God or uphold justice, sacrificing the life of God's prophet on the altar of political expediency and personal vanity. This moment contrasts Herod's superficial grief with the profound conviction that should accompany true leadership. It illustrates how the "fear of man" can indeed "lay a snare," leading to grave sin and eternal consequences. This incident serves as a stark warning against rash promises and the destructive influence of valuing worldly approval over spiritual integrity and righteous conduct.