Matthew 14:9 Meaning and Explanation
“And the king was sorry: nevertheless for the oath's sake, and them which sat with him at meat, he commanded it to be given her.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Though grieved, Herod yields to his oath and his guests and orders the execution.
What Does Matthew 14:9 Mean?
Herod is genuinely sorry, yet sorrow does not stop him. For the sake of the oath he had sworn and the guests who had heard it, he gives the order. He prizes his reputation before his dinner companions above the life of an innocent man and the warning of his own conscience.
Regret without repentance saves no one. Herod's grief proves he knew the deed was wrong, and still he chose his pride over righteousness. To keep a foolish vow at the cost of justice is to compound one sin with another. The fear of looking weak before others has led many to do what they knew they should never do.
Frequently Asked Questions About Matthew 14:9
What does Matthew 14:9 mean?
Though grieved, Herod yields to his oath and his guests and orders the execution.