Matthew 14:8

KJV

And she, being before instructed of her mother, said, Give me here John Baptist's head in a charger.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} she, being before instructed {G4264} of {G5259} her {G846} mother {G3384}, said {G5346}, Give {G1325} me {G3427} here {G5602} John {G2491} Baptist's {G910} head {G2776} in {G1909} a charger {G4094}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Prompted by her mother, she said, "Give me here on a platter the head of Yochanan the Immerser."

Berean Standard Bible

Prompted by her mother, she said, “Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist.”

American Standard Version

And she, being put forward by her mother, saith, Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 14:8 captures the chilling moment when Salome, prompted by her vengeful mother Herodias, demands the head of John the Baptist from King Herod Antipas. This verse is the climax of Herodias's long-standing animosity towards John, who had publicly condemned her unlawful marriage to Herod, and it sets in motion the tragic execution of one of God's greatest prophets. The scene underscores the dark interplay of manipulation, rash promises, and the ultimate cost of speaking divine truth to corrupt power.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the narrative of John the Baptist's imprisonment and martyrdom, which begins in [Matthew 14:3](/matthew/14-3 "Matthew 14:3 - John the Baptist Imprisoned"). Immediately preceding this verse, King Herod Antipas, captivated by Salome's dance, makes a rash and public oath to grant her anything she desires, up to half of his kingdom ([Matthew 14:6-7](/matthew/14-6-7 "Matthew 14:6-7 - Herod's Rash Oath")). Matthew 14:8 then reveals the sinister instruction given to Salome by her mother, Herodias, setting the stage for John's beheading in [Matthew 14:10](/matthew/14-10 "Matthew 14:10 - John the Baptist Beheaded"). This account is strategically placed after Jesus's miracles and before His feeding of the five thousand, highlighting the contrast between the world's corruption and God's redemptive power.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events unfold in the court of Herod Antipas, one of the sons of Herod the Great, who ruled as tetrarch over Galilee and Perea. Herodias was his niece and, more controversially, his sister-in-law, having been married to Herod Antipas's half-brother, Philip. John the Baptist's condemnation of this marriage as unlawful ([Matthew 14:4](/matthew/14-4 "Matthew 14:4 - John Condemns Herod's Marriage")) was rooted in Mosaic Law (Leviticus 18:16; 20:21), making it a public moral and religious challenge to Herod's authority and Herodias's honor. The cultural setting of a lavish banquet, where entertainment and public oaths were common, provides the backdrop for Herod's impulsive promise, which he felt bound to uphold due to his pride and the presence of his guests.
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 14:8 contributes significantly to several major themes within the Gospel of Matthew and the broader biblical narrative. It starkly illustrates the theme of **prophetic witness and suffering**, as John pays the ultimate price for boldly proclaiming God's truth to power, echoing the fate of many Old Testament prophets. The verse also highlights the destructive nature of **malice and vengeance**, personified by Herodias's unrelenting hatred for John. Furthermore, it underscores the dangers of **moral weakness and rash promises**, as Herod's fear of losing face leads him to commit a grave injustice, a theme also seen in the warnings against oaths in [Matthew 5:33-37](/matthew/5-33-37 "Matthew 5:33-37 - Jesus on Oaths"). Ultimately, the narrative serves as a powerful reminder of the clash between **divine righteousness and worldly corruption**.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **instructed (Greek, _probibázō'_):** This word (G4264) means "to force forward, i.e., bring to the front, instigate." Its use here reveals that Salome was not acting on her own accord but was actively "instigated" or "prompted" by her mother. It highlights the manipulative and premeditated nature of Herodias's plot, emphasizing her role as the driving force behind the gruesome request.
* **Give (Greek, _dídōmi'_):** The verb (G1325) "to give" is a direct command, used here in a chilling context. It signifies a demand for something to be handed over, but in this instance, it is a demand for a human life, specifically the severed head of a prophet. This stark, imperative utterance underscores the cold, calculated nature of the request, stripping John's life of its inherent value and reducing it to an object to be "given."
* **charger (Greek, _pínax'_):** This term (G4094) refers to a "plate" or "platter." The detail of the "charger" emphasizes the macabre and utterly disrespectful manner in which John's head was to be presented. It transforms a human life into a trophy or a serving, highlighting the profound malice and dehumanization inherent in Herodias's demand, turning a prophet's head into a grotesque spectacle for a banquet.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And she, being before instructed of her mother,"**: This opening clause immediately establishes the source of the horrific request. Salome is presented not as an independent agent but as a pawn, "instructed" or "prompted" by Herodias. This highlights Herodias's deep-seated malice and her manipulative use of her daughter to achieve her vengeful aims against John the Baptist, who had exposed her unlawful marriage.
* **"said, Give me here John Baptist's head"**: This is the shocking core of the verse. Salome's direct and audacious demand for John's head, specified with the immediate "here," underscores the urgency and ruthlessness of Herodias's desire for revenge. It reveals the extent of the hatred that had consumed Herodias, leading her to seek the ultimate silencing of the prophetic voice that condemned her actions.
* **"in a charger."**: The final phrase adds a gruesome and deeply disrespectful detail. The request for the head "in a charger" (a large platter or dish) turns John's execution into a macabre spectacle, reducing the prophet's life to a mere object to be presented as a trophy. This detail emphasizes the profound contempt and dehumanization intended by Herodias, transforming a judicial murder into a perverse banquet offering.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 14:8 is rich in **Irony**, particularly situational irony. Herod, who initially "feared John" and "kept him safe" ([Mark 6:20](/mark/6-20 "Mark 6:20 - Herod's Respect for John")), is now compelled by a rash oath and social pressure to execute him. His promise, intended to honor a dancer, leads to a most dishonorable act. The verse also employs **Foreshadowing**, as John's imprisonment and the mounting tension around his condemnation of Herodias's marriage subtly build towards this violent climax. The demand for John's **head** serves as powerful **Symbolism**, representing the silencing of truth and the attempt to extinguish the prophetic voice. The "charger" itself is a symbol of profound disrespect and the reduction of a sacred life to a mere object of vengeance. The narrative's stark portrayal of Herodias's vindictiveness and Salome's chilling request also evokes a sense of **Pathos**, highlighting the tragic end of a righteous man.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 14:8 stands as a stark illustration of the conflict between the kingdom of God and the kingdoms of this world. John the Baptist, as a prophet of God, embodies truth and righteousness, challenging the moral corruption of Herod's court. His execution, orchestrated by Herodias and facilitated by Herod's weak will and rash oath, highlights the dangerous consequences when worldly power, pride, and personal vengeance collide with divine truth. The narrative underscores the cost of prophetic witness and the reality that faithfulness to God's word can lead to persecution, even death. Yet, John's unwavering commitment to God's law, even unto death, serves as a powerful testament to integrity and the enduring power of truth, even when seemingly silenced. This event also serves as a somber reminder of the destructive nature of unchecked anger and bitterness, as Herodias's hatred ultimately consumes her.

