Devine Scripture

Matthew 14:3

What does Matthew 14:3 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 14:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 14:3 means

This verse explains that Herod had previously arrested, bound, and imprisoned John the Baptist. The reason for John's imprisonment was his bold condemnation of Herod's unlawful marriage to Herodias, who was his brother Philip's wife. John, as a prophet, fearlessly spoke truth to power, exposing the moral corruption even of the ruler. This act of speaking truth led directly to his unjust confinement, highlighting the high cost of prophetic witness.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For Herod had taken John and put him in prison because of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

For Herod having laid hold on John, did bind him, and did put him in prison, because of Herodias his brother Philip's wife,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For Herod had apprehended John and bound him, and put him into prison, because of Herodias, his brother's wife.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For Herod had seized John, and had bound him and put him in prison on account of Herodias the wife of Philip his brother.

Context

This verse begins the flashback that explains Herod's troubled remarks in the previous verses. It clarifies the circumstances of John the Baptist's imprisonment, establishing why Herod had such a guilty conscience. This detailed historical context is crucial for understanding the subsequent narrative of John's execution and its impact on Herod, ultimately leading to Jesus' withdrawal in response to the news.

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.

v.3This passage

v.4For John said unto him, It is not lawful for thee to have her.

Cross references

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

  • Matthew 11:2

    Now when John heard in the prison the works of the Christ, he sent by his disciples

  • John 3:23

    And John also was baptizing in Ænon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized.

  • Matthew 4:12

    Now when he heard that John was delivered up, he withdrew into Galilee;

  • Luke 13:1

    Now there were some present at that very season who told him of the Galilæans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices.

  • Luke 3:19

    but Herod the tetrarch, being reproved by him for Herodias his brother’s wife, and for all the evil things which Herod had done,

  • Mark 6:17

    For Herod himself had sent forth and laid hold upon John, and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife; for he had married her.

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