14:4a

because: In this context, the Greek conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible translates as because indicates that 14:4 continues the explanation that began in 14:3c. Both 14:3c and 14:4 explain the reason that Herod put John in prison.

Here are some other ways to continue this explanation:

⌊and⌋ because
-or-

⌊He also did this⌋ because

John had been telling him: These words introduce what John said to Herod before Herod arrested John. The form of the Greek verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as had been telling indicates that John said the following things to Herod more than once.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

John was always saying to him
-or-
John had repeatedly said to him

14:4b

It is not lawful for you to have her: The phrase not lawful means “not right according to the law.” Here, the reference is to the law that God gave to Moses. In this context, have her means to “be married to your brother’s wife.” It was against God’s law for a man to marry a woman who previously had been his brother’s wife while his brother was still living (Leviticus 20:21).

Here are some other ways to translate this part of the verse:

It’s not right for you to be married to her. (God’s Word)
-or-
You are not permitted/allowed to have your ⌊older⌋ brother’s wife.

-or-

It is contrary to God’s laws/instructions to marry your ⌊older⌋ brother’s wife.

In some languages, it may be necessary to explain some of this information in a footnote. A sample footnote is:

This marriage was unlawful according to Jewish law (Leviticus 20:21) because Herod married Herodias while his brother Philip was still living.

General Comment on 14:3–4

14:3a–b occurred after 14:3c–4b. In some languages, it may be more natural to combine verses 3–4. In that way, you can change the order of the clauses and put them in the proper order. For example:

⌊He said that⌋ 3cbecause ⌊some time earlier⌋ ⌊Herod had married⌋ his brother Philip’s wife Herodias. 4⌊So⌋ John had been saying to him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.” 3a⌊As a result,⌋ Herod had arrested John and bound him 3band put him in prison.

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