Devine Scripture

Matthew 14:9

What does Matthew 14:9 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 14:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 14:9 means

Herod was grieved by the request, indicating a measure of reluctance or regret, perhaps due to his respect for John or his lingering fear of the crowds. However, bound by his oath and the presence of his dinner guests, he commanded that John's head be given to the girl. This shows his greater fear of public embarrassment and dishonor among his peers than his moral conscience or respect for John's life, ultimately leading to a tragic submission to evil.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And the king was grieved; but for the sake of his oaths, and of them that sat at meat with him, he commanded it to be given;

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And the king was sorry: nevertheless for the oath’s sake, and them which sat with him at meat, he commanded it to be given her.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And the king was grieved; but for the sake of his oaths, and of them that sat at meat with him, he commanded it to be given;

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And the king was sad; but because of his oaths and because of his guests, he gave the order for it to be given to her;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and the king was grieved, but because of the oaths and of those reclining with him, he commanded <FI>it<Fi> to be given;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And the king was struck sad: yet because of his oath, and for them that sat with him at table, he commanded it to be given.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And the king was grieved; but on account of the oaths, and those lying at table with [him], he commanded [it] to be given.

Context

This verse immediately follows the gruesome request from Herodias's daughter. It reveals Herod's internal conflict and his ultimate decision to fulfill the oath, prioritizing his reputation over his conscience. This tragic choice leads directly to the execution of John, which is detailed in the next verse, demonstrating the fatal consequences of his rash promise and misplaced priorities.

v.8And she, being put forward by her mother, saith, Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist.

v.9This passage

v.10and he sent and beheaded John in the prison.

Cross references

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

  • Matthew 14:5

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

  • Judges 21:1

    Now the men of Israel had sworn in Mizpah, saying, There shall not any of us give his daughter unto Benjamin to wife.

  • Acts 24:23

    And he gave order to the centurion that he should be kept in charge, and should have indulgence; and not to forbid any of his friends to minister unto him.

  • 1 Samuel 14:24

    And the men of Israel were distressed that day; for Saul had adjured the people, saying, Cursed be the man that eateth any food until it be evening, and I be avenged on mine enemies. So none of the people tasted food.

  • Judges 11:30

    And Jephthah vowed a vow unto Jehovah, and said, If thou wilt indeed deliver the children of Ammon into my hand,

  • Matthew 27:17

    When therefore they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?

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