Herod's guilt-driven belief that Jesus is John the Baptist "risen from the dead" reveals how the tyrant's conscience transforms every miracle into a haunting reminder of his own murderous cowardice.
Matthew 14
The Death of John the Baptist
1At that time, Herod the tetrarch heard the report concerning Jesus,
2and said to his servants, “This is John the Baptizer. He is risen from the dead. That is why these powers work in him.”
3For Herod had arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife.
4For John said to him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.”
5When he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet.
6But when Herod’s birthday came, the daughter of Herodias danced among them and pleased Herod.
7Therefore he promised with an oath to give her whatever she should ask.
8She, being prompted by her mother, said, “Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptizer.”
9The king was grieved, but for the sake of his oaths and of those who sat at the table with him, he commanded it to be given,
10and he sent and beheaded John in the prison.
11His head was brought on a platter and given to the young lady; and she brought it to her mother.
12His disciples came, took the body, and buried it. Then they went and told Jesus.
Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand
13Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a deserted place apart. When the multitudes heard it, they followed him on foot from the cities.
14Jesus went out, and he saw a great multitude. He had compassion on them and healed their sick.
15When evening had come, his disciples came to him, saying, “This place is deserted, and the hour is already late. Send the multitudes away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves food.”
16But Jesus said to them, “They don’t need to go away. You give them something to eat.”
17They told him, “We only have here five loaves and two fish.”
18He said, “Bring them here to me.”
19He commanded the multitudes to sit down on the grass; and he took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, broke and gave the loaves to the disciples; and the disciples gave to the multitudes.
20They all ate and were filled. They took up twelve baskets full of that which remained left over from the broken pieces.
21Those who ate were about five thousand men, in addition to women and children.
Jesus Walks on Water
22Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead of him to the other side, while he sent the multitudes away.
23After he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into the mountain by himself to pray. When evening had come, he was there alone.
24But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, distressed by the waves, for the wind was contrary.
25In the fourth watch of the night, Jesus came to them, walking on the sea.
26When the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, “It’s a ghost!” and they cried out for fear.
27But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Cheer up! It is I! Don’t be afraid.”
28Peter answered him and said, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the waters.”
29He said, “Come!” Peter stepped down from the boat and walked on the waters to come to Jesus.
30But when he saw that the wind was strong, he was afraid, and beginning to sink, he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!”
31Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand, took hold of him, and said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?”
32When they got up into the boat, the wind ceased.
33Those who were in the boat came and worshiped him, saying, “You are truly the Son of God!”
Jesus Heals the Sick in Gennesaret
34When they had crossed over, they came to the land of Gennesaret.
35When the people of that place recognized him, they sent into all that surrounding region and brought to him all who were sick;
36and they begged him that they might just touch the fringe of his garment. As many as touched it were made whole.
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Theme
Matthew 14 presents a stark contrast between earthly power and divine authority through four interconnected episodes. The chapter opens with Herod's execution of John the Baptist, demonstrating the cost of prophetic courage, then transitions to Jesus's miraculous feeding of five thousand people, showing God's abundant provision. Jesus subsequently walks on water and enables Peter to do the same, revealing his divine nature and the power of faith, before concluding with widespread healing ministry in Gennesaret.
Context
This chapter follows Jesus's rejection in Nazareth (chapter 13) and precedes his confrontation with religious leaders about tradition (chapter 15), showing the growing tension between Jesus's ministry and established authorities.
Key Themes
Outline
- 1-2 Herod's Fear of Jesus Herod mistakenly believes Jesus is John the Baptist risen from the dead due to his miraculous powers.
- 3-12 The Execution of John the Baptist A flashback recounts how Herod reluctantly beheaded John after his stepdaughter's dance and request.
- 13-21 Feeding the Five Thousand Jesus compassionately feeds a massive crowd with five loaves and two fish, demonstrating divine provision.
- 22-33 Walking on Water Jesus walks on the sea to reach his disciples, and Peter briefly joins him before doubt causes him to sink.
- 34-36 Healing in Gennesaret Jesus heals all who touch his garment as crowds gather seeking his miraculous power.
