Matthew 14:6

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

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

Complete Jewish Bible:

However, at Herod's birthday celebration, Herodias' daughter danced before the company and pleased Herod

Berean Standard Bible:

On Herod’s birthday, however, the daughter of Herodias danced before them and pleased Herod

American Standard Version:

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

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

But^{G1161} when Herod's^{G2264} birthday^{G1077} was kept^{G71}, the daughter^{G2364} of Herodias^{G2266} danced^{G3738} before them^{G1722}^{G3319}, and^{G2532} pleased^{G700} Herod^{G2264}.

Cross-References (KJV):

Hosea 1:5

And it shall come to pass at that day, that I will break the bow of Israel in the valley of Jezreel.

Hosea 1:6

And she conceived again, and bare a daughter. And [God] said unto him, Call her name Loruhamah: for I will no more have mercy upon the house of Israel; but I will utterly take them away.

Genesis 40:20

¶ And it came to pass the third day, [which was] Pharaoh's birthday, that he made a feast unto all his servants: and he lifted up the head of the chief butler and of the chief baker among his servants.

Mark 6:21

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

Mark 6:23

And he sware unto her, Whatsoever thou shalt ask of me, I will give [it] thee, unto the half of my kingdom.

Mark 6:17

For Herod himself had sent forth and laid hold upon John, and bound him in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife: for he had married her.

Matthew 22:24

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

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Commentary for Matthew 14:6

Matthew 14:6 is a verse set within the historical context of first-century Judea under the rule of Herod Antipas, a son of Herod the Great. Herod Antipas was a tetrarch, ruling over Galilee and Perea, and was known for his complex marital history and political machinations. The verse describes a specific event during his reign—his birthday celebration—which is notable for its lavishness and the political and personal dynamics at play.

The daughter of Herodias, whom historical sources outside the Bible identify as Salome, performs a dance for Herod and his guests. Herodias was the niece and wife of Herod Antipas, having been married to his half-brother Philip before Herod Antipas divorced his own wife to marry her. This marriage was heavily criticized by John the Baptist, who condemned it as unlawful according to Jewish law, leading to John's imprisonment by Herod.

The dance of Herodias's daughter before Herod and his guests is significant because it sets the stage for the request that would follow—a request that would lead to the beheading of John the Baptist. The verse reflects the themes of political intrigue, the abuse of power, and the consequences of personal desires overruling moral and ethical considerations. It also highlights the precarious position of prophetic figures like John the Baptist who dared to challenge the authorities of their time. The event underscores the tension between the rulers of the land and the burgeoning Christian movement, as well as the broader narrative of the Gospel, which often portrays Jesus and his forerunners in conflict with the established powers.

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

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

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

Strong's Number: G1161
There are 2556 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: δέ
Transliteration: dé
Pronunciation: deh
Description: a primary particle (adversative or continuative); but, and, etc.:--also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English).
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.
Strong's Number: G1077
There are 2 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: γενέσια
Transliteration: genésia
Pronunciation: ghen-es'-ee-ah
Description: neuter plural of a derivative of γένεσις; birthday ceremonies:--birthday.
Strong's Number: G71
There are 97 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ἄγω
Transliteration: ágō
Pronunciation: ag'-o
Description: a primary verb; properly, to lead; by implication, to bring, drive, (reflexively) go, (specially) pass (time), or (figuratively) induce:--be, bring (forth), carry, (let) go, keep, lead away, be open.
Strong's Number: G2364
There are 28 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: θυγάτηρ
Transliteration: thygátēr
Pronunciation: thoo-gat'-air
Description: apparently a primary word (compare "daughter"); a female child, or (by Hebraism) descendant (or inhabitant):--daughter.
Strong's Number: G2266
There are 6 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: Ἡρωδιάς
Transliteration: Hērōdiás
Pronunciation: hay-ro-dee-as'
Description: from Ἡρώδης; Herodias, a woman of the Heodian family:--Herodias.
Strong's Number: G3738
There are 4 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ὀρχέομαι
Transliteration: orchéomai
Pronunciation: or-kheh'-om-ahee
Description: middle voice from (a row or ring); to dance (from the ranklike or regular motion):--dance.
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.
Strong's Number: G3319
There are 59 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: μέσος
Transliteration: mésos
Pronunciation: mes'-os
Description: from μετά; middle (as an adjective or (neuter) noun):--among, X before them, between, + forth, mid(-day, -night), midst, way.
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.
Strong's Number: G700
There are 16 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ἀρέσκω
Transliteration: aréskō
Pronunciation: ar-es'-ko
Description: probably from αἴρω (through the idea of exciting emotion); to be agreeable (or by implication, to seek to be so):--please.

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