New Testament
Matthew 14:11
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
His head was brought in on a platter and given to the girl, and she carried it to her mother.
Compare translations
And his head was brought in a charger, and given to the damsel: and she brought it to her mother.
What Matthew 14:11 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see the tragic end of John the Baptist, who was beheaded on the orders of King Herod. The gruesome act of presenting his head on a platter symbolizes the extreme consequences of Herod's rash promise made during a banquet. The girl, likely Salome, is the one who delivers the head to her mother, Herodias, who had long desired John's death due to his condemnation of her marriage to Herod. This moment highlights the themes of manipulation, revenge, and the consequences of unchecked power. It serves as a stark reminder of how personal vendettas can lead to devastating outcomes, affecting not just the individuals involved but also the broader community. The act of delivering the head signifies the culmination of Herodias's plotting and the tragic fate of a righteous man who stood for truth. This event is a pivotal moment in the narrative, illustrating the dangers of moral compromise and the impact of evil intentions.
How to apply Matthew 14:11 to your life
This verse challenges us to reflect on the consequences of our actions and the motivations behind them. It encourages us to stand firm in our beliefs and to be wary of the influence of others, especially when it comes to making moral decisions. We should strive to act with integrity and seek justice rather than revenge.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from John the Baptist's story: The Death of John (Matthew 14:6–12)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
John the Baptist
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Nazareth
The small town in Galilee where Jesus grew up.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Matthew 14:11
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Matthew 14:11
Related Bible verses
At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 14:11 mean?
Matthew 14:11 describes the moment when John the Baptist's head is presented on a platter to a girl, symbolizing the tragic outcome of King Herod's impulsive decision. This act highlights the consequences of manipulation and revenge, particularly by Herodias, who sought John's death.
What is the significance of the platter in Matthew 14:11?
The platter in Matthew 14:11 symbolizes the gruesome nature of John the Baptist's execution and the extreme lengths to which Herodias went to fulfill her desire for revenge. It serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of unchecked ambition and moral compromise.
Who is the girl mentioned in Matthew 14:11?
The girl mentioned in Matthew 14:11 is traditionally identified as Salome, the daughter of Herodias. She plays a crucial role in delivering John's head to her mother, illustrating the manipulation at play in the narrative.
What themes are present in Matthew 14:11?
Matthew 14:11 encompasses themes of betrayal, revenge, power, and the consequences of sin. It reflects how personal vendettas can lead to tragic outcomes and the impact of moral failures on individuals and society.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.