The name “Herod” refers to a dynasty of client kings who ruled Judea under the authority of the Roman Empire during the 1st century BC and 1st century AD. There are several different Herods mentioned in the Bible, with the most notable ones being:
Herod the Great
Herod the Great was the founder of the Herodian dynasty who ruled Judea from 37 BC to 4 BC. He is mentioned in several books of the Bible, most notably in Matthew 2 and Luke 1 in connection with the birth of Jesus:
- Matthew 2:1-18 – Herod orders the Massacre of the Innocents in an attempt to kill the infant Jesus
- Luke 1:5 – Zechariah, father of John the Baptist, was a priest “of the division of Abijah” during the reign of Herod
Herod the Great was known for his grand building projects, including renovating and expanding the Second Temple in Jerusalem. He was also known for his paranoia and brutality, even killing several of his own sons whom he suspected of plotting against him.
Herod Archelaus
Herod Archelaus was one of the sons of Herod the Great, who was ethnarch of Samaria, Judea, and Idumea from 4 BC to 6 AD. He is mentioned briefly in Matthew 2:
- Matthew 2:22 – Joseph and Mary avoid Judea because Archelaus was ruling there after the death of his father Herod
Archelaus had a reputation for cruelty, which is why Joseph decided not to settle in Judea during his reign. The Roman Emperor Augustus eventually removed him from power due to complaints from the Jews and Samaritans under his rule.
Herod Antipas
Herod Antipas was another son of Herod the Great who ruled Galilee and Perea from 4 BC to 39 AD. He is mentioned in several places in the New Testament in connection with Jesus and John the Baptist:
- Matthew 14:1-12, Mark 6:14-29 – Herod orders the execution of John the Baptist
- Luke 3:1,19-20 – John the Baptist imprisoned by Herod
- Luke 13:31-33 – Pharisees warn Jesus that Herod wants to kill him
- Luke 23:7-12 – Jesus sent to Herod Antipas during his trial
- Acts 4:27 – Herod participated in condemning Jesus
Herod Antipas divorced his first wife in order to marry his brother’s wife Herodias, which caused tensions with John the Baptist who spoke out against the marriage. He was exiled after asking the Roman Emperor Caligula for the title of “king.”
Herod Philip II
Herod Philip II was another son of Herod the Great who ruled areas northeast of Galilee from 4 BC to 34 AD. He is mentioned briefly in two places:
- Matthew 14:3 – Herodias had been married to Philip before leaving him for his brother Herod Antipas
- Mark 6:17 – Herodias had been married to Philip, confirming the account in Matthew
Unlike his brother Antipas, Philip ruled his territories peacefully and was not involved in any of the New Testament drama surrounding Jesus, John, and the early church.
Herod Agrippa I
Herod Agrippa I was the grandson of Herod the Great and a close friend of the Roman Emperor Caligula. He ruled various territories in Judea and Galilee from 37-44 AD and is mentioned in several places in the book of Acts:
- Acts 12:1-24 – Herod Agrippa executes the apostle James, arrests Peter, and is struck down by an angel
- Acts 25:13 – Herod Agrippa II listens to Paul’s case with Festus
Herod Agrippa I sought to curry favor with the Jews by persecuting the early Christians and having James killed with a sword. However, he died a gruesome death recorded in Acts 12 shortly after accepting the praise of others as if he were a god.
Herod Agrippa II
Herod Agrippa II was the son of Herod Agrippa I and the last of the Herodian rulers. He ruled territories in the northern areas of Israel from 50-100 AD. He appears toward the end of Acts in chapters 25-26:
- Acts 25:13-26:32 – Paul makes his case before Agrippa II and the Roman governor Festus
Unlike many of his forebears, Agrippa II did not persecute the early Christians. He heard Paul’s testimony and appeal as a prisoner, although he made no move to either condemn or acquit him in deference to the Roman authorities.
Key Facts about the Herods
Here are some key facts to remember about the various Herods mentioned in the New Testament:
- They were client kings who derived authority from the Roman Empire and ruled over parts of Judea at different times.
- Herod the Great, while known for some building projects, was also ruthless and attempted to kill the infant Jesus.
- Herod Antipas beheaded John the Baptist and questioned Jesus prior to his crucifixion.
- Herod Agrippa I persecuted the early church and executed the apostle James.
- Not all the Herods actively opposed Jesus and the early Christians (Philip and Agrippa II).
- The Herodian dynasty maintained power in Judea until the First Jewish Revolt beginning in 66 AD.
While the name “Herod” does appear frequently in the New Testament narrative, it is important to pay attention to context and time period to determine exactly which one is meant in each case.
Their roles ranged from active persecution of believers to more passive association with figures like Jesus and Paul during their trials. But the Herods exerted important political influence over Judea during New Testament times as Roman appointees.
Understanding the distinctions between the various Herods provides helpful background when reading through the birth of Jesus, the ministry of John the Baptist, and the early church scenes described in Matthew, Luke, Acts, and other books of the Bible where they are mentioned.
