Matthew 14:6

KJV

But when Herod's birthday was kept, the daughter of Herodias danced before them, and pleased Herod.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} when Herod's {G2264} birthday {G1077} was kept {G71}, the daughter {G2364} of Herodias {G2266} danced {G3738} before them {G1722}{G3319}, and {G2532} pleased {G700} Herod {G2264}.

Complete Jewish Bible

However, at Herod's birthday celebration, Herodias' daughter danced before the company and pleased Herod

Berean Standard Bible

On Herod’s birthday, however, the daughter of Herodias danced before them and pleased Herod

American Standard Version

But when Herod’s birthday came, the daughter of Herodias danced in the midst, and pleased Herod.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 14:6 vividly portrays the pivotal moment at Herod Antipas's birthday celebration where the daughter of Herodias danced, captivating Herod and setting in motion the tragic events leading to John the Baptist's execution. This brief verse underscores the moral decay within Herod's court, where personal gratification and impulsive promises superseded justice and divine law, ultimately facilitating Herodias's vengeful agenda against the prophet.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the narrative of John the Baptist's martyrdom, which begins with Herod's troubled conscience regarding Jesus (whom he mistakenly believes to be John raised from the dead, as seen in [Matthew 14:1-2](/matthew/14-1-2 "Matthew 14:1-2 - Herod's Fear of Jesus")). The preceding verses detail John's imprisonment due to his condemnation of Herod's illicit marriage to Herodias, his brother Philip's wife ([Matthew 14:3-4](/matthew/14-3-4 "Matthew 14:3-4 - John's Imprisonment and Herod's Unlawful Marriage")). Herodias harbored a profound grudge against John and sought an opportune moment for revenge. Matthew 14:6 provides that opportunity, serving as the immediate catalyst for the fateful oath and subsequent beheading of John, detailed in the verses that follow ([Matthew 14:7-12](/matthew/14-7-12 "Matthew 14:7-12 - The Execution of John the Baptist")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Herod Antipas, a son of Herod the Great, was the tetrarch of Galilee and Perea, a client king under Roman authority. Birthday celebrations, especially for rulers, were occasions for extravagant feasts, lavish entertainment, and displays of power and wealth in the Greco-Roman world. Such events often involved banqueting, drinking, and performances, including dancing. The dance performed by Herodias's daughter (traditionally identified as Salome, though unnamed in the biblical text) would have been highly unusual for a woman of her status to perform publicly, suggesting a deliberate act of enticement or a calculated move by Herodias to manipulate Herod. The cultural setting highlights the moral laxity and political intrigue prevalent in the Herodian court, contrasting sharply with the prophetic integrity of John the Baptist.
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 14:6 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the Gospel. Firstly, it highlights **Moral Compromise and Corruption**, illustrating how a ruler's personal desires and political expediency can override justice and divine law. Herod's susceptibility to flattery and sensual appeal leads him down a path of grave injustice, echoing the broader theme of the corrupting influence of worldly power. Secondly, the verse emphasizes **The Power of Performance and Enticement**, demonstrating how captivating displays or appeals to base desires can lead to rash decisions with dire consequences. The dance "pleased Herod," indicating a strong, perhaps even carnal, impression that appealed to his ego and desires, foreshadowing his impulsive oath in [Matthew 14:7](/matthew/14-7 "Matthew 14:7 - Herod's Rash Oath"). Finally, this verse serves as a crucial point in **Setting the Stage for Tragedy**, as the seemingly innocuous act of a dance directly precipitates the chain of events that culminates in John the Baptist's martyrdom, a pivotal moment in the unfolding narrative of God's kingdom confronting earthly powers.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **birthday (Greek, _genésia_):** This term refers to "birthday ceremonies" or the celebration of one's birth. The use of the plural form suggests a formal, perhaps extended, celebration rather than just a single day. In this context, it signifies a festive occasion, typically associated with joy and generosity, but here it ironically becomes the setting for a horrific act of injustice.
* **danced (Greek, _orchéomai_):** This verb describes the act of dancing, implying a rhythmic and often expressive movement. The middle voice suggests that the daughter danced for herself or for her own benefit (though clearly with the intent to please others). The dance's impact on Herod is central to the narrative, highlighting its power to sway his judgment and emotions.
* **pleased (Greek, _aréskō_):** This word means "to be agreeable" or "to seek to be so." It indicates that the dance was highly satisfactory and appealing to Herod. The pleasure derived by Herod from this performance is the direct cause of his subsequent rash promise, underscoring how momentary gratification can override sound judgment and moral principles.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But when Herod's birthday was kept":** This clause establishes the setting—a celebratory occasion for Herod Antipas. The conjunction "But" (G1161, _dé_) indicates a transition or contrast, signaling a significant turn of events from the preceding narrative of John's imprisonment. The "keeping" of the birthday implies a formal observance, a public event attended by many.
* **"the daughter of Herodias danced before them":** This identifies the performer and the act. The "daughter of Herodias" (traditionally Salome) is the central figure in this action. Her dancing "before them" (Herod and his guests) emphasizes the public nature of the performance and its intended audience, setting the stage for Herod's public reaction.
* **"and pleased Herod":** This final clause reveals the immediate outcome of the dance. The performance achieved its desired effect, eliciting a strong positive reaction from Herod. This "pleasure" is the direct catalyst for Herod's subsequent impulsive oath, demonstrating the power of flattery and entertainment to manipulate a ruler's will.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 14:6 is rich with literary devices that amplify its dramatic and theological impact. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as this seemingly innocuous act of entertainment directly precedes and precipitates the tragic execution of John the Baptist. The "pleasure" of the dance leads to a fateful promise, hinting at the dire consequences to follow. There is also a strong element of **Irony**; a celebration of life (a birthday) becomes the setting for a death sentence, and an act meant to entertain leads to profound sorrow and injustice. This creates a stark contrast between the festive atmosphere and the grim reality it enables. Furthermore, the verse contributes significantly to **Characterization**, revealing Herod as impulsive, susceptible to flattery, and ultimately weak-willed, easily swayed by personal gratification and the manipulative influence of Herodias. The daughter's dance, while brief, serves as a powerful dramatic catalyst, highlighting the moral bankruptcy of the Herodian court.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 14:6 serves as a stark illustration of the corrupting influence of worldly power when divorced from divine principles. Herod's susceptibility to flattery and sensual pleasure, culminating in his rash oath, highlights the dangers of unchecked human desire and the moral compromises made by those in authority. The scene underscores the clash between the kingdom of God, represented by John the Baptist's uncompromising truth, and the earthly kingdoms driven by self-interest, revenge, and fleeting gratification. It reveals how easily human weakness, coupled with manipulative forces, can lead to grave injustice, even against a righteous man. The verse also implicitly critiques the moral climate of the time, where a prophet's life could be bartered for a dancer's performance.

