Matthew 14:3

KJV

For Herod had laid hold on John, and bound him, and put [him] in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} Herod {G2264} had laid hold {G2902} on John {G2491}, and bound {G1210} him {G846}, and {G2532} put {G5087} him in {G1722} prison {G5438} for {G1223} Herodias'{G2266} sake {G1223}, his {G846} brother {G80} Philip's {G5376} wife {G1135}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For Herod had arrested Yochanan, put him in chains and thrown him in prison because of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip;

Berean Standard Bible

Now Herod had arrested John and bound him and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife,

American Standard Version

For Herod had laid hold on John, and bound him, and put him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 14:3 provides the crucial backstory for John the Baptist's imprisonment, explaining that Herod Antipas, the tetrarch of Galilee, had arrested and confined John because of his public condemnation of Herod's unlawful marriage to Herodias, his brother Philip's wife. This verse sets the stage for the dramatic events of John's eventual execution, highlighting the conflict between prophetic truth and corrupt political power.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Matthew 14:3 serves as a narrative interlude or "flashback" within Matthew's Gospel. Immediately preceding this verse, Jesus has been performing miracles and sending out His disciples (Matthew 13:53-14:2). The news of Jesus' growing fame reaches Herod, who mistakenly believes Jesus is John the Baptist raised from the dead. To explain Herod's preoccupation with John and the reason for John's absence from the public scene, Matthew inserts this explanation of John's imprisonment. This narrative pause effectively builds tension and foreshadows John's tragic end, which is recounted in detail in the following verses ([Matthew 14:6-12](/matthew/14-6-12 "Matthew 14:6-12 - The Execution of John the Baptist")). It also subtly connects the fate of the forerunner with the path of the Messiah, both facing opposition from the established authorities.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "Herod" mentioned here is Herod Antipas, one of the sons of Herod the Great, who ruled as tetrarch over Galilee and Perea from 4 BC to AD 39. His brother Philip, referred to in the verse, is Herod Philip I, not the tetrarch Philip who ruled Ituraea and Trachonitis. Herodias was the daughter of Aristobulus IV (another son of Herod the Great) and Mariamne III, making her Herod Antipas's niece. She was initially married to Herod Philip I, but Herod Antipas, while visiting his brother in Rome, seduced Herodias and subsequently divorced his own wife (the daughter of King Aretas IV of Nabatea) to marry Herodias. This marriage was a grave violation of Mosaic Law, specifically [Leviticus 18:16](/leviticus/18-16 "Leviticus 18:16 - Prohibition of Marrying Brother's Wife") and [Leviticus 20:21](/leviticus/20-21 "Leviticus 20:21 - Penalty for Marrying Brother's Wife"), which prohibited marrying a brother's wife while the brother was still alive and had children. John the Baptist, as a prophet, fearlessly condemned this illicit union, upholding God's moral standards against the corrupt practices of the ruling elite.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Matthew's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. It powerfully illustrates the theme of **Prophetic Courage and Integrity**, as John the Baptist, the last of the Old Testament prophets and the forerunner of Christ, boldly confronts unrighteousness in high places, demonstrating unwavering faithfulness to God's law regardless of personal cost. It also highlights the **Conflict Between Divine Authority and Earthly Power**, showing how those who speak God's truth often face persecution from corrupt human institutions and rulers who prioritize their own desires over righteousness. Furthermore, John's imprisonment for righteousness' sake foreshadows the suffering that Jesus and His followers would endure, aligning with Jesus' teaching on persecution for those who live righteously ([Matthew 5:10-12](/matthew/5-10-12 "Matthew 5:10-12 - Blessed are the Persecuted")). The verse also underscores the **Consequences of Sin and Moral Corruption**, demonstrating how Herod's illicit desire and Herodias's vengeful influence lead to injustice and the silencing of a righteous voice.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **laid hold (Greek, _kratéō_):** This verb (G2902) signifies to use strength, to seize or retain firmly, literally or figuratively. In this context, it denotes a forceful and decisive act of arrest, not a polite request. Herod's action against John was an exercise of raw power, a firm seizure to control and silence him.
