And he sent, and beheaded John in the prison.

MATTHEW 14:10KJV
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Matthew 14:10 (KJV)

What does Matthew 14:10 mean?

Matthew 14:10 describes how Herod, following through on a promise, ordered that John the Baptist be executed by beheading while John was being held in prison. This verse records the moment when Herod’s command was carried out, leading to John’s death.

The scene takes place in the context of Herod’s birthday celebration, where Herod had made a rash vow to the daughter of Herodias. After she requested John’s head at her mother’s urging, Herod gave the order. The verse is a brief but direct statement of the fulfillment of that order, marking a turning point in the narrative and showing the consequences of Herod’s actions.

The Greek behind Matthew 14:10

  • ἀπεκεφάλισεν (apekephalisen, “beheaded”): This Greek word specifically means to remove the head, emphasizing the violent and final nature of John’s execution. The use of this term underlines the seriousness of Herod’s command and the fate of John.
  • ἐν τῇ φυλακῇ (en tē phylakē, “in the prison”): The Greek phrase makes clear that John was not executed publicly, but rather while still confined, highlighting both the secrecy and the control Herod maintained over the situation.

Why Matthew 14:10 matters

  • Matthew 14:10 clarifies that John’s death was not an accident or a result of mob violence, but a deliberate act ordered by a ruler, showing the power dynamics at play.
  • The verse connects to the larger story of John the Baptist’s role as a prophet and forerunner, and how his death foreshadows the opposition Jesus himself will face.
  • Understanding the setting and the method of execution helps explain the gravity of the event and the emotional impact it would have had on Jesus’ followers and early readers.

Where else these words appear

“beheaded” Greek G607 · used in 4 verses

  • Mark 6:16 But when Herod heard thereof, he said, It is John, whom I beheaded: he is risen from the dead.
  • Mark 6:27 And immediately the king sent an executioner, and commanded his head to be brought: and he went and beheaded him in the prison,
  • Luke 9:9 And Herod said, John have I beheaded: but who is this, of whom I hear such things? And he desired to see him.

“prison” Greek G5438 · used in 45 verses

  • Matthew 5:25 Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.
  • Luke 12:38 And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants.
  • Acts 12:17 But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place.

“sent” Greek G3992 · used in 80 verses

  • Matthew 2:8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
  • John 7:18 He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.
  • Acts 19:31 And certain of the chief of Asia, which were his friends, sent unto him, desiring him that he would not adventure himself into the theatre.

“John” Greek G2491 · used in 130 verses

  • Matthew 3:1 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,
  • Mark 9:38 And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us.
  • John 1:32 And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him.