* [Mark 6:21-28](/mark/6-21-28 "Parallel Account of John's Death")
* [Luke 3:19-20](/luke/3-19-20 "John's Imprisonment and Rebuke")
* [Matthew 17:12](/matthew/17-12 "Jesus on John as Elijah")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 14:8 presents a sobering narrative that challenges believers to consider the cost of discipleship and the nature of true faithfulness. John the Baptist's unwavering commitment to truth, even when it meant confronting powerful figures and risking his life, serves as a profound example for us. It compels us to ask ourselves if we are willing to speak truth, even when it is unpopular or dangerous, and to stand firm in our convictions, rather than compromising for personal gain or social approval. The story also warns against the destructive power of unchecked anger, bitterness, and the desire for vengeance, as seen in Herodias. It reminds us that such emotions, if left unaddressed, can lead to horrific outcomes and spiritual decay. Furthermore, Herod's predicament highlights the dangers of making rash promises and allowing pride or peer pressure to override moral judgment. We are called to exercise wisdom and integrity in our commitments, understanding that our words have consequences and that true honor lies in righteousness, not in maintaining a façade.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the example of John the Baptist challenge your willingness to speak truth, even when it might lead to personal discomfort or opposition?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be tempted to allow personal grievances or pride to dictate your actions, similar to Herodias?**
* **What lessons can be learned from Herod's rash oath about the importance of careful consideration and integrity in our promises and decisions?**

