Ἡρωδιανοί (Hērōdianoi)
Hērōdianoi
Herodian
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun Hērōdianoi refers to the Herodians, a group identified in the Gospels as partisans or supporters of Herod. The sources define them specifically by their political allegiance to the ruling Herodian dynasty rather than by a distinct theological school. This term appears only three times in the New Testament, with occurrences in Matthew 22:16 and two passages in Mark (3:6 and 12:13).
These brief references highlight the group’s role as political actors within first-century Judea. In Mark 3:6, the Herodians are shown joining forces with the Pharisees to plot against Jesus, illustrating that their primary concern was maintaining the stability of the existing power structure under Roman rule. Their presence in the narrative serves to identify a specific faction interested in preserving the status quo associated with Herod’s lineage.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Herodians were not a religious sect but a political faction loyal to King Herod and his dynasty. In the first century, this meant supporting a client king who ruled under Roman authority. Their presence in the Gospels shows that Jesus faced pressure from all sides of society, including those who prioritized political stability over spiritual truth.
When Pharisees, who generally opposed foreign rule, joined forces with Herodians to plot against Jesus, it reveals how deeply threatening His ministry was to the established order. They united not because they agreed on theology, but because they feared losing their power and influence. This reminds us that following Christ often means standing apart from worldly systems that seek to control or silence truth.
Understanding this group helps us see the complexity of Jesus’ mission. He did not come to support political agendas but to bring a kingdom that transcends earthly power. We are invited to place our trust in His reign rather than in the shifting alliances of human governments.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Herodians3×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Ἡρῳδιανῶν3×
Key Verses
-
Mark 3:6
The Pharisees went out, and immediately conspired with the Herodians against him, how they might destroy him.
This verse shows the Herodians collaborating with their usual religious opponents, the Pharisees, to plot Jesus' death, highlighting that their primary motive was political self-preservation rather than theological disagreement.
-
Mark 12:13
They sent some of the Pharisees and the Herodians to him, that they might trap him with words.
Here, the Herodians join with Pharisees in a trap regarding taxes, illustrating their role as political operatives trying to force Jesus into a statement that would alienate either the Roman authorities or the Jewish people.
-
Matthew 22:16
They sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are honest, and teach the way of God in truth, no matter whom you teach; for you aren’t partial to anyone.
The Herodians are sent with disciples to flatter Jesus, demonstrating their tactical approach to dealing with Him by attempting to use praise as a tool for control or entrapment.