Matthew Chapter 14 · Verse 1
At that time Herod the tetrarch heard of the fame of Jesus,
Original Language Analysis
ἐκείνῳ
that
G1565
ἐκείνῳ
that
Strong's:
G1565
Word #:
2 of 11
that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τετράρχης
the tetrarch
G5076
τετράρχης
the tetrarch
Strong's:
G5076
Word #:
8 of 11
the ruler of a fourth part of a country ("tetrarch")
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Luke 3:1Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judaea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of Ituraea and of the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias the tetrarch of Abilene,Acts 4:27For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together,Mark 8:15And he charged them, saying, Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, and of the leaven of Herod.Luke 23:15No, nor yet Herod: for I sent you to him; and, lo, nothing worthy of death is done unto him.
Historical Context
Herod Antipas (son of Herod the Great) ruled Galilee and Perea (4 BC - AD 39). He built Tiberias as capital and divorced his first wife to marry Herodias (his brother Philip's wife), provoking John's condemnation. Herod imprisoned and executed John (14:3-10), creating paranoid guilt. When hearing of Jesus, Herod feared John had risen (14:2). Later Herod desired to see Jesus (Luke 9:9, 23:8), combining curiosity and fear. Jesus called him 'that fox' (Luke 13:32). Early church saw Herod as exemplifying how political power often opposes divine truth.
Questions for Reflection
- How do political authorities typically respond to prophetic truth?
- What does Herod's fearful superstition reveal about guilt's psychological power?
- How should Christians engage political power while maintaining prophetic witness?
Analysis & Commentary
Herod Antipas hears of Jesus: 'At that time Herod the tetrarch heard of the fame of Jesus' (εν εκεινω τω καιρω ηκουσεν Ηρωδης ο τετρααρχης την ακοην Ιησου). 'Tetrarch' (τετρααρχης) means 'ruler of a fourth,' indicating Herod Antipas ruled quarter of his father's former kingdom (Galilee and Perea). 'Fame' (ακοην, report/hearing) indicates Jesus' growing reputation reached political authorities. This sets up John the Baptist's martyrdom account (14:3-12), explaining Herod's guilty conscience. Political power becomes aware of spiritual movement—sometimes with deadly consequences. Jesus' ministry couldn't remain obscure; truth inevitably confronts power. Herod's response—fearful superstition—contrasts with wise men's earlier worship (2:1-12). Power often fears prophetic truth.