Keraia
Mark 6

Mark 6:22

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

Translations

Modern
When the daughter of Herodias came and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests, and the king said to the girl, “Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it to you.”
Traditional
And when the daughter of the said Herodias came in, and danced, and pleased Herod and them that sat with him, the king said unto the damsel, Ask of me whatsoever thou wilt, and I will give it thee.
Literal
…and the daughter of Herodias herself, having entered and having danced, pleased Herod and those reclining with him. And the king said to the girl, “Ask me whatever you wish, and I will give it to you.”
Latin
…cumque introisset filia ipsius Herodiadis, et saltasset, et placuisset Herodi, simulque recumbentibus, rex ait puellæ: Pete a me quod vis, et dabo tibi:

Interlinear

Greek
English
When the daughter of Herodias came and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests, and the king said to the girl, “Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it to you.”

Notes

Mark 6:22

the daughter of Herodias: The first-century Jewish historian Josephus wrote that Herodias's daughter was also named Salome (Josephus, Antiquities 18.5.4).

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 Herodias: Wife of Herod Antipas who had John beheaded

Glossary

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

Topics

Christian Minister: Faithful: John the Baptist Dancing: Herodias Dances in the Presence of Herod (Antipas) Entertainments: Music and Dancing often Introduced At Herod: Tetrarch of Galilee (Herod Antipas): Beheads John the Baptist Herodias: Daughter of Aristobulus Jesus, the Christ: Herod (Antipas) Falsely Supposes Him to be John, Whom he had Beheaded 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