Grieved (λυπηθεις). Not to hurt, for in verse 5 we read that he wanted (θελων) to put him to death (αποκτεινα). Herod, however, sh…

And the king was sorry. There might have been several reasons for this:

1. Herod had a high respect for John, and feared him. He…

The king was sorry—it was the last struggle of his conscience. In that moment, his past reverence for the prophet must have come t…

A fine sorrow! A crocodile is said to shed tears over those it snaps in two. “The King” was afraid of the consequences. Poor king! He may have felt…

Glossa Ordinaria: After relating John's imprisonment, the Evangelist proceeds to his execution, saying, "But on Herod's birthd…

Though grieving because of his oath and his loss of face before his guests if he were to renege on his vow, Herod gave the order. Decapitation was …

And the king was sorry
As he might be upon many accounts; partly on account of John, whom, notwithstanding his freedom in repr…

The terror and reproach of conscience, which Herod, like other daring offenders, could not shake off, are proofs and warnings of a future judgment …

Above, the Lord showed the power of the Gospel teaching by way of some parables; here, He shows its power by deeds. And He does three things: