King James Version

What Does Matthew 14:6 Mean?

Matthew 14:6 in the King James Version says “But when Herod's birthday was kept, the daughter of Herodias danced before them , and pleased Herod. before: Gr. in the ...” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Matthew 14:6 · KJV

Context

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

7

Whereupon he promised with an oath to give her whatsoever she would ask.

8

And she, being before instructed of her mother, said, Give me here John Baptist's head in a charger.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'But when Herod's birthday was kept, the daughter of Herodias danced before them, and pleased Herod.' The tragic sequence leading to John's martyrdom begins: during Herod's birthday celebration, Herodias's daughter (named Salome, according to Josephus) danced, pleasing the king. The phrase 'birthday was kept' (γενεσίοις ἀγομένοις/genesiois agomenois) indicates elaborate celebration—likely feast with political officials, military commanders, and Galilee's elite (Mark 6:21). The dance by Herodias's daughter was probably sensual/seductive, inappropriate for such public setting and particularly for young girl of noble family. That it 'pleased' (ἤρεσεν/ēresen) Herod suggests more than entertainment—likely aroused his lust. Reformed theology sees this account revealing sin's progression: adultery (Herod and Herodias's marriage), pride (lavish birthday feast), lust (arousal by stepdaughter's dance), and ultimately murder (John's execution). Each sin leads to worse. The setting also demonstrates worldly celebration's often corrupt nature: drunkenness, sensuality, rash vows, violence. Believers must be wary of environments where compromise and sin are normalized and celebrated.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Greco-Roman culture celebrated birthdays of royalty and nobility with elaborate feasts, entertainment, drinking, and often debauchery. Jewish tradition generally avoided birthday celebrations (viewing them as pagan), but Herodian dynasty had embraced Greco-Roman customs. Mark 6:21 specifies the guests: 'lords, high captains, and chief estates of Galilee'—political, military, and social elite. Such gatherings involved heavy drinking and entertainment. Dancing by young noble girls in such contexts was considered shameful—respectable women didn't perform publicly for men's entertainment. That Herodias's daughter did so suggests either desperate manipulation (Herodias orchestrating scenario) or family's moral degradation. Herod's response—rash vow offering up to half his kingdom (v.7)—shows his drunken, lustful state. Similar rash vows appear in Scripture (Judges 11:30-40, Esther 5:3), often with tragic consequences. Josephus places John's execution at Machaerus fortress where the birthday celebration likely occurred. The account reveals moral corruption at Herod's court—appropriate background for John's martyrdom.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this account warn believers about participating in worldly celebrations where sin is normalized and celebrated?
  2. What does the progression from adultery to dancing to murder teach about how sin escalates when unchecked?
  3. How should Christians maintain faithful witness in morally corrupt environments without participating in or endorsing sin?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
γενεσίων1 of 17

“birthday”

G1077

birthday ceremonies

δὲ2 of 17

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἀγομένων3 of 17

“was kept”

G71

properly, to lead; by implication, to bring, drive, (reflexively) go, (specially) pass (time), or (figuratively) induce

τοῦ4 of 17
G3588

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

Ἡρῴδῃ5 of 17

“Herod”

G2264

heroic; herod, the name of four jewish kings

ὠρχήσατο6 of 17

“danced”

G3738

to dance (from the ranklike or regular motion)

ἡ7 of 17
G3588

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

θυγάτηρ8 of 17

“the daughter”

G2364

a female child, or (by hebraism) descendant (or inhabitant)

τῆς9 of 17
G3588

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

Ἡρῳδιάδος10 of 17

“of Herodias”

G2266

herodias, a woman of the heodian family

ἐν11 of 17

“before them”

G1722

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

τῷ12 of 17
G3588

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

μέσῳ13 of 17
G3319

middle (as an adjective or (neuter) noun)

καὶ14 of 17

“and”

G2532

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

ἤρεσεν15 of 17

“pleased”

G700

to be agreeable (or by implication, to seek to be so)

τῷ16 of 17
G3588

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

Ἡρῴδῃ17 of 17

“Herod”

G2264

heroic; herod, the name of four jewish kings

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 14:6 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 14:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Mark 6:21-23Hosea 1:5-6Genesis 40:20Mark 6:17Matthew 22:24Esther 1:2-12

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