Who was Herod?

Cruel ruler of Judea.

The story of Herod

Herod - King
Herod - King
King

Herod was a biblical figure who was best known for his role as the King of Judea. He was born in 73 BC to Antipater the Idumean and Cypros, a Nabatean Arab. He had nine siblings, including his half-brothers Phasael and Herod Antipas. Herod was appointed by the Roman Senate as the King of Judea in 40 BC. He was known for his ambitious building projects, including the expansion of the Second Temple in Jerusalem and the construction of the port city of Caesarea Maritima. He also built the fortress of Masada and the city of Herodium. Herod was also known for his cruelty and paranoia. He ordered the execution of his own sons, as well as the massacre of the innocents, in which he ordered the death of all male children in Bethlehem under the age of two. Herod died in 4 BC and was succeeded by his son Archelaus. He is remembered as a powerful ruler who was both ambitious and cruel.

Name meaning

Song of the hero

Name origin

Greek

Role

King

First mention

Matthew 2:1

Appearances in the Bible

46 mentions

Herod in the Bible

Explore all 18 chapters where Herod appears

Matthew

Chapter 2

The Visit of the Magi

Wise men visit Jesus, and King Herod orders all boys under 2 years old in Bethlehem to be killed.

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Matthew

Chapter 14

Feeding the Five Thousand and Walking on Water

Jesus feeds the 5,000 and walks on water.

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Matthew

Chapter 22

Parables of the Wedding Feast and Taxes to Caesar

Jesus teaches about the greatest commandment and the parable of the wedding banquet.

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Mark

Chapter 3

Choosing the Twelve Apostles

Jesus is accused of blasphemy and performs more miracles.

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Mark

Chapter 6

Jesus Sends Out the Twelve Apostles

Jesus is rejected by His own people, sends out the twelve apostles, and performs more miracles.

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Mark

Chapter 8

Peter's Confession, Jesus Foretells Death

Jesus feeds the 4,000 and teaches about the yeast of the Pharisees.

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Mark

Chapter 12

Parable of the Wicked Tenants

Jesus teaches about the greatest commandment and the resurrection.

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Luke

Chapter 1

The Birth of John the Baptist Foretold

Luke writes a prologue, in which he explains that his gospel is based on the testimony of those who were eyewitnesses an...

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Luke

Chapter 3

The Ministry of John the Baptist

John the Baptist prepares the way for Jesus, who begins His ministry with a baptism and the descent of the Holy Spirit.

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Luke

Chapter 8

Jesus Calms the Storm

Jesus teaches the Parable of the Sower and performs more miracles.

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Luke

Chapter 9

The Transfiguration

Jesus is transfigured before Peter, James, and John and sends out the twelve apostles.

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Luke

Chapter 13

The Healing of the Woman on the Sabbath

Jesus teaches about repentance and performs more miracles.

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Luke

Chapter 23

Jesus before Pilate

Jesus is crucified, He dies and He is buried in a tomb. On the third day He rises from the dead. He appeared to many peo...

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The Acts of the Apostles

Chapter 4

The Arrest and Release of Peter and John

The apostles are arrested again, but an angel frees them from prison and they continue to preach.

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The Acts of the Apostles

Chapter 12

The Arrest and Escape of Peter

King Herod kills James and imprisons Peter, but an angel frees him.

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The Acts of the Apostles

Chapter 13

The First Missionary Journey of Paul and Barnabas

Paul and Barnabas are set apart for missionary work and begin their first journey.

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The Acts of the Apostles

Chapter 23

The Defense Before the Council

Paul is rescued from a plot to kill him and is sent to stand trial in Caesarea.

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Romans

Chapter 16

Greetings and Closing Remarks

Paul greets some of his friends and closes the letter.

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Showing all 18 chapter appearances