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Matthew 14:4

Made Simple — Modern English Translation

Translated by Verse Made Simple Editorial
KJV ORIGINAL
For John said unto him, It is not lawful for thee to have her.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE

John had been calling him out, saying 'You can't be with her, it's not right.'

⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE

Sometimes speaking truth means telling powerful people what they don't want to hear.

📚 Historical Context

In the historical context of the Gospels, John the Baptist was a prophet who fearlessly challenged Herod Antipas, the ruler of Galilee, over his marriage to Herodias, who was previously married to Herod's brother Philip. This union was considered unlawful under Jewish law based on Old Testament scriptures that prohibited a man from marrying his brother's wife. John's bold rebuke ultimately led to his imprisonment, as Herod viewed it as a threat to his authority.

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