### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **Hērōdiás**, represented by `{{G2266}}`, is a proper name derived from `{{G2264}}` **Hērṓdēs**. It refers to Herodias, a woman of the Herodian family. The name appears **6 times** across **6 unique verses** in the Bible and is central to the narrative of John the Baptist's imprisonment and death.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, **Herodias** `{{G2266}}` is identified as the **wife** `{{G1135}}` of Philip `{{G5376}}`, the **brother** `{{G80}}` of Herod the tetrarch `{{G5076}}` ([[Matthew 14:3]], [[Luke 3:19]]). The conflict begins when Herod **married** `{{G1060}}` her [[Mark 6:17]]. John the Baptist `{{G2491}}` **reproved** `{{G1651}}` Herod for this act, as well as for all the **evils** `{{G4190}}` Herod had done [[Luke 3:19]]. As a direct result, Herod had John bound and put into **prison** `{{G5438}}` "for Herodias' sake" ([[Matthew 14:3]], [[Mark 6:17]]). The narrative makes it clear that Herodias herself held a deep resentment, as she "had a **quarrel** against" John and **would have killed** `{{G615}}` him, but she **could not** `{{G1410}}` [[Mark 6:19]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words illuminate the context surrounding Herodias and her actions:
* `{{G2264}}` **Hērṓdēs** (Herod): Defined as "Herod, the name of four Jewish kings." He is the ruler who imprisoned John the Baptist for Herodias' sake and was later pleased by her daughter's dance ([[Matthew 14:3]], [[Matthew 14:6]]).
* `{{G2491}}` **Iōánnēs** (John): "Joannes (i.e. Jochanan), the name of four Israelites:--John." He is the prophet who was imprisoned and ultimately killed as a result of Herodias's animosity toward him [[Mark 6:19]].
* `{{G1758}}` **enéchō** (have a quarrel against): This word, meaning "to keep a grudge," is used specifically to describe Herodias's malicious intent toward John, highlighting her personal role in the conflict [[Mark 6:19]].
* `{{G2364}}` **thygátēr** (daughter): A "female child." It is the daughter of Herodias who **danced** `{{G3738}}` before Herod, creating the opportunity for Herodias to exact her revenge ([[Matthew 14:6]], [[Mark 6:22]]).
### Theological Significance
The narrative significance of `{{G2266}}` is tied directly to the martyrdom of John the Baptist.
* **Catalyst for Conflict:** Herodias is the primary reason for John's imprisonment. The scriptures explicitly state that Herod **laid hold** `{{G2902}}` on John for her sake ([[Matthew 14:3]], [[Mark 6:17]]).
* **Personal Malice:** Her character is defined by a deep-seated grudge. She **would have killed** `{{G615}}` John, demonstrating that the plot against him was driven by her personal animosity [[Mark 6:19]].
* **Instrument of Execution:** The story culminates with Herodias using her daughter as an instrument for her will. After her **daughter** `{{G2364}}` pleased Herod with a **dance** `{{G3738}}` on his **birthday** `{{G1077}}`, the opportunity arose to eliminate John [[Matthew 14:6]]. The request was fulfilled, and the head was given to the **damsel** `{{G2877}}`, who brought it to her mother [[Matthew 14:11]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2266}}` **Hērōdiás** is more than just a name; she is a pivotal figure whose actions precipitate a key event in the Gospels. Though mentioned only a handful of times, her unlawful marriage to Herod and her subsequent quarrel with John the Baptist set in motion the events that led to the prophet's death. The story illustrates how her personal resentment and maneuvering led to the silencing of the one who reproved her and Herod for their sins.
TRV