Devine Scripture

Matthew 14:6

What does Matthew 14:6 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 14:6 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 14:6 means

At Herod's birthday celebration, the daughter of Herodias danced for the guests, pleasing Herod greatly. This detail sets the scene for the tragic events that follow, portraying Herod's lavish court and the entertainment within it. The dancer's performance becomes the catalyst for an impulsive and ultimately fatal promise from Herod, demonstrating how worldly festivities can lead to grave consequences. It reveals the atmosphere of moral compromise that surrounded Herod's court.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But when Herod’s birthday was kept, the daughter of Herodias danced before them, and pleased Herod.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But when Herod's birthday came, the daughter of Herodias was dancing before them, and Herod was pleased with her.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

But the birthday of Herod being kept, the daughter of Herodias danced in the midst, and did please Herod,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But on Herod's birthday, the daughter of Herodias danced before them: and pleased Herod.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But when Herod's birthday was celebrated, the daughter of Herodias danced before them, and pleased Herod;

Context

This verse marks a turning point in the flashback, moving from John's imprisonment to the occasion of Herod's birthday. It introduces the daughter of Herodias and her dance, setting in motion the specific events that will lead to John's death. This festive but morally compromised setting is essential for understanding the impulsive oath and its tragic consequences, which unfold in the next verses.

v.5And when he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet.

v.6This passage

v.7Whereupon he promised with an oath to give her whatsoever she should ask.

Cross references

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

  • Mark 6:21

    And when a convenient day was come, that Herod on his birthday made a supper to his lords, and the high captains, and the chief men of Galilee;

  • 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.

  • Mark 6:19

    And Herodias set herself against him, and desired to kill him; and she could not;

  • Esther 1:2

    that in those days, when the king Ahasuerus sat on the throne of his kingdom, which was in Shushan the palace,

  • Matthew 22:24

    saying, Teacher, Moses said, If a man die, having no children, his brother shall marry his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother.

  • Daniel 5:1

    Belshazzar the king made a great feast to a thousand of his lords, and drank wine before the thousand.

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