Devine Scripture

Matthew 14:10

What does Matthew 14:10 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 14:10 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 14:10 means

In obedience to Herod's command, John the Baptist was beheaded in the prison. This grim act marks the tragic end of John's prophetic ministry and life. It underscores the ultimate cost of speaking God's truth to corrupt power and illustrates the brutality of Herod's regime. John's death, though unjust, fulfills his role as the forerunner to Christ, who himself would face an unjust execution.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

and he sent and beheaded John in the prison.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And he sent, and beheaded John in the prison.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

and he sent and beheaded John in the prison.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And he sent and had John's head cut off in the prison.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and having sent, he beheaded John in the prison,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And he sent, and beheaded John in the prison.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And he sent and beheaded John in the prison;

Context

This verse describes the direct and immediate execution of John the Baptist, fulfilling Herod's command from the previous verse. It is the culmination of the flashback detailing John's imprisonment and Herodias's plot. This somber event concludes the narrative of John's martyrdom, setting the stage for the delivery of his head and the subsequent reactions of his disciples and Jesus.

v.9And the king was grieved; but for the sake of his oaths, and of them that sat at meat with him, he commanded it to be given;

v.10This passage

v.11And his head was brought on a platter, and given to the damsel: and she brought it to her mother.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 2 Chronicles 36:16

    but they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and scoffed at his prophets, until the wrath of Jehovah arose against his people, till there was no remedy.

  • Matthew 17:12

    but I say unto you, that Elijah is come already, and they knew him not, but did unto him whatsoever they would. Even so shall the Son of man also suffer of them.

  • Mark 6:27

    And straightway the king sent forth a soldier of his guard, and commanded to bring his head: and he went and beheaded him in the prison,

  • Mark 9:13

    But I say unto you, that Elijah is come, and they have also done unto him whatsoever they would, even as it is written of him.

  • Luke 9:9

    And Herod said, John I beheaded: but who is this, about whom I hear such things? And he sought to see him.

  • Matthew 21:35

    And the husbandmen took his servants, and beat one, and killed another, and stoned another.

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.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Matthew 14:10.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary