Matthew 14:3

14:3 For Herod had arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife,

Matthew 18:34

18:34 And in anger his lord turned him over to the prison guards to torture him until he repaid all he owed.

Matthew 25:36

25:36 I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.’

tc ‡ Most witnesses (א2 C D L W Z Θ 0106 Ë1,13 33 Ï lat) read αὐτόν (auton, “him”) here as a way of clarifying the direct object; various important witnesses lack the word, however (א* B 700 pc ff1 h q). The original wording most likely lacked it, but it has been included here due to English style. NA27 includes the word in brackets, indicating reservations about its authenticity.

tn Grk “handed him over to the torturers,” referring specifically to guards whose job was to torture prisoners who were being questioned. According to L&N 37.126, it is difficult to know for certain in this instance whether the term actually envisions torture as a part of the punishment or is simply a hyperbole. However, in light of the following verse and Jesus’ other warning statements in Matthew about “fiery hell,” “the outer darkness,” etc., it is best not to dismiss this as mere imagery.