Matthew 14:5

And when he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet.

Matthew 14:5 (KJV)

Context

Matthew 14:5 belongs to the larger narrative of John the Baptist’s imprisonment and execution (Matthew 14:1-12). Herod Antipas, the ruler of Galilee and Perea, had arrested John because John publicly rebuked Herod for his unlawful marriage to Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife (Matthew 14:3-4). Herod wanted to kill John, provoked by that reproof and stirred up by Herodias, who held a grudge against him. Yet this verse shows that Herod held back because he feared the multitude, who regarded John as a prophet.

Meaning

The verse reveals Herod’s inner conflict: he desired John’s death, but he also feared the people’s reaction. The multitudes counted John as a prophet, and Herod recognised the influence John had over them. His fear was not a righteous fear of God but a political calculation, rooted in concern for his own reputation and stability. This fear restrained him from carrying out his murderous intent at that time.

Herod’s hesitation also highlights the people’s high regard for John. John’s ministry of preaching repentance and baptising in the Jordan River had drawn considerable attention, and the people saw him as a spiritual leader. Their respect for John made Herod cautious, even though his wife wanted John dead.

Biblical connections

The parallel account in Mark 6:20 notes that Herod himself feared John, knowing he was a just and holy man, and heard him gladly. The crowd’s view of John as a prophet is consistent with Jesus’ later teaching that John was indeed a prophet, and more than a prophet (Matthew 11:9). These connections reinforce the significance of John’s prophetic role and the weight of popular opinion in Herod’s decision-making.

Application

John’s situation demonstrates the cost of standing for righteousness. He boldly confronted sin, even when it meant opposing a powerful ruler, and he eventually lost his life because he remained faithful to God’s truth (Matthew 14:6-10). Believers are called to uphold righteousness even when it leads to opposition or personal cost.

Herod’s fear of the people illustrates the danger of placing human approval above the fear of God. When we prioritise the opinions of others over God’s commands, we compromise our faith and hinder courageous action. We should seek to please God rather than men, trusting in His providence and protection.

John’s reputation as a prophet also highlights the faithfulness of God’s messengers. Despite opposition, prophets like John proclaimed God’s Word and confronted sin. Their example challenges us to remain steadfast in sharing God’s truth, even in the face of persecution.

Reflection

Matthew 14:5 presents a snapshot of Herod’s fear of the people and their perception of John as a prophet. It reminds us of the cost of standing for righteousness, the danger of fearing man over God, and the faithfulness of God’s messengers throughout history.