14:9a
The king: This phrase refers to Herod. In 14:1 he was called “the tetrarch.” So it is likely that the term king here is used in a general sense of “ruler.” You can use the same title here as in 14:1.
Here are some other ways to translate this word:
The ruler
-or-
King ⌊Herod⌋
was grieved: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as was grieved means “became sad, sorrowful, or distressed.” Herod was distressed about killing a holy man (Mark 6:20).
Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:
was very sad (New Century Version)
-or-
regretted his promise (God’s Word)
-or-
was sorry for what he had said (Contemporary English Version)
14:9b
but because of his oaths and his guests: This phrase indicates the reasons why Herod ordered that John be killed (in 14:9c–10). He did not want to break his oaths in front of his guests.
Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:
but because he had made oaths and his guests ⌊had heard them⌋
-or-
But he did not want to break the promise he had made in front of his guests. (Contemporary English Version)
his guests: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as his guests is literally “those reclining at the table with (him).” These are the people Herod had invited and were eating with him at the feast.
Here are some other ways to translate this word:
the people whom he had invited
-or-
those sitting ⌊at the feast⌋ with him
14:9c
he ordered that her wish be granted: This clause means that Herod ordered that John’s head be given to the daughter of Herodias. Herod told one of his soldiers to do as the daughter asked.
The verb be granted is passive. Here are some other ways to translate this entire clause:
• Use a passive verb. For example:
he gave orders that she should be given what she had asked (Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English)
• Use an active verb. For example:
he commanded ⌊one of his men⌋ to do as she asked
-or-
he ordered that ⌊they⌋ bring the girl the thing ⌊that she had asked for⌋
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