1. Name / Role
Herodians
2. Category
Government Roles
3. Time Period / Biblical Context
Herodians appear in the New Testament, primarily during the time of Jesus’ public ministry. They are mentioned in the Synoptic Gospels, particularly in connection with plots against Jesus and political-religious discussions involving taxation and Roman authority.
4. Origin / Background
The Herodians were a political group or faction aligned with the Herodian dynasty, particularly loyal to Herod Antipas and the broader Herodian family who ruled parts of Judea and Galilee under Roman authority. While not a formal sect like the Pharisees or Sadducees, they supported Herodian rule and, by extension, Roman governance. Their interests were political, favouring stability and the continuation of Herodian power.
5. Primary Role / Function
The Herodians acted as political allies to the Herodian monarchy, supporting the dynasty’s legitimacy and collaborating with Roman rulers to maintain political order. In the Gospels, they are seen cooperating with the Pharisees—despite differing ideologies—to oppose Jesus, whom they viewed as a threat to political stability and royal authority.
6. Key Characteristics / Traits
- Politically motivated rather than religiously orthodox
- Loyal to the Herodian rulers and supportive of Roman influence
- Viewed Jesus as a destabilising figure and potential revolutionary
- Known for plotting with other groups to entrap Jesus
- Prioritised royal and imperial interests over covenantal or spiritual concerns
7. Symbolism / Spiritual Significance
The Herodians symbolise compromise with worldly power, political expediency, and opposition to divine authority when it threatens human control. Their collaboration with religious groups against Jesus illustrates how political and religious institutions can unite in resistance to God’s kingdom when their power is challenged.
8. Notable Figures / Examples
- Unnamed Herodians – Involved in questioning Jesus about paying taxes to Caesar (Matthew 22:15–22; Mark 12:13–17)
- Conspirators with Pharisees – Plotted to destroy Jesus (Mark 3:6)
- Allies of Herod Antipas – Though not named individually, they functioned as supporters of his rule and policies
9. Related Bible References
- Mark 3:6 – Herodians conspire with Pharisees to destroy Jesus
- Matthew 22:15–22; Mark 12:13–17; Luke 20:20–26 – The Herodians and Pharisees attempt to trap Jesus with a question about taxes
- Luke 13:31–32 – Jesus refers to Herod as “that fox,” indicating tension with the Herodian regime
- Acts 12:1–4 – Although not mentioning Herodians by name, the persecution by Herod Agrippa reflects continued opposition to the Church
10. Summary / Reflection
The Herodians played a subtle yet strategic role in the Gospel narratives as defenders of political power and opponents of Jesus. Though not theological figures, their actions reveal how temporal alliances can threaten divine truth. Their willingness to conspire with religious leaders against Christ exposes the dangerous intersection of politics and religion when used to protect power rather than pursue righteousness. Their legacy challenges believers to discern the difference between loyalty to human authorities and allegiance to God’s kingdom.