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Text -- Matthew 14:3 (NET)

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Context
14:3 For Herod had arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife,
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Names, People and Places, Dictionary Themes and Topics

Names, People and Places:
 · Herod son of Antipater; king over Judea when Christ was born,a son of Herod the Great,a grandson of Herod the Great and son of Aristobulus and Berenice
 · Herodias the wife of Herod Antipas; granddaughter of Herod the Great
 · John a son of Zebedee; younger brother of James; the beloved disciple of Christ,a relative of Annas the high priest,a son of Mary the sister of Barnabas, and surnamed Mark,the father of Simon Peter
 · Philip a man who was one of the twelve apostles,a son of Herod the Great; husband of Herodias; ruler of Iturea and Traconitis north and west of Galilee,a man who was one of the seven chosen to serve tables at the church at Jerusalem


Dictionary Themes and Topics: SALOME | Philip | Oath | Matthew, Gospel according to | Malice | Machaerus, Prison | John | JOHN THE BAPTIST | JESUS CHRIST, 4C2 | JESUS CHRIST, 4B | JESUS CHRIST, 2 | Incest | Imprisonment | Herodias | Herod | CRIME; CRIMES | CHRONOLOGY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT | Antipas | Adultery | ARETAS | more
Table of Contents

Word/Phrase Notes
Robertson , Vincent , Wesley , Clarke , Calvin , TSK

Word/Phrase Notes
Barnes , Poole , Haydock , Gill

Verse Notes / Footnotes
NET Notes

Verse Range Notes
TSK Synopsis , Maclaren , MHCC , Matthew Henry , Barclay , Constable , College , McGarvey , Lapide

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Commentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per phrase)

Robertson: Mat 14:3 - -- For the sake of Herodias ( dia Hērōidiada ). The death of John had taken place some time before. The Greek aorists here (edēsen , apetheto ) a...

For the sake of Herodias ( dia Hērōidiada ).

The death of John had taken place some time before. The Greek aorists here (edēsen , apetheto ) are not used for past perfects. The Greek aorist simply narrates the event without drawing distinctions in past time. This Herodias was the unlawful wife of Herod Antipas. She was herself a descendant of Herod the Great and had married Herod Philip of Rome, not Philip the Tetrarch. She had divorced him in order to marry Herod Antipas after he had divorced his wife, the daughter of Aretas King of Arabia. It was a nasty mess equal to any of our modern divorces. Her first husband was still alive and marriage with a sister-in-law was forbidden to Jews (Lev 18:16). Because of her Herod Antipas had put John in the prison at Machaerus. The bare fact has been mentioned in Mat 4:12 without the name of the place. See note on Mat 11:2 also for the discouragement of John en tōi desmōtēriōi (place of bondage), here en tēi phulakēi (the guard-house). Josephus ( Ant. xviii. 5.2) tells us that Machaerus is the name of the prison. On a high hill an impregnable fortress had been built. Tristram ( Land of Moab ) says that there are now remains of "two dungeons, one of them deep and its sides scarcely broken in"with "small holes still visible in the masonry where staples of wood and iron had once been fixed. One of these must surely have been the prison-house of John the Baptist.""On this high ridge Herod the Great built an extensive and beautiful palace"(Broadus). "The windows commanded a wide and grand prospect, including the Dead Sea, the course of the Jordan, and Jerusalem"(Edersheim, Life and Times of Jesus ).

Vincent: Mat 14:3 - -- Put him in prison (ἐν φυλακῇ απέθετο ) . Lit., " put him away or aside " (ἀπὸ ). This prison was the fortres...

Put him in prison

(ἐν φυλακῇ απέθετο ) . Lit., " put him away or aside " (ἀπὸ ). This prison was the fortress of Machaerus on the east side of the Dead Sea, almost on a line with Bethlehem, above the gorge which divided the Mountains of Abarim from the range of Pisgah. Perched on an isolated cliff at the end of a narrow ridge, encompassed with deep ravines, was the citadel. At the other end of this ridge Herod built a great wall, with towers two hundred feet high at the corners; and within this inclosure, a magnificent palace, with colonnades, baths, cisterns, arsenals - every provision, in short, for luxury and for defence against siege. The windows commanded a wide and grand prospect, including the Dead Sea, the course of the Jordan, and Jerusalem. In the detached citadel, probably in one of the underground dungeons, remains of which may still be seen, was the prison of John. " We return through what we regard as the ruins of the magnificent castle-palace of Herod, to the highest and strongest part of the defences - the eastern keep or the citadel, on the steep slope, one hundred and fifty yards up. The foundations of the walls all around, to the height of a yard or two above the ground, are still standing. As we clamber over them to examine the interior, we notice how small this keep is: exactly one hundred yards in diameter. There are scarcely any remains of it left. A well of great depth, and a deep, cemented cistern, with the vaulting of the roof still complete, and - of most terrible interest to us - two dungeons, one of them deep down, its sides scarcely broken in, ' with small holes still visible in the masonry where staples of wood and iron had once been fixed!' As we look down into its hot darkness, we shudder in realizing that this terrible keep had, for nigh ten months, been the prison of that son of the free wilderness, the bold herald of the coming kingdom, the humble, earnest, self-denying John the Baptist" (Edersheim, " Life and Times of Jesus" ).

Wesley: Mat 14:3 - -- Who was still alive. Mar 6:17.

Who was still alive. Mar 6:17.

Clarke: Mat 14:3 - -- For Herodias’ sake - This infamous woman was the daughter of Aristobulus and Bernice, and grand-daughter of Herod the Great. Her first marriag...

For Herodias’ sake - This infamous woman was the daughter of Aristobulus and Bernice, and grand-daughter of Herod the Great. Her first marriage was with Herod Philip, her uncle, by whom she had Salome: some time after, she left her husband, and lived publicly with Herod Antipas, her brother-in-law, who had been before married to the daughter of Aretas, king of Arabia Petraea. As soon as Aretas understood that Herod had determined to put away his daughter, he prepared to make war on him: the two armies met, and that of Herod was cut to pieces by the Arabians; and this, Josephus says, was supposed to be a judgment of God on him for the murder of John the Baptist. See the account in Josephus, Antiq. lib. xviii. c. 7.

Calvin: Mat 14:3 - -- This narrative is at present omitted by Luke, because he had explained it on a former occasion; and for my own part, as I am unwilling to annoy my re...

This narrative is at present omitted by Luke, because he had explained it on a former occasion; and for my own part, as I am unwilling to annoy my readers by writing the same thing twice, I shall handle this passage with greater brevity 354 The Evangelists relate that John was seized, because he had openly condemned Herod for carrying off Herodias, and for his incestuous marriage with her. Josephus assigns a different reason, namely, that Herod, dreading on his own account a change of affairs, regarded John with suspicion, (Ant. 18. 5:2;) and it is possible that this may have been the pretext on which the tyrant excused his crime, or that such a report may have been in circulation; for it frequently happens that various motives are assigned for unjust violence and cruelty. The true state of the fact, however, is pointed out by the Evangelists: Herod was offended at the holy man, because he had been reproved by him.

Josephus is mistaken in supposing that Herodias was carried off, not from his brother Philip, but from Herod, King of Chalcis, his uncle, (Ant. 18:5:4.) For not only was the crime still recent when the Evangelists wrote, but it was committed before the eyes of all. What is elsewhere stated by Josephus, (Ant. 18:4:6,) that Philip was a person of amiable dispositions, emboldened Herod, I have no doubt, to expect that an outrage committed on a mild, gentle, and peaceable man, would pass with impunity. Another probable conjecture may be mentioned. There is greater reason to suppose that Herodias was married to her uncle Philip than to her grand-uncle, her grandfather’s brother, who must have been at that time in the decrepitude of old age. Now Herod Antipas (who is here mentioned) and Philip were not brothers by the same mother; for Herod was the son of Marthaca, third wife of Herod the Great, and Philip was the son of Cleopatra. 355

