New Testament
Matthew 14:9
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The king was sorry, but because of his oath and the guests who were with him at dinner, he ordered it to be done.
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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.
What Matthew 14:9 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see King Herod feeling regretful about a decision he made. He had promised to grant a request made by Salome, the daughter of Herodias, after she danced for him. Despite his sorrow, he felt compelled to follow through with his promise because of the oath he made in front of his guests. This highlights the pressure leaders can feel to maintain their word, even when it leads to regrettable actions. Herod's situation illustrates the conflict between personal morals and public commitments. His desire to please his guests and uphold his reputation ultimately led him to make a tragic choice, showcasing the dangers of pride and the consequences of rash promises.
How to apply Matthew 14:9 to your life
This verse reminds us to be cautious with our words and commitments. Before making promises, especially in public settings, we should consider the potential consequences. It encourages us to prioritize integrity and moral values over the desire to impress others, ensuring our decisions align with our beliefs.
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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Key themes
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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 14:9 teach about keeping promises?
Matthew 14:9 illustrates the importance of being cautious with our commitments. King Herod felt regret after making a promise that led to a tragic outcome. This verse serves as a reminder that we should carefully consider the implications of our words, especially in public situations, and prioritize our moral values over the pressure to impress others.
How does this verse relate to leadership?
This verse highlights the challenges leaders face when balancing personal morals with public commitments. King Herod's decision to fulfill his oath, despite his regret, showcases the pressure leaders can feel to maintain their reputation and please their guests. It serves as a cautionary tale about the potential consequences of rash promises and the importance of integrity in leadership.
What moral lessons can we learn from Herod's actions?
Herod's actions in Matthew 14:9 teach us about the dangers of pride and the consequences of making hasty promises. It emphasizes the need for integrity and the importance of aligning our decisions with our values, rather than succumbing to external pressures. This verse encourages us to reflect on our commitments and the potential impact they may have on ourselves and others.
Why did Herod feel compelled to fulfill his oath?
Herod felt compelled to fulfill his oath due to the social pressure of his guests and the expectations of his role as a leader. In the context of the banquet, he prioritized his reputation and the need to appear strong and decisive over his personal feelings of regret. This illustrates how societal expectations can influence decision-making, often leading to regrettable outcomes.
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