Devine Scripture

Matthew 14:2

What does Matthew 14:2 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 14:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 14:2 means

Herod speculated that Jesus was John the Baptist, risen from the dead, and attributed Jesus' miraculous abilities to this supposed resurrection. This reveals Herod's guilty conscience regarding John's execution, leading him to a superstitious and fearful conclusion. His belief that John's spirit was empowering Jesus underscores his recognition of the extraordinary nature of Jesus' works, even if he misidentified their source. This shows the impact of a guilty conscience, where past sins haunt the present perceptions.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

and said unto his servants, This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead; and therefore do these powers work in him.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

and said unto his servants, This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead; and therefore do these powers work in him.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And he said to his servants, This is John the Baptist; he has come back from the dead, and so these powers are working in him.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and said to his servants, `This is John the Baptist, he did rise from the dead, and because of this the mighty energies are working in him.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And he said to his servants: This is John the Baptist: he is risen from the dead, and therefore mighty works shew forth themselves in him.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and said to his servants, This is John the baptist: he is risen from the dead, and because of this these works of power display their force in him.

Context

This verse directly follows the introduction of Herod hearing about Jesus, immediately revealing his fearful and superstitious interpretation. It sets up the long and necessary flashback about John the Baptist's imprisonment and death. Understanding Herod's troubled thoughts here provides the emotional and psychological backdrop for the narrative of John's martyrdom, explaining why Herod was so disturbed by reports of Jesus.

v.1At that season Herod the tetrarch heard the report concerning Jesus,

v.2This passage

v.3For Herod had laid hold on John, and bound him, and put him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife.

Cross references

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

  • Matthew 11:11

    Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not arisen a greater than John the Baptist: yet he that is but little in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

  • Matthew 16:14

    And they said, Some say John the Baptist; some, Elijah; and others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.

  • Mark 8:28

    And they told him, saying, John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; but others, One of the prophets.

  • John 10:41

    And many came unto him; and they said, John indeed did no sign: but all things whatsoever John spake of this man were true.

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