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Also called
Herod, Herod the tetrarch, king Herod
Role
Tetrarch of Galilee who beheaded John the Baptist
When
tetrarch c. 4 BC - AD 39

What they did

He imprisoned and beheaded John the Baptist because John rebuked his marriage to Herodias; Jesus called him 'that fox', and Pilate sent Jesus to him during his trial, where he and his soldiers mocked Jesus.

Why it matters: the purpose of their role

His story warns against silencing God's word to protect pride; Jesus stood silent before him, submitting to unjust judgment for our salvation.

And when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad: for he was desirous to see him of a long season, because he had heard many things of him; and he hoped to have seen some miracle done by him. Luke 23:8 (KJV)

Bible references

Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Cæsar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judæa, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of Ituraea and of the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias the tetrarch of Abilene, Luke 3:1 (KJV)
For Herod himself had sent forth and laid hold upon John, and bound him in prison for Herodias’ sake, his brother Philip’s wife: for he had married her. Mark 6:17 (KJV)
For Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just man and an holy, and observed him; and when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly. Mark 6:20 (KJV)
The same day there came certain of the Pharisees, saying unto him, Get thee out, and depart hence: for Herod will kill thee. 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. Luke 13:31-32 (KJV)
And as soon as he knew that he belonged unto Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who himself also was at Jerusalem at that time. And when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad: for he was desirous to see him of a long season, because he had heard many things of him; and he hoped to have seen some miracle done by him. Then he questioned with him in many words; but he answered him nothing. And the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused him. And Herod with his men of war set him at nought, and mocked him, and arrayed him in a gorgeous robe, and sent him again to Pilate. Luke 23:7-11 (KJV)

Family

Father
Herod the Great (from history)
Spouse(s)
Herodias
Brothers / sisters
Philip (Mark 6:17)