New Testament
Matthew 14:12
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
John's disciples came, took his body, buried it, and then went and told Jesus.
Compare translations
And his disciples came, and took up the body, and buried it, and went and told Jesus.
What Matthew 14:12 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see the aftermath of John the Baptist's execution. His disciples, deeply saddened by his death, take his body and give him a proper burial. This act shows their respect and love for John, who had been a significant spiritual leader. After burying him, they go to inform Jesus about what has happened. This indicates their connection to Jesus, as they seek to share the news of John's death with Him. The act of burying John also highlights the importance of honoring the dead in Jewish culture. It reflects the grief and loss felt by those who followed John, as well as the impact of his ministry on the people. This moment sets the stage for Jesus' response to John's death and the continuation of His own ministry, emphasizing the themes of loss, respect for life, and the interconnectedness of their missions.
How to apply Matthew 14:12 to your life
This verse encourages us to honor those who have passed away and to support one another in times of grief. It reminds us of the importance of community and sharing our burdens with others, especially during difficult times. We can also reflect on how we can continue the legacy of those who have influenced our lives.
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 14:12
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 14:12
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
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 14:12 mean?
Matthew 14:12 describes the actions of John the Baptist's disciples after his execution. They take his body for burial, showing their respect and grief, and then they inform Jesus about John's death, highlighting their connection to Him.
What is the significance of burying John in Matthew 14:12?
Burying John the Baptist signifies the respect and honor given to him as a spiritual leader. In Jewish culture, proper burial is important, reflecting the disciples' grief and their commitment to honoring John's legacy.
How does Matthew 14:12 relate to grief?
Matthew 14:12 illustrates the deep grief of John the Baptist's disciples as they mourn his death. Their actions reflect the importance of community support during times of loss and the need to honor those who have passed.
What themes are present in Matthew 14:12?
Key themes in Matthew 14:12 include grief, respect for the dead, the bond between Jesus and His followers, and the impact of John the Baptist's ministry. These themes highlight the emotional and spiritual connections among the characters.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.