* **bound (Greek, _déō_):** The verb (G1210) means to bind, tie, or be in bonds. It implies physical restraint and the loss of freedom, indicating that John was not merely detained but physically confined and restricted in his movements, likely with chains or ropes, as was common for prisoners.
* **prison (Greek, _phylakḗ_):** This noun (G5438) refers to a guarding, a guard, or concretely, a place of confinement such as a prison or jail. It emphasizes John's state of imprisonment, a place where he was held under guard, signifying his complete loss of liberty and subjection to Herod's authority.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For Herod had laid hold on John":** This clause introduces the primary actor, Herod Antipas, and his initial decisive action against John the Baptist. The use of "for" (Greek: _gar_) indicates that this is an explanation for the preceding narrative, clarifying why John is no longer active in public ministry. Herod's "laying hold" signifies a forceful arrest, reflecting his determination to silence John.
* **"and bound him, and put him in prison":** These clauses detail the immediate consequences of Herod's action. John was not only arrested but also physically restrained ("bound") and confined ("put him in prison"). This sequence emphasizes the severity of John's predicament and Herod's absolute control over his person, removing him from public influence and ministry.
* **"for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife":** This final clause reveals the specific and scandalous motivation behind Herod's actions. John's imprisonment was not for any criminal offense against the state, but "for Herodias' sake"—because of her influence and the offense John's condemnation caused her. The explicit mention of her being "his brother Philip's wife" underscores the illicit nature of Herod's marriage, which was the direct cause of John's prophetic rebuke and subsequent arrest.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew employs several **Literary Devices** in this verse. The structure itself functions as a **Flashback**, interrupting the ongoing narrative of Jesus' ministry to provide essential background information about John the Baptist's fate. This technique clarifies Herod's later apprehension about Jesus and builds narrative tension. There is also a clear **Contrast** between the righteous prophet John, who fearlessly speaks truth, and the corrupt ruler Herod, driven by illicit desire and political expediency. This highlights the inherent conflict between the Kingdom of God and earthly kingdoms. Furthermore, the imprisonment of John the Baptist serves as powerful **Foreshadowing** for the persecution and eventual suffering that Jesus Himself would face at the hands of corrupt authorities. John, as the forerunner, not only prepares the way for Jesus' ministry but also for His path of suffering.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 14:3 stands as a stark reminder of the inherent conflict between divine truth and human power, particularly when that power is wielded by corrupt individuals. John the Baptist's courageous stand against Herod's unlawful marriage underscores the prophetic mandate to speak truth to power, even at great personal cost. His imprisonment is a testament to the fact that faithfulness to God's standards can lead to opposition and suffering in a fallen world. Theologically, John's suffering for righteousness foreshadows the greater suffering of Christ, who would also be unjustly arrested and executed by earthly authorities for upholding divine truth. This verse thus connects to the broader biblical theme of righteous suffering and the ultimate triumph of God's justice.

