New Testament
Matthew 14:4
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
For John said to him, "It is not lawful for you to have her."
Compare translations
For John said unto him, It is not lawful for thee to have her.
What Matthew 14:4 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, John the Baptist confronts King Herod about his unlawful marriage to Herodias, his brother's wife. John boldly declares that such a union is against God's law. This moment highlights John's role as a prophet who speaks truth to power, regardless of the consequences. His commitment to righteousness and moral integrity serves as a powerful example for believers. The confrontation ultimately leads to John's imprisonment and execution, illustrating the risks involved in standing up for what is right. This verse emphasizes the importance of adhering to God's commandments and the courage required to speak out against wrongdoing, even when it may lead to personal sacrifice. John's unwavering stance against Herod's actions reflects the broader biblical theme of justice and accountability, reminding us that moral truths must be upheld, even in the face of opposition.
How to apply Matthew 14:4 to your life
This verse encourages us to stand firm in our beliefs and speak out against injustice, even when it is uncomfortable. We should strive to uphold moral values in our lives and be willing to confront wrongdoing, just as John the Baptist did, trusting that God supports those who seek to do what is right.
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: John Is Put in Prison (Matthew 14:3–5)
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 14:4
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 14:4
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 14:4 mean?
Matthew 14:4 captures John the Baptist's condemnation of King Herod's marriage to Herodias, his brother's wife. John asserts that this union is unlawful according to God's standards, showcasing his role as a prophet who speaks truth to power.
What is the significance of John the Baptist in Matthew 14:4?
In this verse, John the Baptist exemplifies moral courage by confronting King Herod about his wrongful actions. His willingness to speak out against injustice, despite the personal risks, highlights the importance of standing up for righteousness.
How does Matthew 14:4 relate to justice?
Matthew 14:4 illustrates the pursuit of justice through John's bold confrontation of Herod's unlawful marriage. It serves as a reminder that speaking out against injustice is essential, even when it leads to personal sacrifice.
What lesson can we learn from Matthew 14:4?
From Matthew 14:4, we learn the importance of upholding moral values and having the courage to confront wrongdoing. John's example encourages believers to stand firm in their convictions and advocate for justice.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.