World English Bible

Matthew 14:5

“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 of John, and bound him, and put him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife.

For John said to him, "It is not lawful for you to have her.

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

But when Herod's birthday came, the daughter of Herodias danced among them and pleased Herod.

Whereupon he promised with an oath to give her whatever she should ask.

Jesus as the promised Messiah, fulfilling Old Testament prophecy.