Matthew 14:5

KJV

And when he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} when he would {G2309} have put {G615} him {G846} to death {G615}, he feared {G5399} the multitude {G3793}, because {G3754} they counted {G2192} him {G846} as {G5613} a prophet {G4396}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Herod had wanted to put Yochanan to death; but he was afraid of the people, in whose eyes Yochanan was a prophet.

Berean Standard Bible

Although Herod wanted to kill John, he was afraid of the people, because they regarded John as a prophet.

American Standard Version

And when he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 14:5 illuminates the complex political calculus that restrained Herod Antipas from immediately executing John the Baptist. Despite Herod's personal desire to silence John, this verse reveals his paramount fear of the Jewish populace, who widely revered John as a true prophet. This fear of public backlash, rather than any moral conviction or respect for John's message, served as a temporary deterrent to the prophet's demise, highlighting the precarious balance between a ruler's will and the power of popular opinion in ancient Judea.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Matthew's account of John the Baptist's imprisonment and eventual martyrdom, immediately following the description of Herod Antipas's unlawful marriage to Herodias and John's bold condemnation of it ([Matthew 14:3-4](/matthew/14-3-4 "Matthew 14:3-4 - John's Condemnation and Imprisonment")). It serves as the crucial explanatory clause for Herod's initial hesitation to "put him to death," setting the stage for the tragic events that unfold later in the chapter, particularly the fateful birthday feast where Herodias's daughter requests John's head ([Matthew 14:6-11](/matthew/14-6-11 "Matthew 14:6-11 - The Execution of John the Baptist")). The narrative here underscores Herod's moral weakness and his susceptibility to external pressures, both from his wife and the public, rather than adherence to justice or divine law.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Herod Antipas was a tetrarch, a client king ruling Galilee and Perea under Roman authority. Maintaining public order and avoiding popular uprisings were paramount for his continued rule, as such unrest could lead to Roman intervention and his deposition. Prophets held immense sway in Jewish society, often seen as direct spokespersons for God, capable of stirring the masses. Figures like John, who preached repentance and baptized large crowds ([Matthew 3:5-6](/matthew/3-5-6 "Matthew 3:5-6 - John's Baptism Ministry")), commanded widespread respect and a loyal following. To execute such a figure without due cause and against popular sentiment would risk widespread civil disobedience or even open rebellion, a risk Herod was unwilling to take. His actions were thus a reflection of political pragmatism within the volatile socio-religious landscape of first-century Judea.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Matthew's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. It powerfully illustrates the **fear of man versus the fear of God**, where Herod's actions are dictated by human opinion rather than divine will or moral rectitude, a contrast often explored in wisdom literature like [Proverbs 29:25](/proverbs/29-25 "Proverbs 29:25 - The Fear of Man"). It also highlights the **authority and popular recognition of true prophecy**, as John is widely acknowledged as a divinely appointed messenger, echoing the reverence for Old Testament prophets ([Malachi 4:5](/malachi/4-5 "Malachi 4:5 - Prophecy of Elijah's Return")). Furthermore, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **political expediency overriding justice**, a pattern that will tragically recur in the trial and crucifixion of Jesus, where Pilate similarly bows to the will of the crowd ([Matthew 27:24](/matthew/27-24 "Matthew 27:24 - Pilate Washes His Hands")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **feared (Greek, _phobéō'_):** This verb signifies "to be alarmed" or "to be afraid," but also carries the nuance of "to be in awe of" or "revere." In this context, Herod's fear is not one of reverence for John or his God, but a pragmatic fear of the consequences of public outrage. It denotes a profound apprehension of the multitude's reaction, indicating a strategic calculation to avoid social unrest rather than a moral or spiritual conviction.
* **multitude (Greek, _óchlos'_):** This term refers to a "throng" or "crowd," often implying an unorganized mass of people, sometimes even a "rabble." Here, it emphasizes the sheer number and collective power of the common people. Herod's concern is not with individual opinions but with the unified, potentially volatile sentiment of the general populace, whose collective anger could destabilize his rule.
* **prophet (Greek, _prophḗtēs'_):** This noun denotes "a foreteller" or "an inspired speaker," one who speaks on behalf of God. The people's recognition of John as a _prophḗtēs_ signifies their belief in his divine commission and authority, placing him in the esteemed lineage of Old Testament prophets. This perception granted John a sacred status in the eyes of the public, making any action against him a direct affront to God in their view.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when he would have put him to death":** This clause reveals Herod's underlying desire and intention. Despite any personal fascination or troubled conscience (as suggested in Mark's parallel account), Herod's ultimate inclination was to eliminate John, likely due to John's public condemnation of his marriage and Herodias's relentless pressure. The use of "would have" (from _thélō_, to determine/wish) indicates his will or preference.
* **"he feared the multitude":** This is the pivotal phrase, explaining the restraint. Herod's desire to kill John was overridden by a more immediate and pressing concern: the potential reaction of the large crowd. This fear was not of John himself, but of the people who supported him, demonstrating Herod's political calculation and self-preservation instincts.
* **"because they counted him as a prophet":** This final clause provides the specific reason for the multitude's power over Herod. Their high regard for John, viewing him as a divinely appointed messenger, meant that harming him would be seen as an act against God and would undoubtedly provoke widespread public outrage and potentially rebellion. This popular esteem acted as John's temporary shield.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 14:5 employs several literary devices to convey its message. **Foreshadowing** is evident as Herod's initial hesitation due to fear of the crowd subtly foreshadows the eventual triumph of Herodias's malice, implying that this delay is merely a reprieve, not a permanent change of heart. The verse also presents a stark **contrast** between Herod's private desire ("would have put him to death") and his public action (restraint due to fear), highlighting his moral weakness and political opportunism. Furthermore, the description of the multitude "counting him as a prophet" is an example of **popular acclamation**, emphasizing John's widespread influence and the public's spiritual discernment, which ironically serves as a temporary safeguard for the prophet against a corrupt ruler.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 14:5 offers a profound theological insight into the nature of human authority when unchecked by divine principles. Herod's fear of the multitude, rather than the fear of God, exposes the spiritual bankruptcy of a ruler whose primary concern is self-preservation and political stability over righteousness and justice. This highlights a recurring biblical theme: the danger of prioritizing human approval over divine truth. John the Baptist, in contrast, embodies prophetic courage, speaking truth to power regardless of personal cost, thereby aligning himself with God's will. This dynamic underscores the tension between worldly power structures and the kingdom of God, where true authority emanates from God alone, often challenging corrupt human systems. The verse also implicitly points to the unique status of God's chosen messengers, whose divine anointing can even temporarily restrain the powerful, albeit through human means (public opinion).

* [Proverbs 29:25](/proverbs/29-25 "Proverbs 29:25 - The Fear of Man Brings a Snare")
* [Luke 20:6](/luke/20-6 "Luke 20:6 - The People Held John to Be a Prophet")
* [Galatians 1:10](/galatians/1-10 "Galatians 1:10 - Seeking Approval from God, Not Man")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 14:5 serves as a potent warning against the insidious nature of people-pleasing and the dangers of allowing public opinion to dictate moral choices. Herod's fear of the multitude, rather than a commitment to justice or truth, ultimately sealed John's fate. For believers today, this verse challenges us to examine our own motivations: Are our decisions driven by a desire for human approval, social acceptance, or the avoidance of discomfort, or are they rooted in a steadfast commitment to God's truth, regardless of the cost? True courage and integrity are found not in appeasing the crowd, but in faithfully following Christ, even when it leads to unpopularity or opposition. John the Baptist's unwavering prophetic witness, even unto death, stands as a powerful example of prioritizing divine approval over worldly favor. This passage calls us to cultivate a healthy fear of God, which liberates us from the enslaving fear of man, enabling us to live authentically and courageously for His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I most tempted to prioritize the fear of man over the fear of God?**
* **How does the example of John the Baptist challenge my own willingness to speak truth to power or stand for righteousness, even when it's unpopular?**
* **What steps can I take to cultivate a deeper reverence for God that would diminish my fear of human judgment or disapproval?**

### FAQ
**Why did Herod Antipas fear the multitude more than John the Baptist himself?**

Answer: Herod Antipas feared the multitude because they held John the Baptist in extremely high regard, "counting him as a prophet." In first-century Judea, prophets were seen as divinely appointed spokespersons, and harming one could easily provoke widespread public outrage, civil unrest, or even rebellion. As a client king under Roman rule, Herod's primary concern was maintaining political stability and his own authority. An uprising would invite Roman intervention and potentially lead to his removal. Therefore, his fear was not of John's spiritual power, but of the political consequences of offending the large number of people who revered John, as also noted in [Luke 20:6](/luke/20-6 "Luke 20:6 - The People Held John to Be a Prophet").

**What does it mean that the multitude "counted him as a prophet"?**

Answer: To "count him as a prophet" means the people perceived John the Baptist as a genuine messenger of God, akin to the great prophets of Israel's past like Elijah or Isaiah. This perception implied that John spoke with divine authority, and his words were considered God's words. Their conviction in his prophetic status gave him immense popular influence and spiritual credibility, making him a figure whom the authorities could not easily dismiss or harm without severe public backlash. This popular esteem is also evident in [Matthew 21:26](/matthew/21-26 "Matthew 21:26 - Jesus' Question About John's Baptism").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Matthew 14:5 highlights Herod's fear of man, it also subtly points forward to the ultimate Prophet, Jesus Christ, and the profound contrast in how He faced human opposition. John the Baptist, though a great prophet, was ultimately vulnerable to the whims of a corrupt ruler and the fear of the crowd. His temporary protection was based on popular opinion, which eventually gave way to political expediency and personal vengeance. In stark contrast, Jesus, the Son of God, would face the ultimate test of human fear and rejection. While the crowds initially acclaimed Him ([Matthew 21:9](/matthew/21-9 "Matthew 21:9 - Triumphal Entry")), they would later be manipulated to cry for His crucifixion ([Matthew 27:22-23](/matthew/27-22-23 "Matthew 27:22-23 - The Crowd Demands Jesus' Crucifixion")). Unlike Herod, who feared the multitude, Jesus willingly submitted to the will of God, even when it meant enduring the wrath of both religious and political authorities, and the abandonment of the very crowds who once followed Him. His ultimate sacrifice was not prevented by human fear, but accomplished by divine love and purpose ([John 10:17-18](/john/10-17-18 "John 10:17-18 - Jesus Lays Down His Life Willingly")). Thus, John's story, marked by human fear and political maneuvering, foreshadows but pales in comparison to Christ's perfect obedience and triumph over sin and death, fulfilling all prophecy and establishing a kingdom not subject to the shifting tides of human opinion.

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 6:19

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

Mark 6:20

For Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just man and an holy, and observed him; and when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly.

Matthew 21:26

But if we shall say, Of men; we fear the people; for all hold John as a prophet.

Matthew 11:9

But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet.

Matthew 21:32

For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not: but the publicans and the harlots believed him: and ye, when ye had seen [it], repented not afterward, that ye might believe him.

Mark 14:1

¶ After two days was [the feast of] the passover, and of unleavened bread: and the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might take him by craft, and put [him] to death.

Mark 14:2

But they said, Not on the feast [day], lest there be an uproar of the people.