Lexical Summary Héródianoi: Herodians Original Word: Ἡρῳδιανοί Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Herodians. Plural of a derivative of Herodes; Herodians, i.e. Partisans of Herod -- Herodians. see GREEK Herodes NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom Héródés Definition Herodians, partisans of Herod NASB Translation Herodians (3). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2265: ἩρῳδιανοίἩρῳδιανοί (WH Ἡρῳδιανοί, see Ἡρῴδης and Iota; cf. Winer's Grammar, § 16, 2 γ.), ἡρωδιανιων, οἱ, Herodians, i. e. Herod's partisans (οἱ τά Ἡρῴδου φρονοῦντες, Josephus, Antiquities 14, 15, 10): Matthew 22:16; Mark 3:6; Mark 12:13. Cf. Keim, Jesu von Naz. iii., 130ff. (English translation, see p. 156f), and in Schenkel iii. 65ff; (cf. B. D., under the word; Edersheim, Index under the word). Topical Lexicon Historical BackgroundThe Herodians were a Jewish political group aligned with the Herodian dynasty that ruled parts of Palestine under Roman authority. Their name reflects loyalty to Herod the Great and, in the Gospel era, to his son Herod Antipas, tetrarch of Galilee and Perea (Luke 3:1). They supported the continuance of Herodian rule and, by extension, the Roman presence that sustained it. While little extra-biblical data survives about their precise organization, the New Testament portrays them as a court party whose interests were secular and political rather than strictly religious. Identity and Beliefs 1. Political Loyalty 2. Religious Posture 3. Social Influence Occurrences in the New Testament Matthew 22:16; Mark 3:6; Mark 12:13. Matthew 22:16: “They sent their disciples to Him along with the Herodians, saying, ‘Teacher, we know that You are truthful and that You teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You are not partial to anyone, because You do not regard outward appearance.’” Mark 3:6: “At this, the Pharisees went out and began to plot with the Herodians how they might kill Jesus.” Mark 12:13: “Later, they sent some of the Pharisees and Herodians to trap Jesus in His words.” Relationship with Other Jewish Factions Pharisees Sadducees Zealots Role in the Ministry of Jesus 1. Opposition and Conspiracy 2. Trap Regarding Tribute 3. Silent After Calvary Theological Implications 1. Kingdom versus Political Power 2. Alliance of Convenience 3. Integrity under Scrutiny Practical Lessons for Today • Guard Against Political Idolatry – The Herodians sought safety in political accommodation rather than in covenant faithfulness. Modern disciples must resist substituting worldly power for trust in God’s plan. • Beware of Pragmatic Compromise – Alliances that erode biblical conviction for the sake of convenience endanger spiritual integrity. • Speak with Grace and Truth – Jesus modeled how to address contentious civic issues with clarity that honors both God and legitimate authorities. Summary The Herodians, mentioned only three times in the New Testament, stand as a reminder that political agendas, however persuasive, cannot supersede the mission of God’s Messiah. Their attempts to manipulate and ultimately destroy Jesus failed, demonstrating that earthly power is subordinate to divine purpose. Followers of Christ are called to political engagement marked by fidelity to God, confident that His kingdom prevails over every human scheme. Forms and Transliterations Ηρωδιανων Ἡρῳδιανῶν erodianon Ērōdianōn Herodianon Hērōdianōn Heroidianôn Hērōidianō̂nLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 22:16 N-GMPGRK: μετὰ τῶν Ἡρῳδιανῶν λέγοντες Διδάσκαλε NAS: their disciples to Him, along with the Herodians, saying, KJV: with the Herodians, saying, INT: with the Herodians saying Teacher Mark 3:6 N-GMP Mark 12:13 N-GMP |
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