Herod is a name shared by several rulers in the New Testament. These kings ruled under Roman authority during the time of Jesus and the early church. The Herodian dynasty shaped the political and spiritual climate in Israel. Let’s explore 10 interesting facts about Herod in the Bible.
1. Herod the Great Tried to Kill Baby Jesus
Herod the Great felt threatened by the prophecy of a newborn King. When the wise men didn’t return to report Jesus’ location, Herod ordered the death of every male child under two in Bethlehem.
Matthew 2:16
“Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under…”
Matthew 2:18
“In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children…”
2. He Was Not Fully Jewish
Herod the Great was an Idumean, descended from Esau, not Jacob. Though he ruled Judea, many Jews rejected his legitimacy.
Genesis 36:1
“Now these are the generations of Esau, who is Edom.”
Deuteronomy 23:1
“He that is wounded in the stones, or hath his privy member cut off, shall not enter into the congregation of the LORD.”
3. Herod the Great Rebuilt the Temple in Jerusalem
Herod expanded and beautified the Second Temple to win favor from the Jews.
John 2:20
“Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days?”
Haggai 2:3
“Who is left among you that saw this house in her first glory? and how do ye see it now?”
4. He Was a Paranoid Ruler
Herod killed his wife Mariamne and three of his sons out of fear they might betray him.
Proverbs 29:2
“When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.”
Ecclesiastes 8:9
“There is a time wherein one man ruleth over another to his own hurt.”
5. The Herods Were a Family Dynasty
The name Herod refers to several rulers:
- Herod the Great (Matthew 2)
- Herod Antipas (Luke 3:1)
- Herod Agrippa I (Acts 12)
- Herod Agrippa II (Acts 25–26)
Luke 3:1
“Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar… Herod being tetrarch of Galilee…”
6. Herod Antipas Beheaded John the Baptist
Herod Antipas imprisoned and later beheaded John because of Herodias and her daughter.
Mark 6:27–28
“And immediately the king sent an executioner… and beheaded him in the prison, and brought his head in a charger, and gave it to the damsel…”
Matthew 14:10–11
“And he sent, and beheaded John in the prison. And his head was brought in a charger, and given to the damsel…”
7. Jesus Called Herod a "Fox"
Jesus wasn't intimidated by Herod Antipas and used bold words to describe him.
Luke 13:32
“And he said unto them, Go ye, and tell that fox, Behold, I cast out devils, and I do cures to day and to morrow, and the third day I shall be perfected.”
Proverbs 28:1
“The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.”
8. Herod Agrippa I Persecuted the Early Church
Herod Agrippa I tried to destroy the growing church, killing the apostle James and imprisoning Peter.
Acts 12:1–2
“Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. And he killed James the brother of John with the sword.”
Acts 12:3
“And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also.”
9. Herod Agrippa II Heard Paul’s Defense
Paul boldly shared the gospel with King Agrippa and Festus. Agrippa admitted he was almost persuaded to believe.
Acts 26:28
“Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.”
Acts 26:32
“Then said Agrippa unto Festus, This man might have been set at liberty, if he had not appealed unto Caesar.”
10. God Judged Herod for His Pride
Herod Agrippa I gave a speech and accepted praise as a god. Because he failed to give glory to God, he was struck down.
Acts 12:21–23
“And upon a set day Herod… made an oration unto them. And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man. And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him… and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.”
Proverbs 16:18
“Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.”
Summary Table of the Herods
| Herod | Role | Key Event | Bible Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Herod the Great | King at Jesus’ birth | Massacre of infants | Matthew 2:16 |
| Herod Antipas | Tetrarch of Galilee | Beheaded John the Baptist | Mark 6:27 |
| Herod Agrippa I | King over Judea | Killed James, died of pride | Acts 12:1–2, 23 |
| Herod Agrippa II | King under Rome | Heard Paul’s defense | Acts 26:28 |
