Herodias
Pronounced heh-ROH-dee-us
- Meaning
- "Heroic; Of the hero's clan"
- Origin
- Greek
Herodias means "heroic" or "of the hero's clan" in Greek — an ironic name for a woman whose grudge led to the murder of John the Baptist. She was the granddaughter of Herod the Great and married her uncle Herod Philip, then left him for his brother Herod Antipas. John the Baptist publicly condemned this unlawful marriage: "It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother's wife." This courageous rebuke enraged Herodias. While Herod Antipas feared John and "heard him gladly," Herodias "had a quarrel against him, and would have killed him." Her opportunity came at Herod's birthday feast when her daughter (traditionally called Salome) danced and pleased the king. Herod rashly promised the girl anything she desired. Herodias coached her daughter: "Ask for the head of John the Baptist." The horrified Herod complied, and John was beheaded in prison. Herodias's story is a chilling example of how unchecked resentment against truth-speakers can escalate to violence. She represents the dangerous human tendency to silence the messenger rather than heed the message.
Spiritual meaning
Herodias's rage against John the Baptist teaches that hostility toward God's truth never achieves peace — only deeper bondage. Silencing the prophet doesn't silence the truth.
Related verses (KJV)
"Therefore Herodias had a quarrel against him, and would have killed him; but she could not."
Mark 6:19 (KJV) →"And she went forth, and said unto her mother, What shall I ask? And she said, The head of John the Baptist."
Mark 6:24 (KJV) →