Matthew 14:7
What does Matthew 14:7 mean?
A plain-English look at Matthew 14:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Matthew 14:7 means
Herod, delighted by the dance, made a rash oath, promising to grant the girl whatever she asked, even up to half of his kingdom. This impulsive promise, made in the heat of the moment and likely under the influence of celebration, reveals Herod's weakness and lack of self-control. It sets the stage for the manipulative request that follows, demonstrating the dangerous consequences of making solemn vows without careful consideration, especially when power is involved.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Whereupon he promised with an oath to give her whatsoever she should ask.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Whereupon he promised with an oath to give her whatsoever she would ask.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Whereupon he promised with an oath to give her whatsoever she should ask.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949So he gave her his word with an oath to let her have whatever she might make request for.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862whereupon with an oath he professed to give her whatever she might ask.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Whereupon he promised with an oath, to give her whatsoever she would ask of him.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890whereupon he promised with oath to give her whatsoever she should ask.
Context
This verse immediately follows the description of the daughter's dance and Herod's pleasure, initiating the direct chain of events leading to John's execution. Herod's impulsive oath here is the pivotal moment that puts him in an impossible bind. This promise directly leads to Herodias's manipulative request, creating the dramatic tension that plays out in the subsequent verses.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Esther 5:3
Then said the king unto her, What wilt thou, queen Esther? and what is thy request? it shall be given thee even to the half of the kingdom.
- Esther 7:2
And the king said again unto Esther on the second day at the banquet of wine, What is thy petition, queen Esther? and it shall be granted thee: and what is thy request? even to the half of the kingdom it shall be performed.
- Esther 5:6
And the king said unto Esther at the banquet of wine, What is thy petition? and it shall be granted thee: and what is thy request? even to the half of the kingdom it shall be performed.
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