The Death of John the Baptist
14:1–14:12 narrative narration mournful
Herod executes John the Baptist after being manipulated by Herodias and her daughter, fulfilling John's martyrdom for speaking truth to power.
person_contrast
Herod's guilt-driven belief that Jesus is John the Baptist "risen from the dead" reveals how the tyrant's conscience transforms every miracle into a haunting reminder of his own murderous cowardice.
Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand
14:13–14:21 narrative narration triumphant
Jesus miraculously feeds five thousand people with five loaves and two fish, demonstrating his divine power and compassion for the multitudes.
person_contrast
Jesus's withdrawal to mourn John the Baptist's death transforms into public ministry when compassion overrides his need for solitude, reversing his typical pattern of seeking crowds.
Jesus Walks on Water
14:22–14:33 narrative narration triumphant
Jesus walks on water to reach his disciples in their boat, Peter briefly walks on water but doubts and begins to sink, leading the disciples to worship Jesus as the Son of God.
person_contrast
Peter's failed water-walking attempt uniquely reverses the typical biblical pattern where doubt precedes divine revelation, as his initial faith enables the miracle before doubt causes his sinking.
Jesus Heals the Sick in Gennesaret
14:34–14:36 narrative narration hopeful
Jesus arrives in Gennesaret where people bring all the sick to him, and everyone who touches his garment is healed.
person_contrast
Unlike most Matthean healing accounts where Jesus initiates contact, here the crowds recognize him first and orchestrate their own mass healing through touching his garment's fringe.
Insights
Jesus's withdrawal to mourn John the Baptist's death transforms into public ministry when compassion overrides his need for solitude, reversing his typical pattern of seeking crowds.
Peter's failed water-walking attempt uniquely reverses the typical biblical pattern where doubt precedes divine revelation, as his initial faith enables the miracle before doubt causes his sinking.
Unlike most Matthean healing accounts where Jesus initiates contact, here the crowds recognize him first and orchestrate their own mass healing through touching his garment's fringe.
Cross-References
Connected passages across Scripture
Matthew 14:1 5 references
Lexicals 5
Luke 9:7 Lexical
Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was done by him; and he was very perplexed, because it was said by some that Jo…
Acts 12:1 Lexical
Now about that time, King Herod stretched out his hands to oppress some of the assembly.
Hebrews 4:2 Lexical
For indeed we have had good news preached to us, even as they also did, but the word they heard didn’t profit them, beca…
Luke 3:19 Lexical
but Herod the tetrarch, being reproved by him for Herodias, his brother’s wife, and for all the evil things which Herod…
Acts 13:1 Lexical
Now in the assembly that was at Antioch there were some prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lu…
Matthew 14:2 3 references
Lexicals 3
Mark 6:14 Lexical
King Herod heard this, for his name had become known, and he said, “John the Baptizer has risen from the dead, and there…
Matthew 11:11 Lexical
Most certainly I tell you, among those who are born of women there has not arisen anyone greater than John the Baptizer;…
Luke 7:22 Lexical
Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John the things which you have seen and heard: that the blind receive their sight, the…
Matthew 14:3 5 references
Lexicals 5
Mark 6:17 Lexical
For Herod himself had sent out and arrested John and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s…
Luke 3:19 Lexical
but Herod the tetrarch, being reproved by him for Herodias, his brother’s wife, and for all the evil things which Herod…
Mark 6:18 Lexical
For John had said to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.”
Acts 12:6 Lexical
The same night when Herod was about to bring him out, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains. Gu…
Luke 3:1 Lexical
Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, and Herod being tetra…
Matthew 14:5 3 references
Lexicals 3
Luke 13:34 Lexical
“Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather you…
Matthew 21:26 Lexical
But if we say, ‘From men,’ we fear the multitude, for all hold John as a prophet.”
Matthew 21:46 Lexical
When they sought to seize him, they feared the multitudes, because they considered him to be a prophet.
