Matthew 14:8 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Prompted by her mother, she said, "Give me the head of John the Baptist here on a platter."

NIV: Prompted by her mother, she said, "Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist."

NASB: And after being prompted by her mother, she *said, 'Give me the head of John the Baptist here on a platter.'

CSB: Prompted by her mother, she answered, "Give me John the Baptist’s head here on a platter."

NLT: At her mother’s urging, the girl said, 'I want the head of John the Baptist on a tray!'

KJV: And she, being before instructed of her mother, said, Give me here John Baptist's head in a charger.

NKJV: So she, having been prompted by her mother, said, “Give me John the Baptist’s head here on a platter.”

Herodias had reason to hate John the Baptist. John had publicly called out Herod Antipas as a lawbreaker for marrying her, since Herodias had previously been married to Herod's brother Philip. That criticism called her morals into question, as well, so it's not surprising she took John's declarations personally. Probably at her direct request, Herod has already arrested and imprisoned John inside his fortress (Mark 6:17). He would not go so far as to kill John the Baptist, however, because of his duty to keep the peace in his part of Israel. Many people in Israel believed John was a prophet sent from God.

Now, though, Herodias seizes an opportunity to have her ultimate revenge against John for declaring her sin to the world. Herod has made an impulsive and likely drunken promise to Herodias' daughter. This is her child by Antipas' brother, her former husband. Herod was so pleased with the girl's birthday dance for him and his guests that he has promised to give her anything she asks.

Herodias tells the girl exactly what to ask Herod for: the head of John the Baptist on a platter. She puts the gruesome request in the mouth of the girl, forcing Herod to either dishonor himself before his guests or have John executed and risk the disfavor of the people.

Matthew 14:1–12 describes how Herod the tetrarch, ruler over Galilee, has heard of Jesus' fame and power. He believes Jesus is a resurrected John the Baptist. Matthew then explains that Herod had arrested John the Baptist. His "crime" was publicly condemning Herod's marriage to his own brother's wife. Later, Herod was manipulated into a promise by his wife's daughter, after she danced for him and his guests. On behalf of her mother, she asked for John the Baptist's head on a platter (Mark 6:14–29). Herod agreed and had John executed immediately. John's disciples came and buried him, then went and told Jesus the news of his death.

Matthew 14 begins with a backstory about the arrest and execution of John the Baptist by Herod the tetrarch, the Jewish ruler of the region. Jesus and the disciples take a boat to a desolate place only to find crowds waiting. Jesus heals many and then feeds as many as twenty thousand people with five loaves and two fish. Later, the disciples row against a strong wind until Jesus walks on the water to meet them and calm the wind. Peter walks on water briefly and then doubts and begins to sink. The disciples worship Jesus. On the other side of the lake, Jesus continues to heal the sick.

Matthew 13 included more of Jesus' parables and an unfortunate incident where His own hometown rejected His ministry. Chapter 14 begins with news that Herod the tetrarch—the man who killed John the Baptist—is aware of Jesus' fame and power. Jesus and the disciples intend to withdraw to somewhere desolate, but a crowd is waiting for them. Jesus heals people, miraculously feeds thousands, and walks on water. When they reach the other side, Jesus heals more people. Chapter 15 sees Jesus once again debating with His critics and performing more healings.

The Gospel of Matthew clearly shows the influence of its writer's background, and his effort to reach a specific audience. Matthew was one of Jesus' twelve disciples, a Jewish man, and a former tax collector. This profession would have required literacy, and Matthew may have transcribed some of Jesus' words as they were spoken. This book is filled with references to the Old Testament, demonstrating to Israel that Jesus is the Promised One. Matthew also includes many references to coins, likely due to his former profession. Matthew records extensive accounts of Jesus' teaching, more than the other three Gospels.