Herod is a name that appears multiple times in the Bible, and each mention helps us understand different aspects of his character and actions. He is known for his role during the time of Jesus’ birth and for his impact on early Christianity. Herod’s decisions and behaviors provide important lessons about power, pride, and the consequences of one’s choices.
Today, we will look at some key Bible verses that mention Herod. These verses highlight his encounters with Jesus, his reactions to the prophecies, and how his actions shaped the early years of Christ’s life. Understanding these scriptures can deepen our knowledge of biblical history and its lessons for us today.
Bible Verses About Herod
Matthew 2:1-3
“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, ‘Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.’ When King Herod heard this, he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him.” – Matthew 2:1-3
This passage captures the moment the Magi arrived, seeking Jesus. Herod’s reaction shows his fear of losing power. Instead of welcoming the news with joy, he felt threatened. This teaches us the importance of humility and recognizing when God is at work, rather than allowing pride and insecurity to control our responses.
Matthew 2:4-6
“He called together all the chief priests and teachers of the law and asked them where the Messiah was to be born. ‘In Bethlehem in Judea,’ they replied, ‘for this is what the prophet has written.” – Matthew 2:4-6
Matthew 2:7-8
“Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, ‘Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.’” – Matthew 2:7-8
Matthew 2:9-10
“After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.” – Matthew 2:9-10
Matthew 2:11
“On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” – Matthew 2:11
Matthew 2:12
“And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.” – Matthew 2:12
Matthew 2:13
“When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. ‘Get up,’ he said, ‘take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.’” – Matthew 2:13
Matthew 2:14-15
“So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: ‘Out of Egypt I called my son.’” – Matthew 2:14-15
Matthew 2:16
“When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi.” – Matthew 2:16
Matthew 2:17-18
“Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled: ‘A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.’” – Matthew 2:17-18
Matthew 14:1-2
“At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the reports about Jesus, and he said to his attendants, ‘This is John the Baptist; he has risen from the dead! That is why miraculous power is at work in him.’” – Matthew 14:1-2
Matthew 14:3-4
“Now Herod had arrested John and bound him and put him in prison because of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, for John had been saying to him: ‘It is not lawful for you to have her.’” – Matthew 14:3-4
Matthew 14:5
“Herod wanted to kill John, but he was afraid of the people, because they considered John a prophet.” – Matthew 14:5
Matthew 14:6-8
“On Herod’s birthday the daughter of Herodias danced for the guests and pleased Herod so much that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she asked. Prompted by her mother, she said, ‘Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist.’” – Matthew 14:6-8
Matthew 14:9
“The king was distressed, but because of his oaths and his dinner guests, he ordered that her request be granted and had John beheaded in the prison.” – Matthew 14:9
Matthew 14:10-11
“He had John’s head brought in on a platter and given to the girl, and she carried it to her mother.” – Matthew 14:10-11
Mark 6:14
“King Herod heard about this, for Jesus’ name had become well known. Some were saying, ‘John the Baptist has been raised from the dead, and that is why miraculous powers are at work in him.’” – Mark 6:14
Luke 1:5
“In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron.” – Luke 1:5
Luke 3:19-20
“But when John rebuked Herod the tetrarch because of his marriage to Herodias, his brother’s wife, and all the other evil things he had done, Herod added this to them all: He locked John up in prison.” – Luke 3:19-20
Acts 12:1-2
“It was about this time that King Herod arrested some who belonged to the church, intending to persecute them. He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword.” – Acts 12:1-2
Acts 12:3
“When he saw that this met with approval among the Jews, he proceeded to seize Peter also. This happened during the Festival of Unleavened Bread.” – Acts 12:3
Acts 12:10-11
“They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city. It opened for them by itself, and they went through it. When they had walked the length of one street, suddenly the angel left Peter.” – Acts 12:10-11
Acts 12:23
“Immediately, because Herod did not give praise to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died.” – Acts 12:23
Acts 12:24
“But the word of God continued to spread and flourish.” – Acts 12:24