* [Matthew 11:11](/matthew/11-11 "Matthew 11:11 - John the Greatest Prophet")
* [Mark 6:17-18](/mark/6-17-18 "Mark 6:17-18 - Herod's Arrest of John")
* [Leviticus 18:16](/leviticus/18-16 "Leviticus 18:16 - Prohibition of Marrying Brother's Wife")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 14:3 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. John the Baptist's unwavering commitment to God's law, even when it meant confronting a powerful and dangerous ruler, serves as a powerful example of integrity and courage. In a world where moral standards are often compromised and truth is relative, John's prophetic witness challenges us to stand firm for righteousness, to speak out against injustice and sin, not out of malice, but out of a deep love for God's truth and for human flourishing. This verse reminds us that faithfulness to Christ may indeed lead to opposition, misunderstanding, or even persecution, but the call to discipleship involves a willingness to bear such costs for the sake of the Kingdom. It encourages us to examine our own lives: are we willing to prioritize God's standards over personal comfort or societal approval?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or society am I called to speak truth to power, even if it is unpopular or costly?**
* **How does John the Baptist's example of courage encourage me when facing opposition for my faith or convictions?**
* **What are the potential "Herodias's sakes" in my own life or culture that lead to compromise or injustice, and how can I resist them?**

### FAQ
**Who was Herod in this verse, and what was his relationship to Philip and Herodias?**

Answer: The "Herod" in [Matthew 14:3](/matthew/14-3 "Matthew 14:3 - Herod's Imprisonment of John") is Herod Antipas, one of the sons of Herod the Great. He ruled as tetrarch (a regional ruler) over Galilee and Perea during Jesus' earthly ministry. Philip, mentioned as his brother, was Herod Philip I (not the tetrarch Philip who ruled other territories). Herodias was the daughter of another of Herod the Great's sons, making her Herod Antipas's niece. She was initially married to Herod Philip I. Herod Antipas, however, took Herodias as his own wife, divorcing his first wife and violating Jewish law. This illicit marriage was the direct cause of John the Baptist's condemnation.

**Why was Herod's marriage to Herodias considered unlawful?**

Answer: Herod Antipas's marriage to Herodias was unlawful primarily because it violated specific prohibitions in the Mosaic Law, particularly [Leviticus 18:16](/leviticus/18-16 "Leviticus 18:16 - Prohibition of Marrying Brother's Wife") and [Leviticus 20:21](/leviticus/20-21 "Leviticus 20:21 - Penalty for Marrying Brother's Wife"). These laws forbade a man from marrying his brother's wife while the brother was still alive, especially if the brother had children (which Philip did). John the Baptist's public condemnation, recorded in [Matthew 14:4](/matthew/14-4 "Matthew 14:4 - John's Condemnation of Herod"), explicitly stated, "It is not lawful for you to have her." This was a bold and direct challenge to Herod's authority and moral conduct based on divine law.

**What was John the Baptist's specific condemnation that led to his imprisonment?**

Answer: John the Baptist's specific condemnation was his public declaration that Herod Antipas's marriage to Herodias was unlawful. As [Matthew 14:4](/matthew/14-4 "Matthew 14:4 - John's Condemnation of Herod") states, "For John said unto him, It is not lawful for thee to have her." John, acting as a prophet of God, fearlessly confronted Herod's sin, upholding the moral and legal standards of God's covenant against the corrupt practices of the powerful ruler. This direct challenge to Herod's personal life and authority, particularly at the instigation of Herodias, led to his arrest and imprisonment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 14:3, detailing John the Baptist's imprisonment for speaking truth to power, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. John, as the forerunner, not only prepared the way for Jesus' ministry but also foreshadowed His path of suffering. Just as John was unjustly arrested and imprisoned for upholding God's law against a corrupt earthly ruler, so too would Jesus be arrested, tried, and crucified by the combined forces of religious and political authorities ([Matthew 26:47-27:50](/matthew/26-47-27-50 "Matthew 26:47-27:50 - The Arrest, Trial, and Crucifixion of Jesus")). Both John and Jesus faced persecution because their message and lives challenged the established order and exposed the sinfulness of human hearts and institutions. John's suffering points to the ultimate sacrifice of the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), who willingly laid down His life, not for condemning a specific sin, but to take away the sin of the world. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus triumphed over the very powers of sin and death that led to John's demise, offering true freedom and eternal life to all who believe, a kingdom not of this world ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")) that ultimately transcends all earthly tyranny.

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

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.

Luke 3:19

But Herod the tetrarch, being reproved by him for Herodias his brother Philip's wife, and for all the evils which Herod had done,

Luke 3:20

Added yet this above all, that he shut up John in prison.

Matthew 4:12

¶ Now when Jesus had heard that John was cast into prison, he departed into Galilee;

Mark 6:22

And when the daughter of the said Herodias came in, and danced, and pleased Herod and them that sat with him, the king said unto the damsel, Ask of me whatsoever thou wilt, and I will give [it] thee.

Mark 6:19

Therefore Herodias had a quarrel against him, and would have killed him; but she could not:

Matthew 11:2

Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples,