from Ἡρώδης; Herodias, a woman of the Heodian family:--Herodias.
Transliteration:Hērōdiás
Pronunciation:hay-ro-dee-as'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The lemma Ἡρωδιάς (Hērōdiás, `{{G2266}}`) is a proper noun, specifically the name of a historical woman. It is derived from Ἡρώδης (Hērōdēs, `{{G2264}}`), signifying her connection to the Herodian dynasty. As a proper noun, its semantic range is restricted to identifying this specific individual. Its meaning is primarily referential, pointing to the person and, by extension, the historical and relational contexts in which she is found within the biblical narrative. It does not possess a broader conceptual or metaphorical meaning beyond its direct referent.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Herodias appears exclusively in the Synoptic Gospels, where she is consistently depicted as a central figure in the events leading to the imprisonment and execution of John the Baptist.
* **[[Matthew 14:3-11]]**: Matthew introduces Herodias as the wife of Philip (Herod Antipas's brother) whom Herod Antipas unlawfully married. John the Baptist's condemnation of this marriage is the direct catalyst for his imprisonment. Herodias is portrayed as harboring a deep grudge against John, actively seeking his death. Her cunning is evident in her manipulation of Herod Antipas through her daughter's dance, leading to the rash oath and John's beheading. Matthew emphasizes her malicious intent as the driving force behind the tragic event.
* **[[Mark 6:17-28]]**: Mark provides the most detailed and vivid account of Herodias's character and actions. He explicitly states that Herod Antipas had married her while she was "his brother Philip's wife," highlighting the illicit nature of the union. Mark underscores Herodias's deep-seated animosity, stating she "had a grudge against him and wanted to put him to death, but she could not." Her relentless pursuit of revenge is evident in her seizing the opportune moment of Herod's birthday feast. Mark contrasts Herod's internal conflict and respect for John with Herodias's unyielding determination to silence the prophet. Her insistence on John's head on a platter reveals the depth of her vindictiveness.
* **[[Luke 3:19]]**: Luke offers a more concise summary, noting that Herod Antipas was "rebuked by him [John] concerning Herodias, his brother's wife, and concerning all the evil things that Herod had done." While not detailing the execution, Luke confirms the illicit marriage and John's prophetic denunciation as the reason for Herod's actions against him.
Across these accounts, Herodias emerges as a figure of moral corruption, illicit relationships, and vengeful malice, directly implicated in the martyrdom of John the Baptist. Her character serves to highlight the pervasive sinfulness within the Herodian court and its opposition to divine truth.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Ἡρώδης (Hērōdēs, `{{G2264}}`)**: The name of the dynasty from which Herodias originates. Understanding the political climate, moral laxity, and tyrannical tendencies of the Herodian rulers (especially Herod Antipas) provides essential context for Herodias's actions and the circumstances surrounding John the Baptist's death.
* **Φίλιππος (Philippos, `{{G5376}}`)**: Herodias's first husband, Herod Philip I (not the tetrarch). The fact that Herod Antipas married Herodias while she was still married to Philip is the core of John the Baptist's condemnation, rooted in Mosaic Law concerning incestuous or unlawful marriages (cf. [[Leviticus 18:16]], [[Leviticus 20:21]]).
* **Ἰωάννης (Iōannēs, `{{G2491}}`)**: John the Baptist, the righteous prophet whose life is tragically cut short due to Herodias's malice. His unwavering commitment to truth and prophetic integrity stands in stark contrast to Herodias's moral depravity and vengeful spirit.
* **Adultery / Unlawful Marriage**: The concept of *moicheia* (adultery) or *porneia* (sexual immorality) is implicitly and explicitly linked to Herodias's marriage to Herod Antipas. John's denunciation of this union as unlawful is the direct cause of her animosity.
* **Vengeance / Malice**: Herodias embodies the destructive power of personal animosity and the pursuit of revenge. Her actions demonstrate how unchecked hatred can lead to profound injustice and violence, even against a prophet of God.
### Theological Significance
Herodias holds significant theological weight within the New Testament narrative. She functions as a potent symbol of opposition to divine truth and righteousness. Her actions directly lead to the martyrdom of John the Baptist, the forerunner of Christ, thereby illustrating the hostility of the world to God's messengers and the inevitable conflict between the kingdom of God and the corrupt systems of human power.
Her character highlights the moral depravity and spiritual blindness that can exist even among those in positions of authority. Her blatant disregard for both Mosaic Law and basic human decency underscores the pervasive nature of sin and the extent to which personal desires and grudges can lead to egregious evil. The narrative involving Herodias powerfully illustrates the clash between the prophetic witness of God's servant and the compromised values of a worldly court.
From a broader theological perspective, Herodias's role, though rooted in human evil, unknowingly serves a divine purpose in the redemptive narrative. John the Baptist's death, instigated by her malice, marks the transition from the preparatory ministry of the forerunner to the public ministry of Jesus. Her story thus serves as a cautionary tale regarding the dangers of unchecked lust, pride, and vengeance, demonstrating how personal sin can have far-reaching and devastating consequences, culminating in the murder of a prophet and setting the stage for the coming of the Messiah.
### Summary
The Greek word Ἡρωδιάς (Hērōdiás, `{{G2266}}`) designates Herodias, a prominent woman of the Herodian dynasty, infamous for her illicit marriage to Herod Antipas and her pivotal role in the execution of John the Baptist. Derived from Ἡρώδης (Herod, `{{G2264}}`), her name appears in [[Matthew 14:3-11]], [[Mark 6:17-28]], and [[Luke 3:19]]. The Synoptic Gospels consistently portray her as a vengeful and morally corrupt figure who harbored a deep grudge against John for his condemnation of her unlawful marriage to Herod Antipas, her former brother-in-law. Her actions, particularly detailed in Mark, reveal a ruthless determination to silence the prophet, ultimately leading to his beheading. Theologically, Herodias represents the forces of worldly opposition and sin against divine truth and righteousness, serving as a stark contrast to John the Baptist's prophetic integrity. Her story underscores the conflict between God's kingdom and corrupt human authority, highlighting the tragic consequences of unchecked malice and illicit desires within the unfolding drama of salvation history.
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