Matthew 14:5

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

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary

Matthew 14:5 KJV reveals the underlying reason for Herod Antipas's reluctance to execute John the Baptist, despite his desire to do so. This verse is crucial for understanding the political and social dynamics at play in the tragic narrative of John's martyrdom.

Context

This verse follows the account of Herod Antipas's imprisonment of John the Baptist. John had boldly condemned Herod's unlawful marriage to Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, a clear violation of Mosaic law. While Herodias vehemently sought John's death, Herod himself initially hesitated. This hesitation, as Matthew 14:5 explains, was not due to a change of heart or a conviction of John's innocence, but rather a calculation based on public opinion. Though Herod was troubled by John's message, he also had a certain respect or fascination with him, as noted in Mark's parallel account, but ultimately, his fear of the people superseded any personal conviction or even his wife's demands for a time.

Key Themes

  • Fear of Man vs. Fear of God: Herod's decision-making was entirely governed by the fear of the multitude, not by a sense of justice, truth, or the fear of divine judgment. This highlights a common human failing: prioritizing popular approval over righteousness.
  • Popular Esteem of John the Baptist: The verse underscores the widespread public recognition of John as a true prophet. The people regarded him as a divinely appointed messenger, akin to the great prophets of Israel's past. This popular esteem gave John a powerful, albeit earthly, shield against Herod's immediate wrath.
  • Political Expediency: Herod, as a ruler, was acutely aware of the potential for public unrest or revolt if he were to harm someone revered by the masses. His actions were driven by a desire to maintain stability and his own authority, rather than upholding moral law or dispensing justice.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "prophet" here is prophētēs (προφήτης), which literally means "one who speaks forth" or "proclaims." It signifies a person who speaks on behalf of God, delivering His message or foretelling future events. The fact that the multitude "counted him as a prophet" (ἐῖχον ὡς προφήτην) indicates their deep conviction in his divine authority and the authenticity of his ministry, much like how they viewed Old Testament prophets. This perception by the people is what made Herod hesitant to act against John the Baptist's ministry.

Practical Application

Matthew 14:5 offers several contemporary lessons:

  • The Danger of People-Pleasing: It serves as a stark warning against allowing the fear of man or the desire for public approval to dictate one's actions, especially when it compromises truth or moral integrity. True courage lies in doing what is right, regardless of popular opinion.
  • Standing for Truth: John the Baptist exemplifies standing firm on God's truth, even when it puts one in direct conflict with powerful authorities. His unwavering stance, even unto death, remains a powerful testament.
  • Discernment of Authority: The verse reminds us to discern between worldly authority driven by self-preservation and true spiritual authority that flows from God, as exemplified by John.

Ultimately, while Herod's fear of the crowd delayed John's execution, it did not prevent it. The events that follow in Matthew 14:6-11 show that political maneuvering and personal vengeance eventually overcame Herod's initial hesitation, leading to the prophet's tragic end.

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 6:19

    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.
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