Mat 14:9 | RWP | e4.org | Grieved ( λυπηθεις ). Not to hurt, for in verse we read that he wanted ( θελων ) to put him to death ( αποκτεινα ). Herod, however, shrank from so dastardly a deed as this public display of brutality and bloodthirstiness. Men who do wrong always have some flimsy excuses for their sins. A man here orders a judicial murder of the most revolting type "for the sake of his oath" ( δια τους ορκους ). "More like profane swearing than deliberate utterance once for all of a solemn oath" (Bruce). He was probably maudlin with wine and befuddled by the presence of the guests.

‏ Matthew 14:9

Grieved ( λυπηθεις ). Not to hurt, for in verse 5 we read that he wanted ( θελων ) to put him to death ( αποκτεινα ). Herod, however, shrank from so dastardly a deed as this public display of brutality and bloodthirstiness. Men who do wrong always have some flimsy excuses for their sins. A man here orders a judicial murder of the most revolting type "for the sake of his oath" ( δια τους ορκους ). "More like profane swearing than deliberate utterance once for all of a solemn oath" (Bruce). He was probably maudlin with wine and befuddled by the presence of the guests.