Herodians

 
The name comes from Herod, and refers to those who took part with him and his successors in leavening the Jews with Grecian and Roman manners and licentiousness. In skepticism they sided with the Sadducees, but were strongly opposed to the Pharisees. This makes it the more striking that they should have united with the latter in endeavoring to entrap the Lord in His speech (Matt. 22:1616And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men. (Matthew 22:16); Mark 3:66And the Pharisees went forth, and straightway took counsel with the Herodians against him, how they might destroy him. (Mark 3:6); Mark 12:1313And they send unto him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, to catch him in his words. (Mark 12:13)). Their evil principles may well come under the term “the leaven of Herod” (Mark 8:1515And he charged them, saying, Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, and of the leaven of Herod. (Mark 8:15)).