King James Version

What Does Matthew 14:3 Mean?

Matthew 14:3 in the King James Version says “For Herod had laid hold on John, and bound him, and put him in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife.” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Matthew 14:3 · 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.

5

And when he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'For Herod had laid hold on John, and bound him, and put him in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife.' Matthew explains why John the Baptist was imprisoned: Herod Antipas imprisoned him because John condemned Herod's adultery with Herodias. The phrase 'his brother Philip's wife' (τῆς γυναικὸς Φιλίππου τοῦ ἀδελφοῦ αὐτοῦ/tēs gynaikos Philippou tou adelphou autou) identifies the sin: Herod married his brother's wife while his brother was still alive—violating Leviticus 18:16, 20:21. John the Baptist, like Old Testament prophets, courageously confronted royal sin despite personal danger. Reformed theology honors this prophetic boldness: faithful witnesses speak truth to power regardless of cost. John's imprisonment demonstrates the cost of faithful witness. His courage contrasts with court chaplains who flatter powerful patrons. This verse also reveals Herodias's character: vengeful, manipulative, willing to destroy anyone who threatened her position. She'd eventually orchestrate John's execution (v.6-11). The account reminds believers that faithful witness may result in suffering, but truth must be proclaimed nonetheless.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Herod Antipas, son of Herod the Great, ruled Galilee and Perea (4 BC-39 AD). During a visit to Rome, he seduced Herodias, his brother Philip's wife (not Philip the tetrarch but another half-brother). Both divorced their spouses and married—scandalous even by Roman standards, blatantly unlawful by Jewish law. John the Baptist publicly condemned this adultery (v.4), enraging Herodias. Josephus (Antiquities 18.5.2) confirms John's imprisonment at Machaerus fortress near the Dead Sea. Herod feared John's popularity (v.5, Mark 6:20 adds Herod was intrigued by John), so he imprisoned rather than immediately executed him. This temporary solution satisfied neither Herodias (who wanted John dead) nor John's followers (who wanted him freed). The imprisonment probably lasted over a year, during which John sent disciples to Jesus (Matthew 11:2-3). Ancient world rarely saw prophets confronting kings; those who did often died. John continued Elijah's pattern (1 Kings 21:17-24) of fearlessly declaring God's judgment on royal sin.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does John's confrontation of Herod teach about the responsibility to speak truth to powerful people despite danger?
  2. How do you balance wisdom (not courting needless trouble) with prophetic boldness (declaring truth regardless of cost)?
  3. What contemporary sins in powerful institutions or leaders require prophetic confrontation from faithful Christians?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
Ὁ1 of 20
G3588

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

γὰρ2 of 20

“For”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

Ἡρῴδης3 of 20

“Herod”

G2264

heroic; herod, the name of four jewish kings

κρατήσας4 of 20

“had laid hold”

G2902

to use strength, i.e., seize or retain (literally or figuratively)

τὸν5 of 20
G3588

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

Ἰωάννην6 of 20

“on John”

G2491

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

ἔδησεν7 of 20

“and bound”

G1210

to bind (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

αὐτοῦ·8 of 20

“him”

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

καὶ9 of 20

“and”

G2532

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

ἔθετο10 of 20

“put”

G5087

to place (in the widest application, literally and figuratively; properly, in a passive or horizontal posture, and thus different from g2476, which pr

ἐν11 of 20

“him in”

G1722

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

φυλακῇ12 of 20

“prison”

G5438

a guarding or (concretely, guard), the act, the person; figuratively, the place, the condition, or (specially), the time (as a division of day or nigh

διὰ13 of 20

“for”

G1223

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

Ἡρῳδιάδα14 of 20

“Herodias'”

G2266

herodias, a woman of the heodian family

τὴν15 of 20
G3588

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

γυναῖκα16 of 20

“wife”

G1135

a woman; specially, a wife

Φιλίππου17 of 20

“Philip's”

G5376

fond of horses; philippus, the name of four israelites

τοῦ18 of 20
G3588

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

ἀδελφοῦ19 of 20

“brother”

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

αὐτοῦ·20 of 20

“him”

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 14:3 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 14:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Mark 6:17Luke 3:19-20Matthew 4:12Mark 6:22Mark 6:19Matthew 11:2

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