herod antipas: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1+ (Low)Academic, Historical, Theological, Literary (Allusion)
Quick answer
What does “herod antipas” mean?
A historical figure from the New Testament, the tetrarch (ruler) of Galilee and Perea during the time of Jesus, known for ordering the execution of John the Baptist and for presiding over part of the trial of Jesus.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A historical figure from the New Testament, the tetrarch (ruler) of Galilee and Perea during the time of Jesus, known for ordering the execution of John the Baptist and for presiding over part of the trial of Jesus.
By extension, used to refer to a weak, vacillating, or politically expedient ruler who acts unjustly under pressure or for personal gain, often from a position of perceived weakness or insecurity.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage or reference.
Connotations
Identical connotations rooted in the same biblical/historical narrative.
Frequency
Equally rare and context-specific in both varieties; slightly more likely to be encountered in culturally religious or historical academic texts.
Grammar
How to Use “herod antipas” in a Sentence
[Subject] acted like Herod AntipasThe [metaphorical situation] was a Herod Antipas momentVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “herod antipas” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The politician was accused of Herod Antipasing his way through the scandal, pleasing everyone and standing for nothing.
American English
- He totally Herod Antipased that decision, caving to pressure instead of doing the right thing.
adverb
British English
- He ruled Herod Antipasly, always looking for the most politically convenient outcome.
American English
- She acted Herod Antipasly, condemning the action only after public opinion shifted.
adjective
British English
- His was a Herod Antipas-like response, full of feigned interest but ultimately weak.
American English
- The committee's report had a Herod Antipas quality, trying to avoid offending anyone.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Extremely rare. Possibly metaphorical: 'The CEO made a Herod Antipas move, firing the whistleblower to please the board.'
Academic
Used in historical, religious studies, and theological contexts to refer to the actual figure or his policies.
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation except in specific religious or literary discussions.
Technical
Used in biblical scholarship and ancient Near Eastern history.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “herod antipas”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “herod antipas”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “herod antipas”
- Misspelling as 'Herod Antipus' or 'Herod Antipater' (his grandfather).
- Using it as a common noun (e.g., 'a Herod Antipas').
- Confusing him with Herod Agrippa I or II.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'King Herod' usually refers to Herod the Great, his father, who ruled at the time of Jesus's birth. Herod Antipas was a son and a tetrarch (a lower rank) who ruled later.
Biblical accounts portray him as manipulated by his wife Herodias and her daughter Salome into executing John the Baptist against his own judgment, and as indecisive and mocking during the trial of Jesus.
No. It is a proper name with very limited use outside specific historical, religious, or metaphorical literary contexts. Most English speakers know the name but seldom use it actively.
The stress is typically on the first syllable of Antipas: AN-ti-pas. In American English, it's often pronounced with a schwa in the second syllable: /ˈæntəˌpæs/.
A historical figure from the New Testament, the tetrarch (ruler) of Galilee and Perea during the time of Jesus, known for ordering the execution of John the Baptist and for presiding over part of the trial of Jesus.
Herod antipas is usually academic, historical, theological, literary (allusion) in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A Herod Antipas decision (a weak or morally compromised ruling under pressure)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Herod Anti-PASSed the buck: he didn't want to execute John the Baptist but passed the responsibility to a rash promise and a dancing girl's request.
Conceptual Metaphor
MORAL WEAKNESS / EXPEDIENCY IS HEROD ANTIPAS (A person acting from moral cowardice is metaphorically the historical figure known for it).
Practice
Quiz
Herod Antipas is most famously associated with which event?