Matthew 14:12

KJV

And his disciples came, and took up the body, and buried it, and went and told Jesus.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} his {G846} disciples {G3101} came {G4334}, and took up {G142} the body {G4983}, and {G2532} buried {G2290} it {G846}, and {G2532} went {G2064} and told {G518} Jesus {G2424}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yochanan's talmidim came, took the body and buried it; then they went and told Yeshua.

Berean Standard Bible

Then John’s disciples came and took his body and buried it. And they went and informed Jesus.

American Standard Version

And his disciples came, and took up the corpse, and buried him; and they went and told Jesus.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 14:12 succinctly describes the solemn aftermath of John the Baptist's execution. Following the gruesome act ordered by Herod Antipas, John's faithful disciples retrieved his body, reverently buried it, and then, in their profound grief and need for solace, sought out Jesus to deliver the tragic news of his cousin's death. This brief verse captures their loyalty, sorrow, and their immediate turning to Christ in a moment of deep crisis.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the immediate conclusion to the chilling narrative of John the Baptist's martyrdom, detailed in [Matthew 14:1-11](/matthew/14-1-11 "Matthew 14:1-11 - The Execution of John the Baptist"). The preceding verses recount Herod Antipas's rash oath, the manipulative influence of Herodias and her daughter Salome, and the brutal beheading of John in prison. Matthew 14:12 thus marks the final act in this tragic episode, providing a sense of closure to John's earthly ministry and life. It also functions as a crucial transition point, as Jesus's subsequent actions, such as withdrawing to a desolate place ([Matthew 14:13](/matthew/14-13 "Matthew 14:13 - Jesus Withdraws")), are directly influenced by this devastating news. The disciples' act of informing Jesus highlights the deep connection between John and Jesus, emphasizing John's role as the forerunner whose work now gives way to the full public ministry of the Messiah.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Jewish culture, the proper burial of the dead was a sacred duty, considered an act of profound piety and respect. To leave a body unburied was a grave dishonor. John's disciples, by retrieving and burying his body, demonstrated not only their deep love and respect for their teacher but also adhered to a fundamental cultural and religious obligation, even under potentially dangerous circumstances given Herod's capricious nature. The act of "going and telling Jesus" also reflects the social dynamics of the time; news of significant events, especially those involving prominent figures like John the Baptist, would travel. The disciples' decision to specifically inform Jesus underscores their understanding of His unique relationship with John, both as family and as figures in God's redemptive plan. Herod Antipas, as tetrarch of Galilee and Perea, wielded significant power, and his actions, though morally reprehensible, were legally unchallengeable within his domain, making the disciples' actions of defiance (in burying John) and seeking solace (in Jesus) all the more poignant.
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 14:12 contributes to several significant themes within the Gospel of Matthew and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Grief and Respect**, as John's disciples perform a solemn and honorable act of burial, demonstrating their profound sorrow and reverence for their martyred teacher. This highlights the human and godly response to loss. Secondly, the act of "went and told Jesus" powerfully illustrates the theme of **Seeking Comfort and Guidance in Christ**. In their deepest distress and confusion, the disciples instinctively turned to Jesus, acknowledging His authority, compassion, and unique connection to John. This serves as a vital example for believers to bring their heaviest burdens and sorrows to [Jesus, who invites the weary and burdened to find rest in Him](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Jesus's Invitation to the Weary"). Finally, John's death, and the disciples' response, subtly reinforces the theme of the **Cost of Discipleship and Prophetic Witness**. John's uncompromising proclamation of truth, even to those in power, led to his violent death, foreshadowing the persecution and suffering that Jesus and His followers would also endure for the sake of the Kingdom ([Matthew 10:22](/matthew/10-22 "Matthew 10:22 - Persecution for Christ's Name")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **took up (Greek, _aírō'_):** This verb, G142, means to lift up, to take up or away. In this context, it signifies the solemn act of retrieving John's body. It implies a deliberate and respectful removal of the deceased from the place of execution, likely to prepare it for proper burial. The word can also carry the nuance of bearing or carrying a burden, which fittingly describes the emotional weight the disciples carried in this sorrowful task.
* **buried (Greek, _tháptō'_):** G2290, this primary verb specifically means to celebrate funeral rites or to inter. It emphasizes that the disciples performed a proper, dignified burial for John, adhering to the cultural and religious customs of the time. This act was a profound expression of reverence and love for their teacher, ensuring his body was not left exposed or dishonored.
* **told (Greek, _apangéllō'_):** G518, meaning "to announce," "report," or "bring news," this verb indicates a direct, formal, and significant communication. It implies that the disciples did not merely gossip or spread rumors, but delivered a solemn and weighty report to Jesus, whom they recognized as the primary recipient of such devastating news due to His relationship with John and His central role in God's unfolding plan.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And his disciples came,"**: This phrase indicates the immediate and loyal response of John the Baptist's followers. Despite the danger or the emotional shock of his execution, they gathered, demonstrating their commitment and affection for their martyred teacher.
* **"and took up the body,"**: This was an act of profound courage and reverence. In a culture where the proper burial of the dead was paramount, retrieving the body of an executed man, especially one killed by the ruling authority, was a significant and potentially risky undertaking. It underscores their deep respect for John.
* **"and buried it,"**: This action completed the sacred duty of providing a dignified resting place for John. It was an act of final honor and mourning, allowing them to properly grieve and inter their beloved leader according to Jewish custom.
* **"and went and told Jesus."**: This climactic clause reveals the disciples' ultimate recourse in their grief and confusion. They sought out Jesus, recognizing His unique connection to John and perhaps His authority, compassion, or simply the need to share this profound sorrow with the one John had heralded. It signifies their turning to Christ as a source of comfort and understanding in their darkest hour.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices effectively. **Narrative Economy** is evident in its concise yet powerful recounting of significant events, conveying profound grief and a pivotal transition in just a few words. The actions of the disciples—retrieving, burying, and informing—are presented with a stark simplicity that enhances their emotional impact. There is also a strong element of **Pathos**, as the reader is invited to feel the sorrow and respect of John's disciples. The final action, "went and told Jesus," serves as a crucial **Transition** device, shifting the narrative focus from John's completed ministry to Jesus's response and the continuation of His own ministry. This act of telling Jesus also functions as a subtle **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the future suffering and death that Jesus Himself would endure, and the disciples' eventual need to process that grief and seek comfort in the resurrection.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 14:12 powerfully illustrates the human response to profound loss and the divine invitation to bring our sorrows to Christ. The disciples' actions of reverently burying John and then immediately seeking out Jesus serve as a timeless model for believers. In their moment of deepest grief and confusion, they did not turn inward or to worldly sources, but to the Lord. This act underscores Jesus's role as the ultimate comforter and source of strength, even in the face of injustice and death. It highlights that true spiritual community involves bearing one another's burdens and, collectively, bringing those burdens before the Savior. This turning to Jesus also reinforces His centrality in God's redemptive plan, as the news of the forerunner's death is brought to the One who fulfills all prophecy.

* [Psalm 34:18](/psalms/34-18 "Psalm 34:18 - God is Near to the Brokenhearted")
* [Philippians 4:6-7](/philippians/4-6-7 "Philippians 4:6-7 - Do Not Be Anxious, But Pray")
* [Hebrews 4:15-16](/hebrews/4-15-16 "Hebrews 4:15-16 - Approach the Throne of Grace with Confidence")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 14:12 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. In a world often marked by loss, injustice, and despair, the disciples' response to John's death provides a powerful paradigm. Firstly, it affirms the importance of honoring the deceased and allowing ourselves to grieve fully and respectfully. Grief is a natural and necessary human process, and the disciples' actions validate this. Secondly, and perhaps most significantly, their immediate impulse to "went and told Jesus" serves as a timeless and essential reminder for us. When faced with our own devastating news, personal losses, or the crushing weight of the world's brokenness, our first and ultimate recourse should be to turn to Christ. He is not a distant, uncaring deity, but a compassionate Savior who understands our pain, bears our burdens, and offers a peace that surpasses all understanding. This verse calls us to cultivate a habit of drawing near to Jesus in every circumstance, trusting Him with our deepest sorrows and seeking His comfort and guidance. It also subtly highlights the importance of Christian community, as the disciples acted together, supporting each other in their shared grief and in their mission to inform Jesus, demonstrating the power of mutual support in times of crisis.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In moments of profound grief or crisis, what is your immediate inclination? Do you instinctively turn to Jesus with your burdens?**
* **How can you cultivate a deeper habit of bringing your sorrows and anxieties directly to Christ, rather than relying solely on other sources of comfort?**
* **How does the disciples' act of honoring John's body inform your understanding of respect for the deceased and the process of grieving?**

### FAQ
**Why did John's disciples go specifically to Jesus with the news?**

Answer: John's disciples went to Jesus for several compelling reasons. Firstly, John the Baptist was Jesus's cousin, establishing a familial bond. More importantly, John was the divinely appointed forerunner of Jesus, having publicly declared Jesus as the "Lamb of God" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")) and stating that he must decrease while Jesus increased ([John 3:30](/john/3-30 "John 3:30 - John the Baptist on Jesus's Supremacy")). The disciples likely understood the profound spiritual connection and shared mission between John and Jesus. In their grief and confusion, they sought solace, understanding, and perhaps even guidance from the one whom John had pointed to as the Messiah. It was an act of both deep personal sorrow and theological recognition, acknowledging Jesus's central role in God's unfolding plan.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 14:12, though recounting a moment of profound human sorrow, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in several powerful ways. John the Baptist, as the greatest of the prophets and the forerunner, perfectly prepared the way for Jesus, even in his death. His martyrdom, a result of faithfully speaking truth to power, foreshadows the greater suffering and ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Himself. Just as John's disciples honored his body and brought the news to Jesus, so too would Jesus's own disciples eventually witness His crucifixion and burial, and then, most crucially, receive the glorious news of His resurrection. The act of bringing the news to Jesus underscores His ultimate authority and compassion; He is the one to whom all sorrows are brought, and from whom all comfort flows. John's death, though tragic, marked a transition, signifying that the time for the Lamb of God to take away the sin of the world was fully at hand ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Jesus's subsequent withdrawal and miracles, particularly the feeding of the five thousand ([Matthew 14:13-21](/matthew/14-13-21 "Matthew 14:13-21 - The Feeding of the Five Thousand")), can be seen as His compassionate response to the world's brokenness and a demonstration of His divine power in the wake of John's earthly departure, ultimately culminating in His triumph over sin and death, providing true and eternal comfort to all who mourn ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - God Wipes Away Every Tear")).

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

Acts 8:2

And devout men carried Stephen [to his burial], and made great lamentation over him.

Matthew 27:58

He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered.

Matthew 27:61

And there was Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary, sitting over against the sepulchre.