Matthew – Chapter 14

New Testament36 Verses

Chapter Summary

Chapter 14 of Matthew begins: "At that time Herod the Tetrarch heard the fame of Jesus." The chapter centers on John, Herod and Peter. Across its 36 verses, two threads run through the text: family and covenant relationships and God's covenant promises. The Church invites us to read this chapter within the whole sweep of salvation history, where every page points toward Christ.

1At that time Herod the Tetrarch heard the fame of Jesus.

2And he said to his servants: This is John the Baptist: he is risen from the dead, and therefore mighty works shew forth themselves in him.

3For Herod had apprehended John and bound him, and put him into prison, because of Herodias, his brother's wife.

4For John said to him: It is not lawful for thee to have her.

5And having a mind to put him to death, he feared the people: because they esteemed him as a prophet.

6But on Herod's birthday, the daughter of Herodias danced before them: and pleased Herod.

7Whereupon he promised with an oath, to give her whatsoever she would ask of him.

8But she being instructed before by her mother, said: Give me here in a dish the head of John the Baptist.

9And the king was struck sad: yet because of his oath, and for them that sat with him at table, he commanded it to be given.

10And he sent, and beheaded John in the prison.

11And his head was brought in a dish: and it was given to the damsel, and she brought it to her mother.

12And his disciples came and took the body, and buried it, and came and told Jesus.

13Which when Jesus had heard, he retired from thence by a boat, into a desert place apart, and the multitudes having heard of it, followed him on foot out of the cities.

14And he coming forth saw a great multitude, and had compassion on them, and healed their sick.

15And when it was evening, his disciples came to him, saying: This is a desert place, and the hour is now passed: send away the multitudes, that going into the towns, they may buy themselves victuals.

16But Jesus said to them, They have no need to go: give you them to eat.

17They answered him: We have not here, but five loaves, and two fishes.

18Who said to them: Bring them hither to me.

19And when he had commanded the multitude to sit down upon the grass, he took the five loaves and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitudes.

20And they did all eat, and were filled. And they took up what remained, twelve full baskets of fragments.

21And the number of them that did eat, was five thousand men, besides women and children.

22And forthwith Jesus obliged his disciples to go up into the boat, and to go before him over the water, till he dismissed the people.

23And having dismissed the multitude, he went into a mountain alone to pray. And when it was evening, he was there alone.

24But the boat in the midst of the sea was tossed with the waves: for the wind was contrary.

25And in the fourth watch of the night, he came to them walking upon the sea.

26And they seeing him walking upon the sea, were troubled, saying: It is an apparition. And they cried out for fear.

27And immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying: Be of good heart: it is I, fear ye not.

28And Peter making answer, said: Lord, if it be thou, bid me come to thee upon the waters.

29And he said: Come. And Peter going down out of the boat walked upon the water to come to Jesus.

30But seeing the wind strong, he was afraid: and when he began to sink, he cried out, saying: Lord, save me.

31And immediately Jesus stretching forth his hand took hold of him, and said to him: O thou of little faith, why didst thou doubt?

32And when they were come up into the boat, the wind ceased.

33And they that were in the boat came and adored him, saying: Indeed thou art the Son of God.

34And having passed the water, they came into the country of Genesar.

35And when the men of that place had knowledge of him, they sent into all that country, and brought to him all that were diseased.

36And they besought him that they might touch but the hem of his garment. And as many as touched, were made whole.

Important Verses in Matthew 14

At that time Herod the Tetrarch heard the fame of Jesus.

Matthew 14:1

And when he had commanded the multitude to sit down upon the grass, he took the five loaves and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitudes.

Matthew 14:19

And Peter making answer, said: Lord, if it be thou, bid me come to thee upon the waters.

Matthew 14:28

And immediately Jesus stretching forth his hand took hold of him, and said to him: O thou of little faith, why didst thou doubt?

Matthew 14:31

Historical Context

Matthew addresses jewish Christians, shown that Jesus fulfills the Scriptures of Israel within the broader story of God's covenant people. Chapter 14 of 28 stands in the central portion of the book, where decisive events or teachings take shape. It is a narrative passage recounting concrete events in salvation history with 36 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. John, Herod and Peter appear at the center of the events recorded here. The chapter begins: "At that time Herod the Tetrarch heard the fame of Jesus." The chapter ends with: "And they besought him that they might touch but the hem of his garment. And as many as touched, were made whole. " In terms of historical background, Matthew wrote for Jewish Christians, presenting Jesus as the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets—the Son of David, the new Moses who delivers the Sermon on the Mount. The book's material reflects the era summarized as follows: About AD 70-85; early tradition places a first version among Jewish Christians.

Who Wrote It

The Apostle Matthew (Levi), the former tax collector, according to unanimous early tradition

When It Was Written

About AD 70-85; early tradition places a first version among Jewish Christians

Catholic Commentary

Read at the narrative level, this chapter describes real persons, decisions, and consequences within Jesus as the fulfillment of Jewish hopes. A pivotal line is verse 1: "At that time Herod the Tetrarch heard the fame of Jesus." The passage repeatedly touches on family and covenant relationships.

The Church teaches that every passage of Scripture must be read in light of Christ and the Magisterium (CIC 355). Here, Matthew shows Christ as the new Moses and true Israel (CIC 577). The spiritual sense invites believers to recognize family and covenant relationships as part of God's pedagogy of salvation.

For Christians today, the chapter's lesson is clear: The family is the first school of faith, where love, obedience, and forgiveness are learned.. The Church invites us to receive this word not as antiquarian information but as living Scripture proclaimed at Mass and prayed in lectio divina.

Main Teachings

  • The family is the first school of faith, where love, obedience, and forgiveness are learned.
  • God binds Himself to His people by covenant, and He never breaks His word.
  • Christ is the Divine Physician who heals both body and soul.

People in This Chapter

John5 mentionsHerod4 mentionsPeter2 mentions

Reflection for Today

Matthew Chapter 14, containing 36 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation, offers a distinct passage for prayer and meditation.

The Magisterium teaches that every biblical passage must be read in light of Christ, the center of Scripture (CIC 355). Here the emphasis falls on lectio divina and meditation on God's Word, which shapes how the Church understands Jesus as the fulfillment of Jewish hopes.

If this passage raises questions, seek the Church's teaching through the Catechism, a faithful priest, or sound Catholic commentaries. Private interpretation must remain in harmony with the Magisterium (CIC 618).

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Matthew Chapter 14 about?

Matthew 14 contains 36 verses. It opens with "At that time Herod the Tetrarch heard the fame of Jesus." and closes with "And they besought him that they might touch but the hem of his garment. And as many as touched, were made whole. ". The book as a whole is gospel.

What is a key verse in Matthew 14?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "At that time Herod the Tetrarch heard the fame of Jesus." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in Matthew Chapter 14?

This chapter mentions John, Herod, Peter.

Who wrote Matthew and when?

The Apostle Matthew (Levi), the former tax collector, according to unanimous early tradition. About AD 70-85; early tradition places a first version among Jewish Christians.

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