King James Version

What Does Matthew 14:12 Mean?

Matthew 14:12 in the King James Version says “And his disciples came, and took up the body, and buried it, and went and told Jesus.” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Matthew 14:12 · KJV

Context

10

And he sent, and beheaded John in the prison.

11

And his head was brought in a charger, and given to the damsel: and she brought it to her mother.

12

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

13

When Jesus heard of it, he departed thence by ship into a desert place apart : and when the people had heard thereof, they followed him on foot out of the cities.

14

And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick.

Read Matthew 14 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'And his disciples came, and took up the body, and buried it, and went and told Jesus.' John's disciples performed final service: retrieving the body, providing burial, and reporting to Jesus. Despite danger (approaching Herod's prison to claim executed prophet's body required courage), they honored their master. The phrase 'told Jesus' demonstrates right response to tragedy and loss: bring it to Christ. Reformed theology sees this as model: in grief, persecution, injustice, turn to Jesus. John's disciples had been followers of Jesus's forerunner; now they come to Jesus Himself—appropriate transition. The verse also highlights Jesus's humanity: He received news of His cousin's execution with human grief (v.13 records He withdrew to lonely place). This pivotal moment intensified Jesus's awareness of His own approaching suffering—John's fate foreshadowed His own. The account ends with John buried and disciples turning to Jesus—John had prepared the way; now Jesus's ministry continues. Though John's voice was silenced, God's purposes advance. The martyrdom of God's servants doesn't stop God's plan; it fulfills it.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish law required burial, even of executed criminals, before nightfall (Deuteronomy 21:22-23). John's disciples courageously approached Herod's officials to request the body—risky given association with executed prophet. Josephus confirms John's disciples existed as distinct group even after John's death. Some apparently became Jesus's disciples (Acts 19:1-7 mentions those who knew only John's baptism). The transition from John to Jesus was appropriate: John had testified 'He must increase, I must decrease' (John 3:30). By bringing news to Jesus, disciples acknowledged Him as John's successor and superior. Jesus's response—withdrawing to deserted place (v.13)—shows His humanity: He needed time to process grief. Yet compassion interrupted His mourning: crowds followed, He taught and healed them. Throughout history, God's faithful servants have died or been martyred, yet God's purposes continue through others. Reformation proceeded despite Hus's execution; mission advance despite martyrdoms; church grows despite persecution. John's pattern repeats: faithful witness, suffering, death, yet ultimate triumph through Christ.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you respond to tragedy, loss, or injustice—do you follow John's disciples' example of bringing it to Jesus?
  2. What does this account teach about God's purposes advancing despite (or through) the suffering and martyrdom of His servants?
  3. How should Christians honor those who've suffered or died for faithfulness to Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
καὶ1 of 16

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

προσελθόντες2 of 16

“came”

G4334

to approach, i.e., (literally) come near, visit, or (figuratively) worship, assent to

οἱ3 of 16
G3588

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

μαθηταὶ4 of 16

“disciples”

G3101

a learner, i.e., pupil

αὐτό·5 of 16

“his”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἦραν6 of 16

“and took up”

G142

to lift up; by implication, to take up or away; figuratively, to raise (the voice), keep in suspense (the mind), specially, to sail away (i.e., weigh

τὸ7 of 16
G3588

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

σῶμα,8 of 16

“the body”

G4983

the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively

καὶ9 of 16

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἔθαψαν10 of 16

“buried”

G2290

to celebrate funeral rites, i.e., inter

αὐτό·11 of 16

“his”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

καὶ12 of 16

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐλθόντες13 of 16

“went”

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

ἀπήγγειλαν14 of 16

“and told”

G518

to announce

τῷ15 of 16
G3588

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

Ἰησοῦ16 of 16

“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 14:12 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 14:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 8:2Matthew 27:58-61

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