Matthew 14:5

And when he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet.
- King James Version

Although Herod wanted to put him to death, he feared the crowd, because they regarded John as a prophet.
- New American Standard Version (1995)

And when he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet.
- American Standard Version (1901)

And he would have put him to death, but for his fear of the people, because in their eyes John was a prophet.
- Basic English Bible

And [while] desiring to kill him, he feared the crowd, because they held him for a prophet.
- Darby Bible

And when he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet.
- Webster's Bible

And he would have liked to put him to death, but was afraid of the people, because they regarded John as a Prophet.
- Weymouth Bible

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

And he willynge to sle hym, dredde the puple; for thei hadden hym as a prophete.
- Wycliffe Bible

and, willing to kill him, he feared the multitude, because as a prophet they were holding him.
- Youngs Literal Bible

Wesley's Notes for Matthew 14:5

14:5 He would have put him to death - ln his fit of passion; but he was then restrained by fear of the multitude; and afterward by the reverence he bore him.

People's Bible Notes for Matthew 14:5

Mt 14:5 He feared the multitude. Mark says he feared John also (Mr 6:20). He no doubt feared John's influence with the multitude.