Matthew 14:9 - An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

⁹ Now King Herod became very distressed [over such a gruesome request]; but because he had [promised with] oaths and [to look good in front of] his party guests, he ordered John’s head to be given [to her].

More versions

King James Version (Oxford) 1769

⁹ 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.

Amplified Bible - Classic Edition

⁹ And the king was distressed and sorry, but because of his oaths and his guests, he ordered it to be given her;

American Standard Version (1901)

⁹ And the king was grieved; but for the sake of his oaths, and of them that sat at meat with him, he commanded it to be given;

Common English Bible

⁹ Although the king was upset, because of his solemn pledge and his guests he commanded that they give it to her.

Catholic Public Domain Version

⁹ And the king was greatly saddened. But because of his oath, and because of those who sat at table with him, he ordered it to be given.

Douay-Rheims version of The Bible - 1752 version

⁹ And the king was struck sad: yet because of his oath, and for them that sat with him at table, he commanded it to be given.

Matthew 14:9 Cross References

Matthew 14:1

About that time Herod the tetrarch [Note: This man was the son of Herod the Great (See 2:1 and governor of that district] heard the report about what Jesus had been saying and doing.

Matthew 14:10

So, he sent [word to his officers] and had John decapitated in the prison.

Matthew 14:5

Now Herod wanted to have him put to death, [but hesitated], fearing the crowd, because they considered John to be a prophet.

Matthew 14:8

Her mother persuaded her to say, “Give me the head of John, the Immerser, here on this [large] platter.”

Mark 6:14

Now King Herod heard about this [i.e., what Jesus was doing] because His name had become well known. He said, “John the Immerser has risen from the dead and it is his powers that are at work in Jesus.”

Mark 6:20

It was because Herod was afraid of John, knowing he was a righteous and holy man, so he protected him. And Herod became very disturbed whenever he listened to John, yet he heard him gladly.

Mark 6:26

And the king became very distressed [over such a gruesome request], but because he had promised her with oaths, and [to keep from looking bad] in front of his party guests, he did not refuse her [request].

Luke 13:32

And He said to them, “Go and tell that fox [Note: This is a metaphor signifying the sly, cunning nature of King Herod], ‘Look, I am driving out evil spirits and performing [miraculous] healings today and tomorrow, but on the third day I will be finished.’