King James Version

What Does Matthew 14:1 Mean?

Matthew 14:1 in the King James Version says “At that time Herod the tetrarch heard of the fame of Jesus, tetrarch: or, governor over four provinces” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“At that time Herod the tetrarch heard of the fame of Jesus, tetrarch: or, governor over four provinces”

Matthew 14:1 · KJV

Context

1

At that time Herod the tetrarch heard of the fame of Jesus, tetrarch: or, governor over four provinces

2

And said unto his servants, This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead; and therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in him. do: or, are wrought by him

3

For Herod had laid hold on John, and bound him, and put him in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife.

Read Matthew 14 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Herod Antipas hears of Jesus: 'At that time Herod the tetrarch heard of the fame of Jesus' (εν εκεινω τω καιρω ηκουσεν Ηρωδης ο τετρααρχης την ακοην Ιησου). 'Tetrarch' (τετρααρχης) means 'ruler of a fourth,' indicating Herod Antipas ruled quarter of his father's former kingdom (Galilee and Perea). 'Fame' (ακοην, report/hearing) indicates Jesus' growing reputation reached political authorities. This sets up John the Baptist's martyrdom account (14:3-12), explaining Herod's guilty conscience. Political power becomes aware of spiritual movement—sometimes with deadly consequences. Jesus' ministry couldn't remain obscure; truth inevitably confronts power. Herod's response—fearful superstition—contrasts with wise men's earlier worship (2:1-12). Power often fears prophetic truth.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Herod Antipas (son of Herod the Great) ruled Galilee and Perea (4 BC - AD 39). He built Tiberias as capital and divorced his first wife to marry Herodias (his brother Philip's wife), provoking John's condemnation. Herod imprisoned and executed John (14:3-10), creating paranoid guilt. When hearing of Jesus, Herod feared John had risen (14:2). Later Herod desired to see Jesus (Luke 9:9, 23:8), combining curiosity and fear. Jesus called him 'that fox' (Luke 13:32). Early church saw Herod as exemplifying how political power often opposes divine truth.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do political authorities typically respond to prophetic truth?
  2. What does Herod's fearful superstition reveal about guilt's psychological power?
  3. How should Christians engage political power while maintaining prophetic witness?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 11 words
Ἐν1 of 11

“At”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ἐκείνῳ2 of 11

“that”

G1565

that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed

τῷ3 of 11
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

καιρῷ4 of 11

“time”

G2540

an occasion, i.e., set or proper time

ἤκουσεν5 of 11

“heard”

G191

to hear (in various senses)

Ἡρῴδης6 of 11

“Herod”

G2264

heroic; herod, the name of four jewish kings

ὁ7 of 11
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

τετράρχης8 of 11

“the tetrarch”

G5076

the ruler of a fourth part of a country ("tetrarch")

τὴν9 of 11
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀκοὴν10 of 11

“of the fame”

G189

hearing (the act, the sense or the thing heard)

Ἰησοῦ11 of 11

“of Jesus”

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Matthew. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Matthew 14:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Matthew 14:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 3:1Acts 4:27Mark 8:15Luke 9:7-9Luke 23:7-12Mark 6:14-29

Places in This Verse

Galilee 1Region · Modern: Galilee · 32.76°N, 35.53°E78 verses across 10 books
View all places in Matthew 14 →

Test Your Knowledge

Matthew 14 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterMatthew Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Matthew 14 with CommentaryAll Matthew ChaptersComplete Matthew QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes