King James Version

What Does Matthew 14:2 Mean?

Matthew 14:2 in the King James Version says “And said unto his servants, This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead; and therefore mighty works do shew fort... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Matthew 14:2 · 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.

4

For John said unto him, It is not lawful for thee to have her.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Herod's superstitious conclusion: 'This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead; and therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in him' (ουτος εστιν Ιωαννης ο βαπτιστης αυτος ηγερθη απο των νεκρων και δια τουτο αι δυναμεις ενεργουσιν εν αυτω). Herod's guilt produces irrational fear: Jesus is John resurrected. 'Mighty works' (δυναμεις, miracles/powers) indicate Jesus' supernatural activities. Herod attributes them to John's resurrection empowerment. This reveals guilt's power: Herod knows he murdered an innocent man; conscience haunts him. Yet his superstition is theologically confused—why would resurrection produce miracle-working power? Guilt makes him irrational. This foreshadows Jesus' actual resurrection, which did produce miracle-working power through His followers. Herod's false resurrection fear ironically previews true resurrection reality.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Herod's fear reflects widespread ancient belief that murdered prophets might return for vengeance. Superstition often mingles with political power. Unlike later resurrection hope, Herod imagines vengeful haunting rather than glorified restoration. John himself worked no miracles (John 10:41); Herod incorrectly assumes resurrection grants new powers. Jesus' actual resurrection vindicated Him as Lord and Christ (Acts 2:36), empowering disciples through the Spirit (Acts 1:8). Early church preached resurrection despite persecution, confident in what Herod's superstition unknowingly anticipated: death doesn't end God's servants but leads to glorification.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Herod's guilty conscience teach about the power of suppressed moral knowledge?
  2. How does Herod's false resurrection fear ironically point toward true resurrection hope?
  3. What is the difference between superstitious fear and genuine faith in God's justice?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 23 words
καὶ1 of 23

And

G2532

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

εἶπεν2 of 23

said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

τοῖς3 of 23
G3588

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

παισὶν4 of 23

servants

G3816

a boy (as often beaten with impunity), or (by analogy), a girl, and (genitive case) a child; specially, a slave or servant (especially a minister to a

αὐτῷ5 of 23

he

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

Οὗτός6 of 23

This

G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

ἐστιν7 of 23

is

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

Ἰωάννης8 of 23

John

G2491

joannes (i.e., jochanan), the name of four israelites

9 of 23
G3588

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

βαπτιστής·10 of 23

the Baptist

G910

a baptizer, as an epithet of christ's forerunner

αὐτῷ11 of 23

he

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

ἠγέρθη12 of 23

is risen

G1453

to waken (transitively or intransitively), i.e., rouse (literally, from sleep, from sitting or lying, from disease, from death; or figuratively, from

ἀπὸ13 of 23

from

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

τῶν14 of 23
G3588

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

νεκρῶν15 of 23

the dead

G3498

dead (literally or figuratively; also as noun)

καὶ16 of 23

And

G2532

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

διὰ17 of 23

therefore

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τοῦτο18 of 23
G5124

that thing

αἱ19 of 23
G3588

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

δυνάμεις20 of 23

mighty works

G1411

force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)

ἐνεργοῦσιν21 of 23

do shew forth themselves

G1754

to be active, efficient

ἐν22 of 23

in

G1722

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

αὐτῷ23 of 23

he

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


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 14:2 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 14:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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