* [Mark 6:21-28](/mark/6-21-28 "Mark 6:21-28 - Parallel Account of John's Death")
* [Proverbs 29:12](/proverbs/29-12 "Proverbs 29:12 - A Ruler Who Listens to Lies")
* [Galatians 5:19-21](/galatians/5-19-21 "Galatians 5:19-21 - Works of the Flesh")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 14:6 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers, serving as a powerful cautionary tale about the perils of moral compromise and the insidious nature of temptation. Herod's immediate gratification from the dance led to an impulsive and binding oath, demonstrating how fleeting pleasures or social pressures can easily override sound judgment and moral conviction. This passage challenges us to examine our own susceptibility to flattery, external pressures, or the desire for momentary satisfaction. It calls us to cultivate spiritual discernment, to stand firm in our convictions even when unpopular, and to guard against relationships or environments that encourage unrighteousness. Ultimately, it reminds us that true integrity demands adherence to God's truth, regardless of personal cost or social consequence, urging us to prioritize righteous living over worldly approval.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I most susceptible to impulsive decisions driven by immediate pleasure or external validation?**
* **How do I respond when faced with pressure to compromise my convictions for social acceptance or personal gain?**
* **What ungodly influences or alliances in my life might be leading me away from God's truth, similar to Herodias's influence on Herod?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater commitment to justice and righteousness, even when it is inconvenient or costly?**

### FAQ

**Who was Herod Antipas, and why was his marriage to Herodias controversial?**

Answer: Herod Antipas was one of the sons of Herod the Great, ruling as tetrarch over Galilee and Perea during the time of Jesus and John the Baptist. His marriage to Herodias was controversial because she was his brother Philip's wife, making their union incestuous and unlawful according to Jewish law ([Leviticus 18:16](/leviticus/18-16 "Leviticus 18:16 - Prohibition against Marrying Brother's Wife") and [Leviticus 20:21](/leviticus/20-21 "Leviticus 20:21 - Penalty for Marrying Brother's Wife")). John the Baptist publicly condemned this marriage, which led to his imprisonment and ultimately, his death, as described in [Matthew 14:3-4](/matthew/14-3-4 "Matthew 14:3-4 - John's Imprisonment").

**Why was the daughter of Herodias dancing, and why was it so significant?**

Answer: The daughter of Herodias (traditionally known as Salome, though not named in the biblical text) danced as entertainment at Herod's birthday feast. Her performance was highly significant because it was an unusual act for a woman of her social standing to perform publicly, suggesting it was a calculated move by Herodias to manipulate Herod. The dance captivated Herod so much that he impulsively offered her anything she desired, up to half his kingdom, creating the opportunity for Herodias to exact her revenge on John the Baptist by demanding his head ([Matthew 14:7-8](/matthew/14-7-8 "Matthew 14:7-8 - Herod's Oath and Herodias's Demand")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Matthew 14:6 describes a moment of profound human depravity and injustice, it implicitly points to the redemptive work of Christ through contrast and foreshadowing. John the Baptist, the last and greatest of the Old Testament prophets, serves as the forerunner to Jesus, preparing the way for the Messiah ([Matthew 3:1-3](/matthew/3-1-3 "Matthew 3:1-3 - John the Baptist Prepares the Way")). His unjust execution by a corrupt earthly ruler foreshadows the ultimate rejection and crucifixion of Jesus by the powers of this world, highlighting the inherent conflict between God's kingdom and human systems of control. Unlike Herod, who succumbed to carnal desires and political pressure, Jesus consistently resisted temptation ([Matthew 4:1-11](/matthew/4-1-11 "Matthew 4:1-11 - The Temptation of Jesus")) and remained steadfast in His mission, even unto death. The fleeting pleasure that led to John's demise stands in stark contrast to the eternal joy and salvation offered through Christ's sacrificial love, demonstrating that true fulfillment is found not in worldly gratification but in humble obedience to God, culminating in the triumph of God's righteous rule over all earthly corruption ([Philippians 2:8-11](/philippians/2-8-11 "Philippians 2:8-11 - Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation")).

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

Hosea 1:5

And it shall come to pass at that day, that I will break the bow of Israel in the valley of Jezreel.

Hosea 1:6

And she conceived again, and bare a daughter. And [God] said unto him, Call her name Loruhamah: for I will no more have mercy upon the house of Israel; but I will utterly take them away.

Genesis 40:20

¶ And it came to pass the third day, [which was] Pharaoh's birthday, that he made a feast unto all his servants: and he lifted up the head of the chief butler and of the chief baker among his servants.

Mark 6:21

And when a convenient day was come, that Herod on his birthday made a supper to his lords, high captains, and chief [estates] of Galilee;

Mark 6:23

And he sware unto her, Whatsoever thou shalt ask of me, I will give [it] thee, unto the half of my kingdom.

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.

Matthew 22:24

Saying, Master, Moses said, If a man die, having no children, his brother shall marry his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother.