Herodias
“Feminine patronymic from Herod”
Summary
Herodias was the granddaughter of Herod the Great who left her husband Philip to marry his half-brother Herod Antipas, and whose grudge against John the Baptist led to his execution.
☩Unlawful Marriage
Herodias was daughter of Aristobulus and granddaughter of Herod the Great. She first married Herod Philip (her full uncle), by whom she had a daughter Salome. She then eloped with Herod Antipas (another uncle and Philip's half-brother), whose existing wife fled to her father, King Aretas of Arabia. This marriage violated Levitical law on multiple counts: Antipas was married, Philip was still living, and Antipas was already related to her by affinity.
☩John the Baptist's Death
When John the Baptist publicly condemned this unlawful union, Herodias harbored a murderous grudge against him. Antipas imprisoned John but protected him, fearing the people and finding John fascinating to hear. At Antipas's birthday feast, Herodias's daughter pleased him with her dancing, and he rashly promised her anything up to half his kingdom. Coached by her mother, the girl requested John's head on a platter—a request Antipas reluctantly granted.
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Herodias," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IV (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Herodias," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).