And his disciples came, and took up the body, and buried it, and went and told Jesus.

MATTHEW 14:12KJV
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Matthew 14:12 (KJV)

What does Matthew 14:12 mean?

Matthew 14:12 describes how the disciples of John the Baptist came, took up his body after his execution, buried it, and then went to inform Jesus about what had happened. This verse shows the immediate actions taken by John’s followers after his death.

The verse is set right after the account of John the Baptist’s beheading by Herod. John’s disciples, who had followed and learned from him, respectfully cared for his body and made sure Jesus was told about John’s fate. This moment highlights the loyalty of John’s followers and sets the stage for Jesus’ response to the news.

The Greek behind Matthew 14:12

  • μαθηταί (mathētai, "disciples"): This word refers to committed followers or students, emphasizing the close relationship John had with those who learned from him.
  • ἐλθόντες (elthontes, "came"): The Greek here indicates a deliberate approach, showing the disciples’ purposeful action in retrieving John's body.
  • ἀνέλαβον (anelabon, "took up"): This verb often means to take up or carry away, suggesting an act of care and respect in handling John’s remains.
  • ἀπήγγειλαν (apēngeilan, "told"): This word carries the sense of reporting or announcing important news, underlining the significance of the message they brought to Jesus.

Why Matthew 14:12 matters

  • Matthew 14:12 clarifies that John the Baptist’s followers did not abandon him but honored him even after death, which speaks to their devotion and the respect he commanded.
  • The verse connects John’s ministry to Jesus by showing that news of John’s death was brought directly to Jesus, marking a transition point in the narrative.
  • This detail helps readers understand the emotional and historical context for what follows in the Gospel, especially Jesus’ actions and responses after hearing about John’s death.

Where else these words appear

“buried” Greek G2290 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 8:21 And another of his disciples said unto him, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.
  • Luke 9:60 Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.
  • Acts 5:6 And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him.

“told” Greek G518 · used in 44 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.
  • Luke 8:34 When they that fed them saw what was done, they fled, and went and told it in the city and in the country.
  • Acts 12:14 And when she knew Peter's voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate.

“came” Greek G4334 · used in 85 verses

  • Matthew 4:3 And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.
  • Matthew 21:23 And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came unto him as he was teaching, and said, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority?
  • Luke 9:12 And when the day began to wear away, then came the twelve, and said unto him, Send the multitude away, that they may go into the towns and country round about, and lodge, and get victuals: for we are here in a desert place.

“up” Greek G142 · used in 98 verses

  • Matthew 4:6 And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.
  • Mark 8:34 And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
  • John 5:10 The Jews therefore said unto him that was cured, It is the sabbath day: it is not lawful for thee to carry thy bed.