King James Version

What Does Matthew 14:9 Mean?

Matthew 14:9 in the King James Version says “And the king was sorry: nevertheless for the oath's sake, and them which sat with him at meat, he commanded it to be giv...” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And the king was sorry: nevertheless for the oath's sake, and them which sat with him at meat, he commanded it to be given her.”

Matthew 14:9 · KJV

Context

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.

9

And the king was sorry: nevertheless for the oath's sake, and them which sat with him at meat, he commanded it to be given her.

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.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'And the king was sorry: nevertheless for the oath's sake, and them which sat with him at meat, he commanded it to be given her.' Herod's response reveals moral weakness: he was 'sorry' (λυπηθείς/lypētheis, grieved, distressed) yet proceeded with murder. His sorrow proves he knew John was righteous and the execution wrong. Yet he prioritized oath and reputation over righteousness. The phrase 'for the oath's sake, and them which sat with him' explains his tragic choice: breaking the oath publicly would shame him before witnesses—political and social elites whose opinion mattered. He chose temporary shame-avoidance over permanent guilt. Reformed theology recognizes this as moral cowardice: knowing right but doing wrong due to peer pressure, pride, fear of embarrassment. Herod's sorrow without repentance is empty—he grieved consequences while proceeding with sin. This contrasts with godly sorrow producing repentance (2 Corinthians 7:10). The verse warns against foolish oaths, peer pressure, and prioritizing reputation over righteousness. Herod's choice haunted him (v.2—he thought Jesus was John risen).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Herod's moral weakness appears throughout the account. Mark 6:20 notes Herod feared John, knew he was righteous, heard him gladly but was perplexed. He wanted to keep John imprisoned but alive—a compromise satisfying neither justice (release him) nor Herodias (kill him). When trapped by his oath, Herod prioritized face-saving over righteousness. Ancient honor-shame culture intensified this: public shame was considered worse than private guilt. Breaking an oath before assembled nobility would devastate Herod's reputation, appearing weak and untrustworthy. Herod chose John's death over personal shame. Pilate showed similar moral cowardice: believing Jesus innocent, he delivered Him to crucifixion to avoid political embarrassment (John 19:12-16). Both rulers demonstrate how unregenerate conscience, though troubled by evil, doesn't produce repentance. Herod's subsequent fear that Jesus was John risen (v.2) suggests guilt haunted him. Josephus records Herod later suffered military defeat, which Jews interpreted as divine judgment for killing John.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Herod's example warn against making foolish commitments under social pressure or impaired judgment?
  2. What does his sorrow-without-repentance teach about the difference between regret over consequences versus genuine repentance?
  3. In what situations do you face pressure to prioritize reputation, peer approval, or pride over doing what's right?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
καὶ1 of 13

“And”

G2532

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

ἐλυπηθη2 of 13

“was sorry”

G3076

to distress; reflexively or passively, to be sad

ὁ3 of 13
G3588

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

βασιλεὺς4 of 13

“the king”

G935

a sovereign (abstractly, relatively, or figuratively)

διὰ5 of 13
G1223

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

δὲ6 of 13

“nevertheless for”

G1161

but, and, etc

τοὺς7 of 13
G3588

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

ὅρκους8 of 13

“the oath's sake”

G3727

a limit, i.e., (sacred) restraint (specially, an oath)

καὶ9 of 13

“And”

G2532

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

τοὺς10 of 13
G3588

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

συνανακειμένους11 of 13

“them which sat with him at meat”

G4873

to recline in company with (at a meal)

ἐκέλευσεν12 of 13

“he commanded”

G2753

"hail"; to incite by word, i.e., order

δοθῆναι13 of 13

“it to be given”

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

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 14:9 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 14:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 19:12-16Judges 21:1Ecclesiastes 5:2Judges 11:30-31Luke 13:32Numbers 30:5-8

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