Note 7 at Mk. 3:6: "Herodians," composed of "Herod" and the familiar suffix "ianos," designates partisans of Herod the Great or his dynasty. The Herodians were a political party rather than a religious sect and it is not known exactly what their opinions were on religious subjects. It is plain from the name that they were attached to Herod, or rather to his political views. Some think that they taught that it was the safest, most politic wisdom to follow the customs of the Roman law rather than seek to insist upon obedience to the law of God.

They advocated freedom to practice pagan religion as well as Judaism--whichever would further their political or monetary fortunes at the moment. Even though their political and spiritual position was in conflict with the Pharisees, the Pharisees occasionally "teamed up" with them in attempting to trick or accuse Jesus (Mt. 22:16; Mk. 12:13). One other possibility is that even though the Jewish descent of the Herod family was very questionable, the Herodians supported them as "Jewish" nationals against the occupying Roman forces, which would explain a closer union with the Pharisees.

At any rate, their aversion to Jesus and what He was doing was enough to bring them together in a common cause.