To return to the Evangelists, they tell us that John was thrown into prison, because he had reproved Herod’s crime with greater freedom than the ferocity of the tyrant would endure. The atrocious character of the deed was in itself sufficiently detestable and infamous; for not only did he keep in his own house another man’s wife, whom he had torn away from lawful wedlock, but the person on whom he had committed this outrage was his own brother. When, in addition to this, he is freely reproved by John, Herod has some reason to fear that sedition will suddenly break out. His lust did not allow him to correct his fault; but having imprisoned the prophet of God, he promises to himself repose and liberty. 356

Ignorance of history has led many persons into a fruitless debate; “Have I a right to marry the woman who was formerly married to my brother?” Though the modesty of nature recoils from such a marriage, 357 yet John condemns the rape still more than the incest; for it was by violence or by stratagem 358 that Herod had deprived his brother of his lawful wife: and otherwise it would have been less lawful for him to marry his niece than to marry his brother’s widow. There cannot be a doubt, that a crime so flagrant was universally blamed. But others loaded Herod with their curses in his absence. John alone comes into his presence, and reproves him boldly to his face, if by any means he may be brought to repentance. Hence we learn with what unshaken fortitude the servants of God ought to be armed when they have to do with princes; for in almost every court hypocrisy and servile flattery are prevalent; and the ears of princes, having been accustomed to this smooth language, do not tolerate any voice which reproves their vices with any severity. But as a prophet of God ought not to overlook so shocking a crime, John steps forward, though a disagreeable and unwelcome adviser, and, rather than fail in his duty, scruples not to incur the frown of the tyrant, even though he knew Herod to be so strongly held by the snares of the prostitute, that he could scarcely be moved from his purpose.

TSK: Mat 14:3 - -- Herod : Mat 4:12; Mar 6:17; Luk 3:19, Luk 3:20; Joh 3:23, Joh 3:24 Herodias’ : This infamous woman was the daughter of Aristobulus and Bernice, ...

Herod : Mat 4:12; Mar 6:17; Luk 3:19, Luk 3:20; Joh 3:23, Joh 3:24

Herodias’ : This infamous woman was the daughter of Aristobulus and Bernice, and granddaughter of Herod the Great.

his : Luk 13:1

Philip’ s : Herod Philip, son of Herod the Great and Mariamne.

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Commentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per Verse)

Barnes: Mat 14:3-5 - -- For Herod had laid hold on John ... - See Mar 6:17-20; Luk 3:19-20. This Herodias was a granddaughter of Herod the Great. She was first married...

For Herod had laid hold on John ... - See Mar 6:17-20; Luk 3:19-20. This Herodias was a granddaughter of Herod the Great. She was first married to Herod Philip, by whom she had a daughter, Salome, probably the one that danced and pleased Herod. Josephus says that this marriage of Herod Antipas with Herodias took place while he was on a journey to Rome. He stopped at his brother’ s; fell in love with his wife; agreed to put away his own wife, the daughter of Aretas, King of Petraea; and Herodias agreed to leave her own husband and live with him. They were living, therefore, in adultery; and John, in faithfulness, though at the risk of his life, had reproved them for their crimes. Herod was guilty of two crimes in this act:

1.    Of "adultery,"since she was the wife of another man.

2.    Of "incest,"since she was a near relation, and such marriages were expressly forbidden, Lev 18:16.

Poole: Mat 14:3 - -- Mark saith, Mar 6:17 , for he had married her Whether this Philip was Herod’ s brother both by father and mother, is argued by some, as also w...

Mark saith, Mar 6:17 , for he had married her Whether this Philip was Herod’ s brother both by father and mother, is argued by some, as also whether he married her during the life of his brother: the Scripture satisfieth us not in these things, but it is most probable that Philip was his own brother, and that he at least lived in adultery with her during the life of her husband, contrary to the express law of God, Lev 18:16 .

Haydock: Mat 14:3 - -- Because of Herodias, his brother's wife. In the common Greek copies we read, his brother Philip's wife, as it is in the Latin in St. Mark, vi. 17. (...

Because of Herodias, his brother's wife. In the common Greek copies we read, his brother Philip's wife, as it is in the Latin in St. Mark, vi. 17. (Witham) ---

He is a different person from Philip the tetrarch, mentioned in St. Luke. iii. 1. (Bible de Vence)

Gill: Mat 14:3 - -- For Herod had laid hold on John,.... By his servants, whom he sent to apprehend him: and bound him; laid him in chains, as if he was a malefactor; ...

For Herod had laid hold on John,.... By his servants, whom he sent to apprehend him:

and bound him; laid him in chains, as if he was a malefactor;

and put him in prison, in the castle of Machaerus d,

for Herodias's sake; who was angry with him, had a bitter quarrel against him, and by whose instigation all this was done; who was

his brother Philip's wife. This Herodias was the daughter of Aristobulus, son to Herod the Great e, and brother to Philip, and to this Herod; so that she was niece to them both; and first married the one, and then the other, whilst the former was living. Philip and this Herod were both sons of Herod the Great, but not by the same woman; Philip was born of Cleopatra of Jerusalem, and Herod Antipas of Malthace, a Samaritan f; so that Philip was his brother by his father's side, but not by his mother's; the Evangelist Mark adds, "for he had married her": the case was this, Herod being sent for to Rome, called at his brother Philip's by the way, where he fell into an amorous intrigue with his wife, and agreed, upon his return, to take her with him and marry her; as he accordingly did, and divorced his own wife, who was daughter of Aretas, king of Arabia Petraea; which occasioned a war between Herod and his wife's father, in which the former was beaten g,

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Commentary -- Verse Notes / Footnotes

NET Notes: Mat 14:3 ‡ Most witnesses (א2 C D L W Z Θ 0106 Ë1,13 33 Ï lat) read αὐτόν (auton, “him”) here ...

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Commentary -- Verse Range Notes

TSK Synopsis: Mat 14:1-36 - --1 Herod's opinion of Christ.3 Wherefore John Baptist was beheaded.13 Jesus departs into a desert place,15 where he feeds five thousand men with five l...

Maclaren: Mat 14:1-12 - --The Martyrdom Of John At that time Herod the tetrurch heard of the fame of Jesus, 2. And said unto his servants, This is John the Baptist; he is rise...

MHCC: Mat 14:1-12 - --The terror and reproach of conscience, which Herod, like other daring offenders, could not shake off, are proofs and warnings of a future judgment, an...

Matthew Henry: Mat 14:1-12 - -- We have here the story of John's martyrdom. Observe, I. The occasion of relating this story here, Mat 14:1, Mat 14:2. Here is, 1. The account brough...

Barclay: Mat 14:1-13 - --In this tragic drama of the death of John the Baptist, the dramatis personas stand clearly delineated and vividly displayed. (i) There is John himsel...

Barclay: Mat 14:1-13 - --(iv) There is Herod himself. He is called the tetrarch. Tetrarch literally means the ruler of a fourth part; but it came to be used quite generally...

Constable: Mat 13:54--19:3 - --V. The reactions of the King 13:54--19:2 Matthew recorded increasing polarization in this section. Jesus expande...

Constable: Mat 13:54--14:13 - --1. The opposition of the Nazarenes and Romans 13:54-14:12 The theme of opposition continues from...

Constable: Mat 14:1-12 - --The opposition of Herod and his friends 14:1-12 (cf. Mark 6:14-29; Luke 9:7-9) 14:1-2 "At that time" is again a loose connective not intended to commu...

College: Mat 14:1-36 - --MATTHEW 14 N. THE DEATH OF JOHN THE BAPTIST (14:1-12) The themes of misunderstanding and rejection dominating 11:2-14:12 now reach their climactic c...

McGarvey: Mat 14:1-12 - -- LXII. HEROD ANTIPAS SUPPOSES JESUS TO BE JOHN. aMATT. XIV. 1-12; bMARK VI. 14-29; cLUKE IX. 7-9.    b14 And  c7 Now  a1 At ...

Lapide: Mat 14:1-36 - --CHAPTER 14 The first eleven verses of this chapter relate to the decollation of John the Baptist, of which I have spoken at length on the sixth chapt...

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Introduction / Outline

Robertson: Matthew (Book Introduction) THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW By Way of Introduction The passing years do not make it any plainer who actually wrote our Greek Matthew. Papias r...

JFB: Matthew (Book Introduction) THE author of this Gospel was a publican or tax gatherer, residing at Capernaum, on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee. As to his identity with t...

JFB: Matthew (Outline) GENEALOGY OF CHRIST. ( = Luke 3:23-38). (Mat. 1:1-17) BIRTH OF CHRIST. (Mat 1:18-25) VISIT OF THE MAGI TO JERUSALEM AND BETHLEHEM. (Mat 2:1-12) THE F...

TSK: Matthew (Book Introduction) Matthew, being one of the twelve apostles, and early called to the apostleship, and from the time of his call a constant attendant on our Saviour, was...

TSK: Matthew 14 (Chapter Introduction) Overview Mat 14:1, Herod’s opinion of Christ; Mat 14:3, Wherefore John Baptist was beheaded; Mat 14:13, Jesus departs into a desert place, Mat 1...

Poole: Matthew 14 (Chapter Introduction) CHAPTER 14

MHCC: Matthew (Book Introduction) Matthew, surnamed Levi, before his conversion was a publican, or tax-gatherer under the Romans at Capernaum. He is generally allowed to have written h...

MHCC: Matthew 14 (Chapter Introduction) (Mat 14:1-12) Death of John the Baptist. (Mat 14:13-21) Five thousand people miraculously fed. (Mat 14:22-33) Jesus walks upon the sea. (Mat 14:34-...

Matthew Henry: Matthew (Book Introduction) An Exposition, with Practical Observations, of The Gospel According to St. Matthew We have now before us, I. The New Testament of our Lord and Savior...

Matthew Henry: Matthew 14 (Chapter Introduction) John the Baptist had said concerning Christ, He must increase, but I must decrease, Joh 3:30. The morning-star is here disappearing, and the Sun of...

Barclay: Matthew (Book Introduction) INTRODUCTION TO THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO SAINT MATTHEW The Synoptic Gospels Matthew, Mark and Luke are usually known as the Synoptic Gospels. Synopt...

Barclay: Matthew 14 (Chapter Introduction) The Tragic Drama Of John The Baptist (Mat_14:1-12) The Fall Of Herod (Mat_14:1-12 Continued) Compassion And Power (Mat_14:13-21) The Place Of The...

Constable: Matthew (Book Introduction) Introduction The Synoptic Problem The synoptic problem is intrinsic to all study of th...

Constable: Matthew (Outline) Outline I. The introduction of the King 1:1-4:11 A. The King's genealogy 1:1-17 ...

Constable: Matthew Matthew Bibliography Abbott-Smith, G. A. A Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament. Edinburgh: T. & T. Cl...

Haydock: Matthew (Book Introduction) THE HOLY GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST, ACCORDING TO ST. MATTHEW INTRODUCTION. THIS and other titles, with the names of those that wrote the Gospels,...

Gill: Matthew (Book Introduction) INTRODUCTION TO MATTHEW The subject of this book, and indeed of all the writings of the New Testament, is the Gospel. The Greek word ευαγγελ...

College: Matthew (Book Introduction) INTRODUCTION HISTORY OF INTERPRETATION It may surprise the modern reader to realize that for the first two centuries of the Christian era, Matthew's...

College: Matthew (Outline) OUTLINE I. ESTABLISHING THE IDENTITY AND ROLE OF JESUS THE CHRIST - Matt 1:1-4:16 A. Genealogy of Jesus - 1:1-17 B. The Annunciation to Joseph...

Lapide: Matthew (Book Introduction) PREFACE. —————— IN presenting to the reader the Second Volume [Matt X to XXI] of this Translation of the great work of Cornelius à Lapi...

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