### FAQ

**Why was Herodias so intent on John the Baptist's death?**

Answer: Herodias harbored a deep and vengeful grudge against John the Baptist because he had publicly condemned her marriage to Herod Antipas as unlawful according to Jewish law ([Matthew 14:4](/matthew/14-4 "Matthew 14:4 - John Condemns Herod's Marriage")). This public rebuke was a direct challenge to her moral standing and authority, causing her immense personal offense and humiliation. Her desire for revenge was so strong that she manipulated her daughter and exploited Herod's rash oath to ensure John's execution, silencing the prophetic voice that had exposed her sin.

**Was King Herod truly unwilling to kill John the Baptist?**

Answer: Yes, the biblical accounts suggest Herod was genuinely reluctant to execute John. [Mark 6:20](/mark/6-20 "Mark 6:20 - Herod's Respect for John") states that Herod "feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he protected him." He also enjoyed listening to John, though he was perplexed by his teachings. Furthermore, [Matthew 14:5](/matthew/14-5 "Matthew 14:5 - Herod's Fear of the Crowd") indicates that Herod "feared the crowd, because they held John to be a prophet." His eventual decision to kill John was not born of conviction but rather from being trapped by his own impulsive oath made in front of his guests, fearing loss of face more than committing a grave injustice.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The tragic martyrdom of John the Baptist, as depicted in Matthew 14:8, serves as a powerful foreshadowing of the suffering and ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. John, the forerunner, faithfully prepared the way for the Messiah, speaking truth to power and confronting sin, much like Jesus would later do. Both John and Jesus faced rejection, opposition, and ultimately, death at the hands of corrupt authorities influenced by worldly malice. John's beheading, a direct consequence of a ruler's weakness and a woman's vengeful heart, anticipates the unjust crucifixion of Jesus, orchestrated by religious and political leaders driven by envy and fear ([Matthew 27:18](/matthew/27-18 "Matthew 27:18 - Pilate's Awareness of Envy")). John's death underscores the dangerous cost of prophetic witness in a fallen world, but it also highlights the divine sovereignty at work. Just as John's ministry paved the way for Jesus's public ministry, his death, though tragic, cleared the path for the full revelation of the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), whose own death would not be an end but the ultimate victory over sin and death, fulfilling God's redemptive plan for humanity ([Hebrews 9:26-28](/hebrews/9-26-28 "Hebrews 9:26-28 - Christ's Sacrifice Once for All")).

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

2 Chronicles 22:2

Forty and two years old [was] Ahaziah when he began to reign, and he reigned one year in Jerusalem. His mother's name also [was] Athaliah the daughter of Omri.

2 Chronicles 22:3

He also walked in the ways of the house of Ahab: for his mother was his counsellor to do wickedly.

Mark 6:24

And she went forth, and said unto her mother, What shall I ask? And she said, The head of John the Baptist.

1 Kings 19:2

Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying, So let the gods do [to me], and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by to morrow about this time.

Proverbs 1:16

For their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood.

1 Kings 18:4

For it was [so], when Jezebel cut off the prophets of the LORD, that Obadiah took an hundred prophets, and hid them by fifty in a cave, and fed them with bread and water.)

Numbers 7:13

And his offering [was] one silver charger, the weight thereof [was] an hundred and thirty [shekels], one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them [were] full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering: