Matthew 14:1

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

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

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

At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the reports about Jesus

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

Commentary

Matthew 14:1 marks a significant point in Jesus' public ministry, indicating that His widespread fame had reached the highest political authority in the region, setting the stage for subsequent events.

Context

This verse immediately follows Jesus' teaching ministry, particularly the parables about the Kingdom of Heaven in Matthew chapter 13. Prior to this, Jesus had been actively engaged in extensive healing and teaching throughout Galilee, attracting large crowds and performing numerous miracles, which naturally led to His growing renown (e.g., Matthew 9:26). Herod's hearing of Jesus' fame directly precedes the tragic account of John the Baptist's beheading, connecting Jesus' rising profile with the political anxieties of the ruler.

Key Themes

  • The Expanding Influence of Jesus: The fact that "Herod the tetrarch heard of the fame of Jesus" underscores the undeniable and rapidly spreading impact of Jesus' ministry. His divine authority and miraculous works were making an impression far beyond local communities.
  • Political Recognition of God's Kingdom: This verse highlights that the spiritual movement initiated by Jesus was becoming so prominent that it could not be ignored by earthly rulers. It subtly introduces the tension between the spiritual Kingdom of God and the established political powers.
  • Foreshadowing of Conflict and Persecution: Herod's awareness of Jesus' fame serves as an ominous prelude to the fate of John the Baptist and, by extension, hints at the dangers Jesus Himself would face from those in power who felt threatened by His influence and message.

Linguistic Insights

The title "Herod the tetrarch" refers specifically to Herod Antipas, one of the sons of Herod the Great, who ruled over Galilee and Perea. A "tetrarch" (from the Greek tetrarches) was a ruler of a fourth part of a Roman province. His jurisdiction meant that news of Jesus' activities, particularly in Galilee, would naturally reach his court. The KJV phrase "fame of Jesus" translates the Greek word akoē, which means 'hearing' or 'report,' indicating that the news about Jesus was a widespread and significant account, not just idle rumor.

Practical Application

Matthew 14:1 reminds us that God's work, even when it begins humbly, can grow to have profound and far-reaching influence, often impacting unexpected spheres of society. It demonstrates that the truth of the Gospel has an inherent power to spread and gain recognition. For believers, it encourages us to be faithful in our witness, knowing that God's message can penetrate even resistant hearts and powerful structures. Just as Jesus' reputation reached Herod, so too can the message of His salvation reach those in authority today, reminding us that all authority is ultimately established by God, and His plan will prevail.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Luke 3:1 (5 votes)

    ¶ 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 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

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

  • Luke 9:7 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

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

  • Mark 6:14 (3 votes)

    ¶ 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.