In brief
Herodias is the wife of Philip, Herod's brother, whom Herod the tetrarch married. John the Baptist tells him that this marriage is not lawful. Herodias holds a grudge against John and wants to kill him, but Herod protects John. At Herod's birthday feast, her daughter dances and pleases the king, who promises to give her whatever she asks. At her mother's prompting, she asks for the head of John the Baptist, and John is beheaded in prison. Her story shows where a grudge can lead.
What does the name Herodias mean?
The name Herodias is generally linked to the family of Herod and means something like "woman descended from Herod" or "heroic." The Bible does not explain this name. Mark introduces her this way: Herodias, his brother Philip's wife (Mark 6:17).
The story of Herodias
A marriage John denounces
Luke 3:19-20Herod the tetrarch is rebuked by John over Herodias, his brother's wife, and for all the evil things he had done. He adds to them all by shutting John up in prison. John thus pays the price for his words.
Herodias' hatred
Mark 6:17-20Herod had John arrested because of Herodias, whom he married although she was the wife of his brother Philip. John told him that it was not lawful for him to have his brother's wife. Herodias holds a grudge against John and wants to put him to death, but she cannot, because Herod fears John and protects him.
The feast and Herod's oath
Mark 6:21-23On his birthday, Herod gives a banquet for his nobles. Herodias' daughter comes into the hall, dances and pleases the king and his guests. Herod tells her to ask whatever she wishes and swears to give it to her, up to half his kingdom.
The head of John the Baptist
Mark 6:24-28The girl goes out and asks her mother what she should ask for. Her mother answers that she should ask for the head of John the Baptist. Herod is grieved, but because of his oaths and his guests he does not want to refuse her. John is beheaded in the prison. His disciples come and take his body.
What Herodias teaches us
- Refusing to be corrected can turn a grudge into hatred.
- A thoughtless oath made before guests can lead to an unjust act.
- Telling the truth can cost dearly, as John the Baptist experienced, but it remains the right path.
- Evil often rests on pride and the fear of other people's opinion.
Key verses
John had been telling Herod that it was not lawful for him to have his brother's wife. John's word is the direct cause of Herodias' hatred.
Herodias holds a grudge against John and wants to put him to death, but she cannot. This verse shows that her anger was only waiting for an opportunity.
Her daughter asks what she should request, and her mother answers that she should ask for the head of John the Baptist. Herodias' influence is decisive here in John's death.
Frequently asked questions
Who was Herodias in the Bible?
Herodias is the wife of Philip, Herod's brother, whom Herod the tetrarch married. John the Baptist denounces this union (Mark 6:17-18). Out of hatred, she urges her daughter to ask for the head of John the Baptist, who is then beheaded in prison (Mark 6:24-28).
What does the name Herodias mean?
Her name is generally linked to the family of Herod and could mean "woman descended from Herod." The Bible does not explain this name. Since her daughter's name is not given in the Gospels, the account focuses mainly on her actions.
Where can I find the story of Herodias in the Bible?
She appears in three Gospels: Luke 3:19-20 mentions John's imprisonment because of her, Matthew 14:1-12 tells of the death of John the Baptist, and Mark 6:17-29 gives the most detailed account of her hatred and her daughter's request.