Matthew 14:10

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

And he sent, and beheaded John in the prison.

Complete Jewish Bible:

and sent and had Yochanan beheaded in prison.

Berean Standard Bible:

and sent to have John beheaded in the prison.

American Standard Version:

and he sent and beheaded John in the prison.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

And^{G2532} he sent^{G3992}, and beheaded^{G607} John^{G2491} in^{G1722} the prison^{G5438}.

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Matthew 14:10

Matthew 14:10 is a verse that succinctly describes a pivotal and grim historical event in the life of John the Baptist, a key figure in the New Testament. The verse reads, "And he sent, and beheaded John in the prison." This verse is embedded within the broader narrative of the Gospel according to Matthew, which is one of the four canonical Gospels that recount the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The "he" in the verse refers to Herod Antipas, a ruler in the region of Galilee and Perea during the time of Jesus' ministry. Herod Antipas was a son of Herod the Great, who had been king when Jesus was born. The John mentioned is John the Baptist, a prophet and the cousin of Jesus, who had been preaching a message of repentance and baptizing people in the Jordan River.

Historically, John the Baptist had publicly condemned Herod Antipas for marrying Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, which was considered unlawful according to Jewish tradition. This condemnation, along with the influence of Herodias, who held a grudge against John, led to John's imprisonment. The beheading of John the Baptist is an event that reflects the political tensions and moral challenges of the time, as well as the consequences of speaking truth to power.

The themes present in this verse include the courage of prophetic witness, the conflict between moral integrity and political expediency, and the harsh reality of the consequences faced by those who challenge the status quo. John's execution also prefigures the later execution of Jesus, as both were killed by the civil authorities at the behest of religious leaders and faced their end with a similar sense of purpose and resignation to God's will.

In summary, Matthew 14:10 captures a moment of dark historical significance, where the righteous figure of John the Baptist meets a violent end due to his unwavering commitment to truth and justice, highlighting the perennial struggle between the demands of conscience and the pressures of power.

*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: G2532
   There are 5212 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: καί
   Transliteration: kaí
   Pronunciation: kahee
   Description: apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words:--and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.
   
2. Strong's Number: G3992
   There are 80 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: πέμπω
   Transliteration: pémpō
   Pronunciation: pem'-po
   Description: apparently a primary verb; to dispatch (from the subjective view or point of departure, whereas (as a stronger form of ) refers rather to the objective point or terminus ad quem, and στέλλω denotes properly, the orderly motion involved), especially on a temporary errand; also to transmit, bestow, or wield:--send, thrust in.
   
3. Strong's Number: G607
   There are 4 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἀποκεφαλίζω
   Transliteration: apokephalízō
   Pronunciation: ap-ok-ef-al-id'-zo
   Description: from ἀπό and κεφαλή; to decapitate:--behead.
   
4. Strong's Number: G2491
   There are 130 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: Ἰωάννης
   Transliteration: Iōánnēs
   Pronunciation: ee-o-an'-nace
   Description: of Hebrew origin (יוֹחָנָן); Joannes (i.e. Jochanan), the name of four Israelites:--John.
   
5. 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.
   
6. Strong's Number: G5438
   There are 45 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: φυλακή
   Transliteration: phylakḗ
   Pronunciation: foo-lak-ay'
   Description: from φυλάσσω; a guarding or (concretely, guard), the act, the person; figuratively, the place, the condition, or (specially), the time (as a division of day or night), literally or figuratively:--cage, hold, (im-)prison(-ment), ward, watch.