Matthew 14:3

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

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}.

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

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

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

Context of Matthew 14:3

Matthew 14:3 provides a crucial backstory, explaining why John the Baptist, Jesus' forerunner, was imprisoned. This verse sets the stage for John's eventual execution, detailed later in the chapter. Herod, specifically Herod Antipas, was the tetrarch (ruler) of Galilee and Perea, son of Herod the Great. His brother Philip, mentioned here, is generally understood to be Herod Philip I, not the tetrarch Philip (who ruled Ituraea and Trachonitis). Herodias was Philip's wife, but Herod Antipas took her as his own wife, divorcing his first wife and violating both Jewish law and moral convention. John the Baptist, known for his fearless preaching of repentance, publicly condemned this unlawful marriage, which directly led to his arrest.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Courageous Prophetic Witness: John the Baptist exemplifies profound courage by daring to speak truth to power, even when it meant confronting a ruthless ruler like Herod. His condemnation of Herod's marriage was not a personal attack but a righteous stand against sin and immorality, reflecting a prophet's duty to uphold God's law.
  • Consequences of Sin and Corruption: The verse highlights the ripple effects of Herod's sinful actions—his unlawful marriage to Herodias—which directly led to the unjust imprisonment of a righteous man. This demonstrates how personal sin can have wide-reaching and destructive consequences.
  • Persecution for Righteousness: John's imprisonment is a clear instance of a righteous individual suffering for upholding God's standards. This theme resonates throughout the Bible, where those who stand for truth often face opposition and persecution, a concept Jesus later elaborates on in the Beatitudes.
  • Political Intrigue and Abuse of Power: The verse hints at the dangerous intersection of political authority and personal desire. Herod's actions were driven by his illicit relationship with Herodias, showcasing how those in power can abuse their authority to silence critics and maintain their corrupt lifestyles.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "laid hold on" translates the Greek word ekratēsen (ἐκράτησεν), which implies a forceful or firm seizure. This isn't a polite invitation but a decisive act of arrest, underscoring the severity of Herod's action against John. The term "prison" (Greek: phylakē - φυλακῇ) refers to a place of confinement, emphasizing John's loss of freedom and the state's control over him.

Practical Application

Matthew 14:3 reminds believers of the cost of discipleship and the importance of standing for truth, even when it is unpopular or dangerous. John the Baptist's unwavering commitment to God's law, despite the personal consequences, serves as a powerful example. In a world often compromising moral standards, this verse encourages us to speak out against injustice and sin, not out of malice, but out of a love for truth and righteousness. It also highlights that faithfulness to God may lead to opposition, but God's purposes will ultimately prevail, as seen in the broader narrative of John's ministry preparing the way for Jesus (Malachi 3:1).

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

  • 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,
← Back