New Testament
Matthew 14:7
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
He was so pleased that he swore an oath to give her whatever she asked for.
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Whereupon he promised with an oath to give her whatsoever she would ask.
What Matthew 14:7 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, King Herod is depicted as being very pleased with the dance performed by Herodias' daughter. His delight leads him to make a rash promise, swearing an oath to grant her any request she might have. This moment highlights the impulsive nature of Herod's character, as he is willing to make a significant commitment without considering the consequences. The oath he makes is significant in the context of the story, as it sets the stage for the tragic events that follow. Herod's promise reflects the power dynamics at play, where personal pleasure can lead to dangerous decisions. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of being cautious with our words and promises, especially when emotions are involved. It illustrates how a moment of excitement can lead to commitments that may have serious implications, urging us to think carefully before making promises we might regret later.
How to apply Matthew 14:7 to your life
This verse teaches us to be mindful of our commitments, especially when we are emotionally charged. Before making promises, we should pause and consider the potential outcomes. Thoughtful decision-making can prevent regret and lead to wiser choices in our lives.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
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Illustrated scene from John the Baptist's story: The Death of John (Matthew 14:6–12)
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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.
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Nazareth
The small town in Galilee where Jesus grew up.
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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 14:7 reveal about King Herod's character?
Matthew 14:7 shows King Herod as impulsive and easily swayed by emotions. His rash promise to grant Herodias' daughter any request highlights his lack of foresight and the dangers of making commitments in moments of excitement. This moment illustrates how personal pleasure can cloud judgment and lead to significant consequences.
Why is the oath made by Herod significant in this verse?
The oath made by Herod is significant because it sets off a chain of tragic events in the narrative. By swearing to grant any request, he unwittingly places himself in a position where he must fulfill a dangerous promise, showcasing the weight of words and the potential repercussions of hasty decisions.
How can we apply the lesson from Matthew 14:7 in our lives?
The lesson from Matthew 14:7 encourages us to be cautious with our promises, especially when emotions run high. Before making commitments, it's important to pause and consider the potential outcomes. This mindfulness can help us avoid regret and lead to more thoughtful, responsible decision-making.
What themes are present in Matthew 14:7?
Matthew 14:7 encompasses themes of impulsiveness, power dynamics, and the consequences of promises. It illustrates how emotional decisions can lead to unforeseen outcomes and highlights the influence of others on our choices, reminding us to be aware of the commitments we make.
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