King James Version (KJV)

Matthew 14:5

“And when he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet.”

Verse in context — Matthew 14

For Herod had laid hold on John, and bound him, and put [him] in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife.

For John said unto him, It is not lawful for thee to have her.

And when he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet.

But when Herod's birthday was kept, the daughter of Herodias danced before them, and pleased Herod.

Whereupon he promised with an oath to give her whatsoever she would ask.

Jesus as the promised Messiah, fulfilling Old Testament prophecy.