Matthew 14:1
What does Matthew 14:1 mean?
A plain-English look at Matthew 14:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Matthew 14:1 means
Herod Antipas, who ruled as tetrarch over Galilee and Perea, began to hear reports about Jesus and His powerful works. This suggests that Jesus' ministry had grown significantly in influence, reaching even the ears of the political ruler. Herod's awareness of Jesus sets the stage for his fearful interpretation of Jesus' identity, showing that even those in power were compelled to reckon with the Lord's impact.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000At that season Herod the tetrarch heard the report concerning Jesus,
KJV
King James Version · 1611At that time Herod the tetrarch heard of the fame of Jesus,
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901At that season Herod the tetrarch heard the report concerning Jesus,
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949At that time news of Jesus came to Herod the king;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862At that time did Herod the tetrarch hear the fame of Jesus,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752At that time Herod the Tetrarch heard the fame of Jesus.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890At that time Herod the tetrarch heard of the fame of Jesus,
Context
This verse opens the chapter by introducing Herod's awareness of Jesus, providing a crucial shift in perspective from the previous chapter's parables to the political realm. It immediately precedes Herod's troubled speculation about Jesus' identity, establishing the background for the recounting of John the Baptist's death, which follows in detail. This frame is essential to understanding the chain of events that leads to Jesus' withdrawal and the subsequent miracle.
v.1This passage
v.2and said unto his servants, This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead; and therefore do these powers work in him.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Mark 8:15
And he charged them, saying, Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.
- Acts 12:1
Now about that time Herod the king put forth his hands to afflict certain of the church.
- Luke 9:7
Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was done: and he was much perplexed, because that it was said by some, that John was risen from the dead;
- Luke 23:7
And when he knew that he was of Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him unto Herod, who himself also was at Jerusalem in these days.
- Luke 3:1
Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Cæsar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judæa, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of the region of Ituræa and Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene,
- Acts 4:27
for of a truth in this city against thy holy Servant Jesus, whom thou didst anoint, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, were gathered together,
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Matthew 14
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Matthew 14.
Devotionals
Devotional
Small Faith, Real Faith
A mustard seed is enough. Not a mountain of certainty — a seed of trust.
Devotional
The Weight We Were Not Built to Carry
Jesus does not promise the absence of burden. He offers an exchange.
Devotional
Consider the Lilies
Worry forgets that the same God who clothes the field clothes you.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Doubt
The Bible acknowledges the reality of doubt, offering comfort, guidance, and encouragement to those who wrestle with uncertainty.
Topic
Bible Verses About Ghosts
The Bible reveals that while evil spirits and demons exist, the concept of disembodied human spirits returning to haunt the living is not supported by scripture.
Topic
Bible Verses About Solitude
Solitude, often distinguished from loneliness, is a state of being alone that can be intentionally sought for spiritual growth and reflection.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for a Panic Attack at Night
Steady, slow verses to pray when your chest is tight and the house is dark.
Verses for
Bible Verses for Morning Work Anxiety
Start the workday from a steadier place — verses to pray with coffee.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When You Can't Sleep Because of Anxious Thoughts
Verses to read in bed when your mind won't stop.