Matthew 14:1

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

¶ At that time Herod the tetrarch heard of the fame of Jesus,

Complete Jewish Bible:

Around that time, Herod, the regional governor, heard of the fame of Yeshua

Berean Standard Bible:

At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the reports about Jesus

American Standard Version:

At that season Herod the tetrarch heard the report concerning Jesus,

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

At^{G1722} that^{G1565} time^{G2540} Herod^{G2264} the tetrarch^{G5076} heard^{G191} of the fame^{G189} of Jesus^{G2424},

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Matthew 14:1

Matthew 14:1 sets the stage for a significant narrative in the Gospel of Matthew. The verse states, "At that time Herod the tetrarch heard of the fame of Jesus." This introduces Herod Antipas, one of the sons of Herod the Great, who ruled as a tetrarch over Galilee and Perea during the life of Jesus. The title "tetrarch" denotes a ruler of a quarter of a kingdom, reflecting the division of Herod the Great's realm after his death.

The historical context of this verse is rooted in the complex political landscape of 1st-century Palestine, which was under Roman control. Herod Antipas was a client king, answerable to the Roman Empire, and his rule was marked by both political maneuvering and personal scandal, including his unlawful marriage to Herodias, his niece, which was condemned by John the Baptist.

The mention of Herod in this verse is significant because it foreshadows his interaction with Jesus and the eventual beheading of John the Baptist, as narrated in the subsequent verses of Matthew 14. Herod's hearing about Jesus' fame reflects the growing influence and reputation of Jesus as a teacher and miracle worker. It also hints at the tension between the emerging Christian movement and the established political powers of the time, a theme that recurs throughout the New Testament.

The verse touches on themes of power, reputation, and the spread of Jesus' message. It highlights the contrast between the worldly authority of Herod and the spiritual authority of Jesus, setting up a dramatic confrontation between the kingdoms of man and the Kingdom of God. Herod's awareness of Jesus indicates the beginning of a shift in which the message of Jesus starts to attract the attention of those in power, leading to both conflict and the further dissemination of the Gospel.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: G1722
   There are 2129 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἐν
   Transliteration: en
   Pronunciation: en
   Description: a primary preposition denoting (fixed) position (in place, time or state), and (by implication) instrumentality (medially or constructively), i.e. a relation of rest (intermediate between εἰς and ἐκ); "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc.:--about, after, against, + almost, X altogether, among, X as, at, before, between, (here-)by (+ all means), for (… sake of), + give self wholly to, (here-)in(-to, -wardly), X mightily, (because) of, (up-)on, (open-)ly, X outwardly, one, X quickly, X shortly, (speedi-)ly, X that, X there(-in, -on), through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), under, when, where(-with), while, with(-in). Often used in compounds, with substantially the same import; rarely with verbs of motion, and then not to indicate direction, except (elliptically) by a separate (and different) preposition.
   
2. Strong's Number: G1565
   There are 244 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἐκεῖνος
   Transliteration: ekeînos
   Pronunciation: ek-i'-nos
   Description: from ἐκεῖ; that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed:--he, it, the other (same), selfsame, that (same, very), X their, X them, they, this, those. See also οὗτος.
   
3. Strong's Number: G2540
   There are 82 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: καιρός
   Transliteration: kairós
   Pronunciation: kahee-ros'
   Description: of uncertain affinity; an occasion, i.e. set or proper time:--X always, opportunity, (convenient, due) season, (due, short, while) time, a while. Compare χρόνος.
   
4. Strong's Number: G2264
   There are 41 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: Ἡρώδης
   Transliteration: Hērṓdēs
   Pronunciation: hay-ro'-dace
   Description: compound of (a "hero") and εἶδος; heroic; Herod, the name of four Jewish kings:--Herod.
   
5. Strong's Number: G5076
   There are 4 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: τετράρχης
   Transliteration: tetrárchēs
   Pronunciation: tet-rar'-khace
   Description: from τέσσαρες and ἄρχω; the ruler of a fourth part of a country ("tetrarch"):--tetrarch.
   
6. Strong's Number: G191
   There are 448 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἀκούω
   Transliteration: akoúō
   Pronunciation: ak-oo'-o
   Description: a primary verb; to hear (in various senses):--give (in the) audience (of), come (to the ears), (shall) hear(-er, -ken), be noised, be reported, understand.
   
7. Strong's Number: G189
   There are 83 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἀκοή
   Transliteration: akoḗ
   Pronunciation: ak-o-ay'
   Description: from ἀκούω; hearing (the act, the sense or the thing heard):--audience, ear, fame, which ye heard, hearing, preached, report, rumor.
   
8. Strong's Number: G2424
   There are 935 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: Ἰησοῦς
   Transliteration: Iēsoûs
   Pronunciation: ee-ay-sooce'
   Description: of Hebrew origin (יְהוֹשׁוּעַ); Jesus (i.e. Jehoshua), the name of our Lord and two (three) other Israelites:--Jesus.