Devine Scripture

Mark 6:16

What does Mark 6:16 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 6:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 6:16 means

Mark 6:16 gives Herod’s personal conclusion: he firmly believed that John, whom he had beheaded, was risen. This reveals Herod’s troubled conscience and fear. Unlike the more speculative popular opinions, Herod’s statement acknowledges guilt—he cannot shake the idea that his execution of John has been vindicated by supernatural return. The verse exposes how political power can be haunted by moral responsibility, and how reports of Jesus’ deeds provoked inner turmoil in those complicit in silencing prophetic witness.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But Herod, when he heard thereof, said, John, whom I beheaded, he is risen.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But when Herod heard thereof, he said, It is John, whom I beheaded: he is risen from the dead.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But Herod, when he heard thereof, said, John, whom I beheaded, he is risen.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But Herod, when he had news of it, said, John, whom I put to death, has come back from the dead.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And Herod having heard, said--`He whom I did behead--John--this is he; he was raised out of the dead.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Which Herod hearing, said: John whom I beheaded, he is risen again from the dead.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But Herod when he heard [it] said, John whom I beheaded, he it is; he is risen [from among the dead].

Context

Placed amid public speculation about Jesus’ identity, this verse focuses on Herod’s disturbed reaction. It interrupts the narrative to explain Herod’s mind and prepares the reader for the account of how John came to be imprisoned and killed. Understanding Herod’s belief helps explain his later actions and his interest in Jesus, and it frames the political backdrop to the sorrowful episode about to unfold.

v.15But others said, It is Elijah. And others said, It is a prophet, even as one of the prophets.

v.16This passage

v.17For Herod himself had sent forth and laid hold upon John, and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife; for he had married her.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Luke 9:9

    And Herod said, John I beheaded: but who is this, about whom I hear such things? And he sought to see him.

  • Psalms 53:5

    There were they in great fear, where no fear was; For God hath scattered the bones of him that encampeth against thee: Thou hast put them to shame, because God hath rejected them.

  • Revelation 11:10

    And they that dwell on the earth rejoice over them, and make merry; and they shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwell on the earth.

  • Genesis 40:10

    and in the vine were three branches: and it was as though it budded, and its blossoms shot forth; and the clusters thereof brought forth ripe grapes:

  • Matthew 14:2

    and said unto his servants, This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead; and therefore do these powers work in him.

  • Matthew 27:4

    saying, I have sinned in that I betrayed innocent blood. But they said, What is that to us? see thou to it.

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