Matthew 14:4

KJV

For John said unto him, It is not lawful for thee to have her.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} John {G2491} said {G3004} unto him {G846}, It is {G1832} not {G3756} lawful {G1832} for thee {G4671} to have {G2192} her {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

since Yochanan had told Herod, "It violates the Torah for you to have her as your wife."

Berean Standard Bible

because John had been telling him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.”

American Standard Version

For John said unto him, It is not lawful for thee to have her.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 14:4 captures the pivotal moment when John the Baptist directly confronts Herod Antipas, the tetrarch, for his unlawful marriage to Herodias, his brother Philip's wife. This courageous declaration, "It is not lawful for thee to have her," underscores John's unwavering commitment to divine truth and prophetic integrity, setting the stage for his imprisonment and eventual martyrdom, and highlighting the irreconcilable conflict between God's moral law and human transgression, especially among those in power.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within the narrative of John the Baptist's imprisonment and execution, which immediately follows Jesus's miraculous feeding of the five thousand and precedes His walking on water. Matthew strategically places this account of John's martyrdom to highlight the dangerous cost of prophetic witness and to foreshadow the opposition Jesus Himself would face. The preceding verse, [Matthew 14:3](/matthew/14-3 "Matthew 14:3 - John's Imprisonment"), explicitly states John's imprisonment "for Herodias' sake," making [Matthew 14:4](/matthew/14-4 "Matthew 14:4 - John's Confrontation with Herod") the direct explanation for Herod's action. The subsequent verses detail Herodias's vengeful plot and John's beheading, serving as a stark reminder of the consequences of challenging corrupt authority and the ultimate sacrifice made by God's faithful servants.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Herod Antipas, the son of Herod the Great, ruled as tetrarch of Galilee and Perea. His marriage to Herodias, his niece and the wife of his half-brother Philip (not the tetrarch Philip, but another brother of the same name), was a flagrant violation of Mosaic Law, specifically [Leviticus 18:16](/leviticus/18-16 "Leviticus 18:16 - Prohibited Relationships") and [Leviticus 20:21](/leviticus/20-21 "Leviticus 20:21 - Consequences of Unlawful Marriage"), which prohibited marrying a brother's wife while the brother was still alive (though Philip was alive, Herodias had divorced him, which was not recognized under Jewish law, making the union adulterous and incestuous). John the Baptist, as a prophet in the tradition of Elijah, felt compelled to call out this public sin, regardless of Herod's political power or the personal danger involved. This act of confronting a ruler on moral grounds was characteristic of Old Testament prophets who often challenged kings to adhere to God's covenant.
* **Key Themes:** [Matthew 14:4](/matthew/14-4 "Matthew 14:4 - John's Courageous Stance") powerfully contributes to several key themes. Firstly, it exemplifies **Moral Courage and Prophetic Integrity**, as John fearlessly speaks truth to power, prioritizing God's law over personal safety. This echoes the stance of prophets like Nathan confronting David in [2 Samuel 12](/2_samuel/12 "2 Samuel 12 - Nathan Confronts David"). Secondly, the verse underscores **The Authority of God's Law**, asserting its supremacy over human decrees and royal prerogative. John's declaration is not a personal opinion but a statement of divine truth, highlighting that even rulers are accountable to God's standards. Thirdly, it illustrates the **Confrontation of Sin**, particularly when it is public and committed by those in authority. John's directness served as a public denouncement of Herod's immoral actions, demonstrating the prophetic call to expose unrighteousness, even when it leads to severe personal cost, as seen in John's subsequent martyrdom (cf. [Matthew 14:6-12](/matthew/14-6-12 "Matthew 14:6-12 - The Execution of John the Baptist")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **For (Greek, _gár'_):** This particle introduces the reason or explanation for John's imprisonment mentioned in the preceding verse. It signals that what follows is the justification for Herod's actions against John, emphasizing the direct causal link between John's bold statement and his fate. It highlights the immediate consequence of speaking truth to power.
* **lawful (Greek, _éxesti'_):** This term goes beyond mere legal permissibility to encompass moral propriety and divine sanction. John's use of "not lawful" implies that Herod's marriage was not only against the established Jewish law (Mosaic Law) but was also morally wrong in God's eyes, lacking divine approval and therefore spiritually illegitimate. It signifies a transgression against a higher, divine standard, not just a human statute.
* **to have (Greek, _échō'_):** In this context, "to have" (her) signifies more than simple possession; it refers to the state of being married to or cohabiting with. John's direct statement challenges the legitimacy of Herod's marital relationship with Herodias, asserting that their union is fundamentally illicit and contrary to God's design for marriage. It speaks to the ongoing, active state of their forbidden relationship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For John said unto him,"**: This opening clause immediately establishes John the Baptist as the speaker and Herod Antipas as the recipient of his direct address. The particle "For" (G1063, _gár_) links this statement directly to John's imprisonment mentioned in [Matthew 14:3](/matthew/14-3 "Matthew 14:3 - John's Imprisonment"), indicating that John's words were the precipitating cause of Herod's wrath. It highlights John's initiative in confronting the tetrarch, demonstrating his prophetic courage and conviction.
* **"It is not lawful"**: This is the core of John's prophetic declaration. The Greek word _éxesti_ (G1832) implies not just a legal prohibition but a moral and divine impropriety. John is asserting that Herod's marriage to Herodias is fundamentally wrong in God's sight, violating divine law and moral order. This is a direct challenge to Herod's authority and his personal conduct, grounded in God's immutable standards rather than human opinion or political expediency.
* **"for thee to have her."**: This final phrase specifies the object of John's condemnation: Herod's illicit relationship with Herodias. "To have her" (G2192, _échō_) refers to the state of being married to or possessing her as a wife. John's statement is precise and unambiguous, directly naming the sin. This directness, while courageous, also made him a dangerous adversary to Herod and, more critically, to Herodias, who bore a deep grudge against him.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 14:4 employs several potent literary devices. **Direct Speech** is prominently featured, as John's exact words are recorded, lending immediacy and authenticity to the confrontation. This direct address underscores John's courage and the clarity of his prophetic message. The verse also functions as a moment of **Confrontation**, pitting divine law against human power and moral righteousness against personal indulgence. This confrontation is central to the narrative, highlighting the clash between the kingdom of God and the kingdoms of this world. Furthermore, the verse serves as a powerful instance of **Foreshadowing**. John's willingness to speak truth to power, leading to his imprisonment and eventual martyrdom, foreshadows the ultimate fate of Jesus, who would also confront religious and political authorities and suffer for righteousness. There is also an element of **Irony**, as the powerful tetrarch is morally exposed and condemned by a humble prophet, demonstrating that true authority rests not in political might but in adherence to divine truth.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John the Baptist's courageous declaration in Matthew 14:4 resonates deeply with the broader biblical narrative concerning prophetic witness, the sanctity of God's law, and the call to confront sin without compromise. John embodies the Old Testament prophetic tradition, where God's messengers were often tasked with challenging kings and leaders who strayed from divine commands. His unwavering stance against Herod's unlawful marriage underscores the universal and unchanging nature of God's moral standards, which apply to all, regardless of status or power. This act of confronting blatant sin, even at great personal cost, serves as a powerful reminder that faithfulness to God may require unpopular stands and carries inherent risks, yet it is a non-negotiable aspect of true discipleship.

* [Deuteronomy 18:20-22](/deuteronomy/18-20-22 "Deuteronomy 18:20-22 - The Test of a True Prophet")
* [Acts 5:29](/acts/5-29 "Acts 5:29 - Peter and the Apostles' Declaration")
* [Amos 7:10-13](/amos/7-10-13 "Amos 7:10-13 - Amos Confronts Amaziah")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 14:4 stands as a timeless challenge to believers, urging us to cultivate a similar spirit of moral courage and prophetic integrity in a world often hostile to God's truth. John's example reminds us that faithfulness to Christ may necessitate speaking uncomfortable truths, even when it means standing against prevailing cultural norms or confronting those in positions of influence. This is not a call to self-righteous condemnation, but rather a summons to uphold God's unchanging standards with conviction, motivated by love for God and a desire for righteousness. In an age where moral relativism often blurs clear biblical distinctions, John's unwavering declaration serves as a powerful anchor, reminding us that God's Word remains the ultimate arbiter of right and wrong. We are called to embody integrity, to live by biblical principles, and to speak truth in love, trusting that God's strength will sustain us, even when our faithfulness comes at a personal cost.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or in society am I called to speak uncomfortable truths, even when it is unpopular or risky?**
* **How can I cultivate the moral courage exemplified by John the Baptist, ensuring my convictions are rooted in God's Word rather than personal opinion or fear of man?**
* **What are the "unlawful" situations in my contemporary context that God might be calling His people to address, and how can I do so with both conviction and compassion?**
* **How does John's willingness to suffer for truth inspire me to greater faithfulness in my own walk with Christ?**

### FAQ

**Why was John's statement so dangerous for him, and why did Herod react so severely?**

Answer: John's statement was incredibly dangerous because it directly challenged the moral authority and public image of Herod Antipas, a powerful Roman-appointed tetrarch. Herod's marriage to Herodias was a public scandal and a clear violation of Jewish law, which John, as a prophet, was compelled to expose. For a ruler, such a public denouncement, especially one rooted in divine law, undermined his legitimacy and could incite unrest among the populace who respected John. Herod's reaction, leading to John's imprisonment ([Matthew 14:3](/matthew/14-3 "Matthew 14:3 - John's Imprisonment")), was driven by a complex mix of political expediency, personal pride, and the manipulative influence of Herodias, who harbored a deep grudge against John for exposing her sin ([Mark 6:19](/mark/6-19 "Mark 6:19 - Herodias's Grudge Against John")). While Herod initially "feared John" and "kept him safe" because he knew John was a righteous man ([Mark 6:20](/mark/6-20 "Mark 6:20 - Herod's Respect for John")), his weakness in the face of Herodias's vengeful plotting ultimately led to John's execution ([Matthew 14:6-12](/matthew/14-6-12 "Matthew 14:6-12 - The Execution of John the Baptist")).

**What does "not lawful" imply beyond mere legalism in this context?**

Answer: The Greek word translated "lawful" is _exesti_ (G1832), which carries a deeper meaning than simply "legal" in a human, civil sense. It implies what is morally permissible, divinely sanctioned, and inherently proper according to a higher standard. When John declares, "It is not lawful for thee to have her," he is not merely citing a technicality of Mosaic Law, but asserting that Herod's marriage is fundamentally wrong in God's eyes. It lacks divine approval and therefore is morally illegitimate. This highlights the prophetic role of calling people to account not just to human statutes, but to God's immutable character and His revealed will, emphasizing that God's law is ultimately about righteousness and holiness, not just a set of rules. This broader understanding of "lawful" underscores the theological weight of John's confrontation, making it a matter of divine judgment rather than a mere legal dispute.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John the Baptist's courageous confrontation with Herod, culminating in his martyrdom, serves as a profound foreshadowing of Jesus Christ's own ministry and ultimate sacrifice. John, as the last and greatest of the Old Testament prophets, fulfilled his role as the forerunner, preparing the way for the Messiah by calling people to repentance and righteousness. His willingness to suffer for truth, even unto death, mirrors the path of the Suffering Servant, Jesus, who would similarly confront the sin and hypocrisy of His generation ([Matthew 23](/matthew/23 "Matthew 23 - Jesus's Woes to the Pharisees")) and ultimately lay down His life as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of the world ([Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant")). John's declaration that Herod's marriage was "not lawful" points to the absolute moral authority of God's law, which Jesus did not come to abolish but to fulfill ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). In Christ, God's perfect righteousness is both upheld and made accessible through His atoning work. John's life, marked by uncompromising truth and self-sacrifice, ultimately points beyond himself to the Lamb of God, who truly takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), offering not just a challenge to sin, but the ultimate solution to it.

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

Leviticus 20:21

And if a man shall take his brother's wife, it [is] an unclean thing: he hath uncovered his brother's nakedness; they shall be childless.

Leviticus 18:16

Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy brother's wife: it [is] thy brother's nakedness.

Proverbs 28:1

¶ The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.

Mark 6:18

For John had said unto Herod, It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother's wife.

2 Chronicles 26:18

And they withstood Uzziah the king, and said unto him, [It appertaineth] not unto thee, Uzziah, to burn incense unto the LORD, but to the priests the sons of Aaron, that are consecrated to burn incense: go out of the sanctuary; for thou hast trespassed; neither [shall it be] for thine honour from the LORD God.

2 Chronicles 26:19

Then Uzziah was wroth, and [had] a censer in his hand to burn incense: and while he was wroth with the priests, the leprosy even rose up in his forehead before the priests in the house of the LORD, from beside the incense altar.

2 Samuel 12:7

And Nathan said to David, Thou [art] the man. Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I anointed thee king over Israel, and I delivered thee out of the hand of Saul;