Matthew 14:6 3 references
Lexicals 3
Mark 6:22 Lexical
When the daughter of Herodias herself came in and danced, she pleased Herod and those sitting with him. The king said to…
Luke 3:19 Lexical
but Herod the tetrarch, being reproved by him for Herodias, his brother’s wife, and for all the evil things which Herod…
Mark 6:17 Lexical
For Herod himself had sent out and arrested John and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s…
Matthew 14:8 4 references
Lexicals 4
Mark 6:25 Lexical
She came in immediately with haste to the king and requested, “I want you to give me right now the head of John the Bapt…
Mark 6:28 Lexical
and brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the young lady; and the young lady gave it to her mother.
Mark 6:24 Lexical
She went out and said to her mother, “What shall I ask?” She said, “The head of John the Baptizer.”
Ephesians 1:22 Lexical
He put all things in subjection under his feet, and gave him to be head over all things for the assembly,
Matthew 14:9 1 reference
Matthew 14:10 1 reference
Matthew 14:11 2 references
Matthew 14:13 5 references
Lexicals 5
Matthew 12:15 Lexical
Jesus, perceiving that, withdrew from there. Great multitudes followed him; and he healed them all,
Mark 6:32 Lexical
They went away in the boat to a deserted place by themselves.
John 11:54 Lexical
Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews, but departed from there into the country near the wilderness, to a…
Mark 6:31 Lexical
He said to them, “Come away into a deserted place, and rest awhile.” For there were many coming and going, and they had…
Mark 1:45 Lexical
But he went out, and began to proclaim it much, and to spread about the matter, so that Jesus could no more openly enter…
Matthew 14:14 5 references
Lexicals 5
Mark 6:34 Lexical
Jesus came out, saw a great multitude, and he had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd; an…
Mark 6:13 Lexical
They cast out many demons, and anointed many with oil who were sick and healed them.
Matthew 9:36 Lexical
But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion for them because they were harassed and scattered, like she…
Matthew 12:15 Lexical
Jesus, perceiving that, withdrew from there. Great multitudes followed him; and he healed them all,
Luke 5:15 Lexical
But the report concerning him spread much more, and great multitudes came together to hear and to be healed by him of th…
Matthew 14:15 5 references
Lexicals 5
Luke 9:12 Lexical
The day began to wear away; and the twelve came and said to him, “Send the multitude away, that they may go into the sur…
Mark 6:35 Lexical
When it was late in the day, his disciples came to him and said, “This place is deserted, and it is late in the day.
Mark 6:36 Lexical
Send them away, that they may go into the surrounding country and villages and buy themselves bread, for they have nothi…
Matthew 15:32 Lexical
Jesus summoned his disciples and said, “I have compassion on the multitude, because they have continued with me now thre…
Mark 6:32 Lexical
They went away in the boat to a deserted place by themselves.
Matthew 14:16 1 reference
Matthew 14:17 5 references
Lexicals 5
Mark 6:38 Lexical
He said to them, “How many loaves do you have? Go see.” When they knew, they said, “Five, and two fish.”
Luke 9:16 Lexical
He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to the sky, he blessed them, broke them, and gave them to the d…
Mark 6:41 Lexical
He took the five loaves and the two fish; and looking up to heaven, he blessed and broke the loaves, and he gave to his…
Luke 9:13 Lexical
But he said to them, “You give them something to eat.” They said, “We have no more than five loaves and two fish, unless…
John 6:9 Lexical
“There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are these among so many?”
Matthew 14:19 5 references
Lexicals 5
Luke 9:16 Lexical
He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to the sky, he blessed them, broke them, and gave them to the d…
Mark 6:41 Lexical
He took the five loaves and the two fish; and looking up to heaven, he blessed and broke the loaves, and he gave to his…
Mark 8:6 Lexical
He commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground, and he took the seven loaves. Having given thanks, he broke them a…
Luke 9:13 Lexical
But he said to them, “You give them something to eat.” They said, “We have no more than five loaves and two fish, unless…
Mark 14:22 Lexical
As they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had blessed it, he broke it and gave to them, and said, “Take, eat. T…
Matthew 14:20 5 references
Lexicals 5
Luke 9:17 Lexical
They ate and were all filled. They gathered up twelve baskets of broken pieces that were left over.
Matthew 15:37 Lexical
They all ate and were filled. They took up seven baskets full of the broken pieces that were left over.
Mark 8:19 Lexical
When I broke the five loaves among the five thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?” They told…
Mark 8:8 Lexical
They ate and were filled. They took up seven baskets of broken pieces that were left over.
John 6:13 Lexical
So they gathered them up, and filled twelve baskets with broken pieces from the five barley loaves, which were left over…
Matthew 14:21 3 references
Lexicals 3
Matthew 15:38 Lexical
Those who ate were four thousand men, in addition to women and children.
Luke 9:14 Lexical
For they were about five thousand men. He said to his disciples, “Make them sit down in groups of about fifty each.”
1 Corinthians 11:11 Lexical
Nevertheless, neither is the woman independent of the man, nor the man independent of the woman, in the Lord.
Matthew 14:22 5 references
Lexicals 5
Mark 6:45 Lexical
Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat and go ahead to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he himself sent…
Luke 8:22 Lexical
Now on one of those days, he entered into a boat, himself and his disciples, and he said to them, “Let’s go over to the…
Matthew 15:39 Lexical
Then he sent away the multitudes, got into the boat, and came into the borders of Magdala.
Mark 8:10 Lexical
Immediately he entered into the boat with his disciples and came into the region of Dalmanutha.
John 6:17 Lexical
They entered into the boat, and were going over the sea to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not come to them.
Matthew 14:23 5 references
Lexicals 5
Luke 9:28 Lexical
About eight days after these sayings, he took with him Peter, John, and James, and went up onto the mountain to pray.
Matthew 15:29 Lexical
Jesus departed from there and came near to the sea of Galilee; and he went up on the mountain and sat there.
Mark 9:2 Lexical
After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James, and John, and brought them up onto a high mountain privately by themsel…
Matthew 5:1 Lexical
Seeing the multitudes, he went up onto the mountain. When he had sat down, his disciples came to him.
Luke 9:18 Lexical
As he was praying alone, the disciples were near him, and he asked them, “Who do the multitudes say that I am?”
Matthew 14:24 5 references
Lexicals 5
Mark 4:37 Lexical
A big wind storm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so much that the boat was already filled.
Mark 6:48 Lexical
Seeing them distressed in rowing, for the wind was contrary to them, about the fourth watch of the night he came to them…
Matthew 8:24 Lexical
Behold, a violent storm came up on the sea, so much that the boat was covered with the waves; but he was asleep.
James 3:4 Lexical
Behold, the ships also, though they are so big and are driven by fierce winds, are yet guided by a very small rudder, wh…
Acts 27:4 Lexical
Putting to sea from there, we sailed under the lee of Cyprus, because the winds were contrary.
Matthew 14:25 1 reference
Matthew 14:26 2 references
Matthew 14:27 1 reference
Matthew 14:31 2 references
Matthew 14:32 2 references
Matthew 14:34 1 reference
Matthew 14:35 2 references
Matthew 14:36 4 references
Lexicals 4
Mark 6:56 Lexical
Wherever he entered—into villages, or into cities, or into the country—they laid the sick in the marketplaces and begged…
Luke 8:44 Lexical
came behind him and touched the fringe of his cloak. Immediately the flow of her blood stopped.
Matthew 9:20 Lexical
Behold, a woman who had a discharge of blood for twelve years came behind him, and touched the fringe of his garment;
Matthew 9:21 Lexical
for she said within herself, “If I just touch his garment, I will be made well.”
Interlinear
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Lemma
Morphology
Semantic Range
Theological Significance
Translation Notes
Key Passages
Historical Context
Places and events in this chapter
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Timeline
Feeding Of Five Thousand
~30 ADJesus' miraculous multiplication of five loaves and two fish to feed a multitude. This sign demonstrated Jesus' divine power and compassion, prefiguring spiritual nourishment through Christ.
Jesus demonstrates divine power and compassion by miraculously feeding five thousand with minimal provisions.
Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand