📖 Biblical Definition
The name Herod refers to a dynasty of rulers over Judea, each of whom played an antagonistic role in redemptive history. Herod the Great (Matthew 2) slaughtered the infants of Bethlehem in a vain attempt to destroy the Christ child. Herod Antipas (Luke 23) beheaded John the Baptist at the request of Herodias (Mark 6:27) and mocked Jesus during His trial. Jesus called Antipas "that fox" (Luke 13:32). Herod Agrippa I (Acts 12) killed the apostle James with the sword and imprisoned Peter — but was struck down by an angel because "he did not give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and breathed his last" (Acts 12:23). The Herodian dynasty represents the political power of this world set against the kingdom of God — rulers who consistently tried to destroy Christ and His church, and who were consistently defeated.
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
A dynasty of Idumean rulers over Judea; opponents of Christ and His church.
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HER'OD, n. [Gr.] The name of a dynasty of rulers in Judea under Roman authority, including Herod the Great, Herod Antipas, and Herod Agrippa I — all opponents of God's redemptive purposes.
📖 Key Scripture
• Matthew 2:16 — "Then Herod... killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under."
• Mark 6:27 — "The king sent an executioner with orders to bring John\'s head. He went and beheaded him in the prison."
• Luke 13:32 — "He said to them, 'Go and tell that fox...'"
• Acts 12:23 — "Immediately an angel of the Lord struck him down, because he did not give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and breathed his last."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
The Herods are treated as historical curiosities rather than as types of the world's opposition to Christ.
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Modern treatments of the Herods tend to be purely historical — analyzing their political maneuvering and architectural achievements. What is missed is the theological pattern: every Herod who encounters the purposes of God opposes them, and every Herod who opposes God is destroyed. Herod the Great tried to kill the infant Christ and failed. Herod Antipas silenced John the Baptist but could not silence the gospel. Herod Agrippa killed James, imprisoned Peter, and was eaten by worms. The Herods represent the futility of political power arrayed against the kingdom of God.
Usage
• "Every Herod who touched the purposes of God was destroyed — the infant Jesus survived, the gospel outlasted the Baptist's death, and Agrippa was eaten by worms."
• "Jesus called Herod Antipas 'that fox' — the Son of God does not cower before political power; He names it for what it is."