Keraia
Mark 6

Mark 6:20

The Beheading of John · Mark 6:14–29
Read Mark 6

Translations

Modern
…because Herod feared John and protected him, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man. When he heard John’s words, he was greatly perplexed; yet he listened to him gladly.
Traditional
For Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just man and an holy, and observed him; and when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly.
Literal
For Herod was afraid of John, knowing him as a man righteous and holy, and he was keeping him safe. And having heard him, he was much perplexed and heard him gladly.
Latin
Herodes enim metuebat Joannem, sciens eum virum justum et sanctum: et custodiebat eum, et audito eo multa faciebat, et libenter eum audiebat.

Interlinear

Greek
English
…because Herod feared John and protected him, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man. When he heard John’s words, he was greatly perplexed; yet he listened to him gladly.

Notes

Mark 6:19–28

Herodias's role in John the Baptist's murder is similar to the story of Jezebel (1 Kings 19:1–2). Like Jezebel, she pushed for the death of a prophet.

Herod gave in to pressure (Mark 6:26–28). This points ahead to what Pontius Pilate later did. Pilate ordered that Jesus be put to death even though he believed Jesus was innocent (compare 6:20, 25–28 with 15:6–15).

Mark 6:14–29

The story of John the Baptist's death, placed between the disciples' mission and return, emphasizes the authority and power of Jesus (see 6:7, 14). John's end and the warning to the disciples during their mission also point ahead to the death of Jesus (6:11). The one greater even than John (1:8) would soon be handed over to religious and political leaders and put to death (8:31; 9:31; 10:33).

Theme notes and profiles

Herod Antipas John the Baptist

Events

Parallels

Matthew 14:1–12 Luke 9:7–9

People

Herod: Tetrarch of Galilee during Jesus' ministry John: The Baptist, a prophet who prepared the way for Jesus

Glossary

Apostle, Apostleship Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Herod, Herodian Family Herodias John the Baptist Machaerus Mark, Gospel of Miracle Philip Teacher

Topics

Christian Minister: Faithful: John the Baptist Herod: Tetrarch of Galilee (Herod Antipas): Beheads John the Baptist Holiness: John the Baptist John: Character of John: Reproves Herod Antipas on Account of his Incest; Herod Imprisons Him, and Beheads Him Martyrdom: John the Baptist Politics: Women in Herodias, in Influencing the Administration of Herod Revenge by Herodias Revenge: Herodias Women: The Daughter of Herodias, in Her Complicity with Her Mother in Securing the Death of John the Baptist