Matthew 14:10

And he sent, and beheaded John in the prison.

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

and sent and had Yochanan beheaded in prison.

and sent to have John beheaded in the prison.

and he sent and beheaded John in the prison.

Matthew 14:10 records the tragic and unjust execution of John the Baptist, a pivotal moment that underscores the moral decay of King Herod Antipas and the unwavering faithfulness of a prophet.

Context of Matthew 14:10

This verse delivers the stark culmination of a chain of events detailed earlier in Matthew 14. John the Baptist had been imprisoned by King Herod Antipas for boldly rebuking him about his unlawful marriage to Herodias, his brother Philip's wife (Matthew 14:4). Herodias harbored a deep grudge against John and sought his death. The opportunity arose during Herod's birthday celebration, when Herodias's daughter, Salome, performed a dance that greatly pleased the king. In a rash oath, Herod promised her anything she desired, up to half his kingdom. Instigated by her vengeful mother, Salome requested "the head of John the Baptist in a charger" (Matthew 14:8). Despite his regret and fear of the crowd who considered John a prophet, Herod felt bound by his oath and the presence of his guests, leading to this grim command to behead John in the prison.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Martyrdom of a Prophet: John the Baptist's death serves as a profound example of martyrdom. He died not for a crime, but for speaking God's truth to power, fulfilling his prophetic calling to prepare the way for the Messiah (Malachi 3:1).
  • Consequences of Sin and Moral Weakness: Herod's actions reveal a man swayed by lust, pride, and fear of public opinion rather than by righteousness. His weak will, coupled with Herodias's malicious intent, led to an innocent man's execution.
  • Faithfulness to Truth: John's life and death underscore the importance of unwavering faithfulness to God's word, even when it demands immense personal sacrifice. His courage stands in stark contrast to Herod's moral cowardice.
  • The Cost of Discipleship: John's fate foreshadows the suffering and persecution that followers of Christ might face for their commitment to truth and righteousness (Matthew 10:22).

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "beheaded John" is a direct translation of the Greek verb ἀπεκεφάλισεν (*apekefalisen*), which literally means "to cut off the head." This term leaves no ambiguity about the violent and definitive nature of John's death by decapitation.

Practical Application

Matthew 14:10 challenges believers to consider the cost of discipleship and the importance of integrity. In a world often characterized by moral compromise and fear, John the Baptist's example encourages us to:

  • Speak Truth: To boldly articulate biblical truth, even when it is unpopular or confronts powerful interests.
  • Stand Firm: To remain steadfast in our convictions, resisting the temptation to compromise our faith for social acceptance or personal gain.
  • Trust God's Sovereignty: To remember that even in seemingly tragic events, God's ultimate plan is unfolding. John's death paved the way for Jesus's ministry to take center stage, and his faithful witness continues to inspire generations. His disciples, upon hearing the news, went to inform Jesus and bury John (Matthew 14:12), highlighting the transition of focus to Christ's unfolding work.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Matthew 17:12

    But I say unto you, That Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them.

  • Mark 9:13

    But I say unto you, That Elias is indeed come, and they have done unto him whatsoever they listed, as it is written of him.

  • 2 Chronicles 36:16

    But they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and misused his prophets, until the wrath of the LORD arose against his people, till [there was] no remedy.

  • Jeremiah 2:30

    In vain have I smitten your children; they received no correction: your own sword hath devoured your prophets, like a destroying lion.

  • Revelation 11:7

    And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them.

  • Matthew 22:3

    And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come.

  • Matthew 22:6

    And the remnant took his servants, and entreated [them] spitefully, and slew [them].

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