Devine Scripture

Matthew 14:5

What does Matthew 14:5 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 14:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 14:5 means

Herod desired to execute John but was restrained by his fear of the Jewish people, who regarded John as a prophet. This reveals Herod's political pragmatism; he was more concerned with maintaining popular favor and preventing an uprising than with justice or moral principle. Public opinion, rather than a genuine change of heart, was his primary deterrent. This highlights the dangers of leadership driven by fear of man rather than fear of God.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And when he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And when he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And when he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And he would have put him to death, but for his fear of the people, because in their eyes John was a prophet.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and, willing to kill him, he feared the multitude, because as a prophet they were holding him.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And having a mind to put him to death, he feared the people: because they esteemed him as a prophet.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And [while] desiring to kill him, he feared the crowd, because they held him for a prophet.

Context

This verse explains why John the Baptist remained imprisoned rather than immediately executed, even though Herod wanted him dead. It highlights Herod's fear of the crowds, setting up the precarious balance of power and public perception. This detail is important for understanding the dramatic turn of events at Herod's birthday feast, where Herodias's scheme bypasses Herod's previous hesitation.

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

v.5This passage

v.6But when Herod’s birthday came, the daughter of Herodias danced in the midst, and pleased Herod.

Cross references

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

  • Acts 4:21

    And they, when they had further threatened them, let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people; for all men glorified God for that which was done.

  • Luke 20:6

    But if we shall say, From men; all the people will stone us: for they are persuaded that John was a prophet.

  • Mark 11:30

    The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or from men? answer me.

  • Matthew 11:9

    But wherefore went ye out? to see a prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and much more than a prophet.

  • Matthew 21:32

    For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not; but the publicans and the harlots believed him: and ye, when ye saw it, did not even repent yourselves afterward, that ye might believe him.

  • Acts 5:26

    Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them, but without violence; for they feared the people, lest they should be stoned.

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