King James Version

What Does Matthew 14:4 Mean?

Matthew 14:4 in the King James Version says “For John said unto him, It is not lawful for thee to have her.” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Matthew 14:4 · KJV

Context

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.

6

But when Herod's birthday was kept, the daughter of Herodias danced before them , and pleased Herod. before: Gr. in the midst

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'For John said unto him, It is not lawful for thee to have her.' This verse summarizes John's prophetic message to Herod. The phrase 'It is not lawful' (Οὐκ ἔξεστίν/Ouk exestin) means 'it's not permitted,' referring to divine law (Leviticus 18:16, 20:21), not merely human custom. John's message was clear, direct, uncompromising: Herod's marriage to Herodias constituted adultery. No diplomatic softening, no political calculation, no self-preserving ambiguity—just straightforward declaration of God's standard. Reformed theology values this prophetic clarity: faithful preaching names sin specifically, calls for repentance explicitly, and refuses to accommodate cultural or political pressure. John's courage is remarkable: confronting a ruler with absolute power, risking (and ultimately suffering) execution. His message also demonstrates that God's moral law applies universally—kings aren't exempt. Herod couldn't claim ignorance; Jewish law was clear. John's responsibility was proclamation; the result was in God's hands. This models faithful witness: speak truth clearly, leave results to God, accept suffering if it comes.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Prophetic confrontation of kings has biblical precedent: Nathan confronting David (2 Samuel 12:1-15), Elijah confronting Ahab (1 Kings 21:17-24), Isaiah confronting Ahaz (Isaiah 7), Jeremiah confronting Zedekiah (Jeremiah 38). These prophets risked execution to declare divine judgment. John continued this pattern. Leviticus 18:16 prohibited sexual relations with brother's wife; 20:21 pronounced childlessness as judgment. Herod's marriage violated clear Torah command. John's public proclamation of Herod's sin was especially bold given Herod's reputation: he'd executed potential rivals, divorced his first wife, and ruled with paranoia. Josephus records that Herod feared John's influence over people might spark rebellion. John's preaching threatened both Herod's moral authority and political stability. Herodias particularly hated John—he threatened her illegitimate position as queen. Her eventual revenge (orchestrating his beheading, v.6-11) demonstrated the danger prophets face. Church history records many who spoke truth to power and suffered: Polycarp, Hus, Tyndale, Bonhoeffer. John exemplifies this costly faithfulness.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you practice prophetic boldness in declaring God's standards in contexts that resist or punish such declarations?
  2. What distinguishes faithful prophetic witness from self-righteous judgmentalism or politically-motivated attacks?
  3. How should Christians respond when declaring biblical truth on controversial issues brings persecution or loss?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
ἔλεγεν1 of 10

“said”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

γὰρ2 of 10

“For”

G1063

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

αὐτήν3 of 10

“her”

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

ὁ4 of 10
G3588

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

Ἰωάννης5 of 10

“John”

G2491

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

Οὐκ6 of 10

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἔξεστίν7 of 10

“It is”

G1832

so also ???? <pronunciation strongs="ex-on'"/> neuter present participle of the same (with or without some form of g1510 expressed); impersonally, it

σοι8 of 10

“for thee”

G4671

to thee

ἔχειν9 of 10

“to have”

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

αὐτήν10 of 10

“her”

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 14:4 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 14:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 20:21Leviticus 18:16Mark 6:18Isaiah 8:202 Samuel 12:7Deuteronomy 25:5-6

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