Herodians

Herodians is the term used in the New Testament to describe a political faction or loose coalition that supported the Herodian dynasty and, by extension, Roman authority in Judea during the first century CE. The designation does not imply a formal religious movement; rather, it refers to a group of elites—often aristocrats, high priests, and court officials—who benefited from dynastic rule and cooperation with Rome.

Origins and membership of the Herodians are not defined by a single creed, but by their allegiance to the Herodian rulers, beginning with Herod the Great and continuing under his successors. They are generally understood as a pro-Herodian, pro-Roman faction within Jewish society, distinct from but sometimes allied with other groups such as the Pharisees. Their exact makeup remains a matter of scholarly discussion, and historical sources outside the New Testament are sparse.

In the Gospel narratives, the Herodians are depicted as opponents of Jesus and as partners with the Pharisees in efforts to trap him. The best-known episode involves questions about paying taxes to Caesar, a political dilemma intended to challenge Jesus’ authority (for example, Mark 12:13–17; Matthew 22:15–22; Luke 20:19–26). This portrayal has shaped interpretations of the Herodians as a pro-Roman faction aligned against Jesus’ message.

Historically, evidence for the Herodians outside the Christian texts is limited, and their exact role or influence remains debated. They are generally viewed as a political faction tied to the Herodian regime rather than a distinct religious movement, existing within the complex landscape of late Second Temple Judaism alongside the Pharisees, Sadducees, and other groups.