Did Herod want to kill John the Baptist? Yes (Matthew 14:5) No. It was Herodias, the wife of Herod who wanted to kill him. But Herod knew that he was a righteous man and kept him safe (Mark 6:20)

Historical Background on Herod and John the Baptist

Herod who imprisoned John the Baptist was Herod Antipas, son of Herod the Great. He ruled as Tetrarch of Galilee and Perea (ca. 4 BC – AD 39). Historical accounts (including Josephus, Antiquities 18.116–119) depict Herod Antipas as politically astute, quick to preserve his standing with Rome, and keenly aware of public opinion. John the Baptist’s ministry—publicly urging repentance and preparation for the coming of the Messiah—drew large crowds, which inevitably caught Herod’s attention.

Archaeological discoveries at sites like Machaerus, a fortress east of the Dead Sea, have corroborated details of Herod’s domain. Excavations show strong fortifications fitting the biblical description of where John was likely incarcerated (cf. Mark 6:17).

Biblical Testimony in Matthew 14

In Matthew 14:5, the text states: “Although Herod wanted to kill John, he feared the people, because they regarded John as a prophet.” This verse highlights an inner tension within Herod. On one hand, his personal or political inclination, possibly influenced by John’s public criticism of his marriage to Herodias (Matthew 14:3–4), led Herod to a place of resentment or apprehension about John’s influence. On the other hand, the powerful support John enjoyed among the populace deterred Herod from executing him hastily.

The phrase “Herod wanted to kill John” does not necessarily suggest an immediate, unrelenting desire but rather a lurking willingness to remove John from the scene if doing so would not risk Herod’s popularity. Hence, “wanted to kill” can be understood as a serious intention overshadowed by his fear of a public backlash.

Biblical Testimony in Mark 6

Mark 6:20 depicts a somewhat different angle: “…Herod feared John and protected him, knowing he was a righteous and holy man. When he heard him, he was perplexed, yet he listened to him gladly.” This clarifies that, despite any frustration or resentment, Herod maintained a certain respect for John’s spiritual authority. Herod also restrained himself from swift execution because he did not want to incite instability, and he may have possessed genuine intrigue about John’s message.

Mark’s narrative further emphasizes the role of Herodias, who bore a deep grudge against John for publicly denouncing her marriage to Herod (Mark 6:17–19). In fact, she is portrayed as the one who repeatedly sought opportunities to have John killed—which she finally accomplished by exploiting Herod’s rash promise to her daughter (Mark 6:21–28).

Reconciling the Accounts

Far from contradicting each other, Matthew 14:5 and Mark 6:20 present two complementary aspects of Herod’s mindset:

1. His Willingness to End John’s Influence:

Matthew shows Herod’s inclination to kill John—likely fueled by John’s criticism of his marriage and John’s widespread influence, prompting political fear.

2. His Reluctance and Mixed Feelings:

Mark points out that Herod recognized John’s righteousness, found him engaging to listen to, and ultimately feared both John’s personal holiness and the public’s reaction.

This dual portrait is consistent with historical accounts of rulers confronting popular but inconvenient figures. Herod’s fear of the people provided one check against immediate execution, while Herodias’s animosity relentlessly pushed for John’s death. Once trapped by a public oath (Mark 6:23–26), Herod capitulated, demonstrating both his initial reservations and his eventual succumbing to intrigue.

Role of Herodias

Where Matthew underscores Herod’s fear of public opinion, Mark highlights Herodias’s personal grudge. Mark 6:19 notes, “So Herodias held a grudge against John and wanted to kill him.” This clarifies that although Herod himself recognized John’s righteousness, Herodias was far more determined, maneuvering Herod into fulfilling her desire to see John executed.

Lessons from the Parallel Passages

• Leaders’ Inner Conflicts: These passages reveal how political figures can be torn between self-interest, public opinion, moral insight, and private pressure.

• Different Emphases, Same Event: The Gospels often present details from varying vantage points, underscoring the complexities behind a single narrative.

• Value of John’s Ministry: Both accounts affirm John’s exceptional standing, calling him “righteous and holy” (Mark 6:20) and a “prophet” in the people’s eyes (Matthew 14:5).

Conclusion

Herod Antipas’s stance on killing John was equivocal. In one sense, he harbored hostility and recognized John posed a threat to his authority. Yet he also feared public outrage and may have held genuine respect for John’s moral authority. Ultimately, Herodias’s persistent desire for vengeance sealed John’s fate.

The accounts in Matthew and Mark do not conflict; they depict Herod’s complex feelings and motives, with Herodias’s manipulative role central to John’s death. By reading both accounts together, one sees how a ruler’s fear of losing political favor and a vengeful spouse’s determination led to the tragic beheading of John the Baptist, the prophet who boldly prepared the way for the Messiah.