Matthew 14:9 - Exposition

And the king was sorry: nevertheless for the oath's sake; better, and though the king was grieved, yet for the sake of his oaths ( καὶ λυπηθεὶς ὁβασιλεὺς διὰ τὺος ὅρκους κ .τ.λ . ) . That he was grieved at John's death is a verbal contradiction to verse 5, but after some weeks' or months' delay psychologically quite possible (cf. note there). Kubel attributes the change to his conscience recoiling when his wish had a sudden chance of being accomplished; or it may be that he still fearest the multitude (cf. verse 5), and felt anxious lest he should bring about some political disturbance. Oaths ; for in making the promise of verse 7 he would certainly take more than one. And them which sat with him at meat. Had he uttered the promise and the oaths in private, it would have been different, but now there were so many witnesses. Observe that these said nothing to stop him. They were no friends of the enthusiast who was now a prisoner. He commanded it to be given her.