Matthew 14:1

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

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,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 14:1 marks a pivotal moment in Jesus' public ministry, signaling that His widespread influence and miraculous works had reached the highest echelons of political power in Galilee and Perea. This verse sets the stage for the dramatic events that follow, highlighting the growing tension between the burgeoning Kingdom of God and the established earthly authorities, particularly in the person of Herod Antipas.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows a significant block of Jesus' teaching, specifically the parables of the Kingdom of Heaven in [Matthew 13](/matthew/13 "Matthew 13 - Parables of the Kingdom"). Prior to this, Jesus had been intensely active in Galilee, performing numerous miracles, healing the sick, and teaching large crowds, as evidenced by accounts such as the healing of the paralytic in [Matthew 9:1-8](/matthew/9-1-8 "Matthew 9:1-8 - Jesus Heals a Paralytic") and the feeding of the five thousand later in [Matthew 14:13-21](/matthew/14-13-21 "Matthew 14:13-21 - Feeding the Five Thousand"). The widespread nature of His ministry, which led to His fame, is noted in [Matthew 9:26](/matthew/9-26 "Matthew 9:26 - Jesus' Fame Spreads"). The mention of Herod's awareness here serves as a narrative bridge, directly preceding the somber account of John the Baptist's beheading in [Matthew 14:3-12](/matthew/14-3-12 "Matthew 14:3-12 - The Beheading of John the Baptist"), creating a stark contrast between Jesus' rising profile and the tragic fate of His forerunner.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** "Herod the tetrarch" refers to Herod Antipas, one of the sons of Herod the Great, who ruled as tetrarch over Galilee and Perea from 4 BC to AD 39. A "tetrarch" was a ruler of a fourth part of a Roman province, indicating his significant, albeit subordinate, authority within the Roman Empire's provincial administration. Galilee was the primary region of Jesus' early ministry, making it inevitable that news of His activities would reach Herod Antipas's court, which was located in Tiberias. The Jewish population under Roman rule, and specifically under the Herodian dynasty, lived with a complex mix of religious fervor, messianic expectation, and political oppression. Any popular movement, especially one with a charismatic leader like Jesus, would be viewed with suspicion by a ruler like Herod, who was keenly aware of the potential for popular uprisings and the need to maintain Roman peace (Pax Romana).

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes within Matthew's Gospel. Firstly, it underscores **the Expanding Influence of Jesus**, demonstrating that His divine authority and miraculous works were making an undeniable impact that transcended local communities and reached the highest political circles. Secondly, it highlights the **Political Recognition of God's Kingdom**, showing that the spiritual movement initiated by Jesus was becoming so prominent that it could no longer be ignored by earthly rulers, subtly introducing the tension between the spiritual realm and established political powers. This tension is further explored as Jesus' ministry continues to challenge the status quo, as seen in His teachings on the Kingdom throughout [Matthew 5-7](/matthew/5 "Matthew 5 - The Sermon on the Mount"). Lastly, the verse serves as a **Foreshadowing of Conflict and Persecution**. Herod's awareness of Jesus' fame is an ominous prelude to John the Baptist's execution and, by extension, hints at the dangers Jesus Himself would face from those in power who felt threatened by His influence and message, ultimately leading to His crucifixion, as prophesied in [Matthew 16:21](/matthew/16-21 "Matthew 16:21 - Jesus Predicts His Death").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Time (Greek, _kairós_):** From G2540, this word signifies a "set or proper time," an "occasion," or a "season." Unlike _chronos_ (linear time), _kairós_ denotes a qualitative, opportune, or decisive moment. In Matthew 14:1, "At that time" indicates a significant juncture, suggesting that Jesus' fame reaching Herod was not merely a random occurrence but a divinely appointed moment in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan, setting the stage for critical developments.
* **Herod (Greek, _Hērṓdēs_):** From G2264, this refers to Herod Antipas, one of the four Jewish kings named Herod. His name evokes the powerful, often ruthless, Herodian dynasty that ruled Judea and Galilee under Roman authority. The mention of "Herod" immediately establishes a political and potentially hostile context, as this family was known for its ambition, intrigue, and persecution of religious figures, notably John the Baptist.
* **Fame (Greek, _akoḗ_):** From G189, this word means "hearing," "report," "rumor," or "the thing heard." It is derived from the verb _akoúō_ (G191), "to hear." The use of _akoḗ_ here emphasizes that the news about Jesus was not just idle gossip but a widespread and significant report that had gained credibility and reached the highest levels of authority. It speaks to the undeniable impact and notoriety of Jesus' ministry.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"At that time":** This phrase, employing the Greek word _kairós_, signifies a specific and opportune moment in the narrative flow of Matthew's Gospel. It marks a transition from Jesus' intensive teaching ministry to a period of heightened political awareness of His work, indicating that events are moving towards a significant turning point. It suggests divine timing in the unfolding of God's plan.
* **"Herod the tetrarch heard":** This clause identifies the specific political authority who became aware of Jesus. Herod Antipas, as tetrarch of Galilee and Perea, was the legitimate, albeit Roman-appointed, ruler of the region where Jesus conducted much of His ministry. The verb "heard" (_akoúō_) implies not just a casual hearing but an active reception of reports, indicating that Jesus' activities were significant enough to warrant the attention of the highest regional authority.
* **"of the fame of Jesus":** This final clause specifies the content of what Herod heard—the widespread "fame" or "report" concerning Jesus. This "fame" encompassed His miraculous healings, powerful teachings, and the growing crowds that followed Him. It underscores the undeniable impact Jesus was having on the populace, an impact so profound that it could not be contained within local communities but reverberated throughout the political landscape.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 14:1 employs several literary devices to convey its meaning and set the narrative's tone. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as Herod's awareness of Jesus' fame immediately precedes the account of John the Baptist's beheading, hinting at the dangerous intersection of divine ministry and earthly power. This also introduces a sense of **Dramatic Irony**, as Herod, who had executed John, now hears of Jesus, whose ministry is even more powerful and widespread, suggesting that Herod's actions against John will not stop the Kingdom of God. The phrase "fame of Jesus" can be seen as a form of **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the extraordinary extent of His renown beyond normal human celebrity, suggesting a divine, uncontainable influence. Furthermore, the **Juxtaposition** of Jesus' spiritual authority with Herod's temporal power sets up a thematic conflict that will play out throughout the rest of the Gospel, highlighting the clash between the Kingdom of God and the kingdoms of this world.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 14:1 powerfully illustrates the undeniable and expanding reach of God's Kingdom through the ministry of Jesus. The fact that Jesus' fame reached even a powerful, secular ruler like Herod Antipas signifies that the divine work initiated by Christ was not confined to a small religious sect but was impacting society at large, challenging existing power structures and worldviews. This encounter underscores the inherent tension between the Kingdom of God, which operates on principles of divine authority, love, and spiritual transformation, and earthly kingdoms, which often rely on political power, coercion, and human ambition. This initial recognition by Herod sets the stage for the ultimate confrontation between Jesus and the powers of this world, culminating in His trial and crucifixion, yet ultimately leading to His triumph.

* [Luke 4:14-15](/luke/4-14-15 "Luke 4:14-15 - Jesus' Fame Spreads in Galilee")
* [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Commission to Witness")
* [Colossians 1:16](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - Christ's Supremacy Over All Creation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 14:1 offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that the truth of the Gospel, when faithfully proclaimed and lived out, possesses an inherent power to spread and gain recognition, even in unexpected and resistant spheres of influence. Just as Jesus' reputation penetrated the court of Herod, so too can the message of His redemptive love and transformative power reach those in positions of authority today, regardless of their spiritual disposition. This verse encourages us not to underestimate the far-reaching impact of God's work, even when it begins humbly or faces opposition. It calls us to faithful witness, knowing that the divine message is not limited by human barriers or political boundaries. Our task is to sow the seeds of the Kingdom, trusting that God will cause the increase, and His fame will ultimately prevail over all earthly renown.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might the "fame of Jesus" be spreading in our world today, even among those who do not yet follow Him?**
* **How does the tension between God's Kingdom and earthly powers, as seen in Herod's reaction, manifest in our society or our personal lives?**
* **What does this verse teach us about the potential for our consistent witness to impact those in positions of influence, even if we don't directly interact with them?**

### FAQ
**Was Herod Antipas aware of Jesus's ministry before this point, or was Matthew 14:1 his first encounter with the news?**

Answer: While Matthew 14:1 presents Herod's hearing of Jesus's fame as a significant narrative point, it's unlikely to be his absolute first awareness. Jesus had been ministering actively in Galilee for some time, performing many miracles and drawing large crowds (e.g., [Matthew 9:26](/matthew/9-26 "Jesus' Fame Spreads After Healing")). Rulers like Herod Antipas typically had intelligence networks to monitor popular movements and potential threats to their authority. Therefore, it's more probable that [Matthew 14:1](/matthew/14-1 "Herod Hears of Jesus") signifies a point where Jesus's fame became so pervasive and undeniable that it could no longer be dismissed as mere rumor, forcing Herod to take serious notice and prompting his subsequent inquiry (as seen in [Luke 9:7-9](/luke/9-7-9 "Herod's Perplexity Over Jesus")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 14:1, by highlighting the widespread fame of Jesus reaching Herod, subtly points to the universal scope of Christ's ultimate reign and the inevitable recognition of His divine authority. While Herod's "hearing" was initially one of curiosity and apprehension, it foreshadows a day when "every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord" ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10-11 "Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation")). Jesus's fame was not merely that of a miracle worker or a prophet, but the renown of the Son of God, the King of kings, whose Kingdom is not of this world yet will ultimately encompass all earthly domains ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")). Herod's troubled conscience, believing Jesus to be John the Baptist raised from the dead ([Matthew 14:2](/matthew/14-2 "Herod's Fear of Jesus")), underscores the profound impact of God's truth on even the most hardened hearts, a truth that ultimately leads to either repentance and worship or rejection and judgment. The "fame of Jesus" culminates not in earthly power, but in His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, through which He secured eternal salvation and established a Kingdom that will never end ([Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13-14 "The Son of Man's Dominion")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Luke 3:1

¶ Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judaea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of Ituraea and of the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias the tetrarch of Abilene,

Acts 4:27

For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together,

Mark 8:15

And he charged them, saying, Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, and [of] the leaven of Herod.

Luke 9:7

Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was done by him: and he was perplexed, because that it was said of some, that John was risen from the dead;

Luke 9:9

And Herod said, John have I beheaded: but who is this, of whom I hear such things? And he desired to see him.

Luke 23:15

No, nor yet Herod: for I sent you to him; and, lo, nothing worthy of death is done unto him.

Mark 6:14

¶ And king Herod heard [of him]; (for his name was spread abroad:) and he said, That John the Baptist was risen from the dead, and therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in him.