Devine Scripture

Mark 6:19

What does Mark 6:19 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 6:19 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 6:19 means

Mark 6:19 tells us that Herodias set herself against John and wanted him dead, but she could not carry it out. Herodias’s hostility grew into murderous intent because John threatened her status and marriage. Yet Herod’s fear of public opinion and John’s respected character prevented her from acting openly—at least initially. The verse highlights how entrenched sin uses influence and secrecy to pursue vengeance when public rebuke is inconvenient. It also underscores John’s protective respect in the minds of some, which for a time kept him safe despite the malicious plot against him.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And Herodias set herself against him, and desired to kill him; and she could not;

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Therefore Herodias had a quarrel against him, and would have killed him; but she could not:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And Herodias set herself against him, and desired to kill him; and she could not;

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And Herodias was bitter against him, desiring to put him to death; but she was not able;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and Herodias was having a quarrel with him, and was willing to kill him, and was not able,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Now Herodias laid snares for him: and was desirous to put him to death and could not.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But Herodias kept it [in her mind] against him, and wished to kill him, and could not:

Context

This verse follows John’s rebuke in verse 18 and shows the resulting personal hatred by Herodias. It explains why Herodias pursued a scheme rather than straightforward action, building toward the event at Herod’s birthday feast. The verse sets up the tension: Herodias wanted John killed, Herod was reluctant, and a sordid plan will exploit a moment of weakness to secure John’s death in the next verses.

v.18For John said unto Herod, It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother’s wife.

v.19This passage

v.20for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and kept him safe. And when he heard him, he was much perplexed; and he heard him gladly.

Cross references

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

  • Genesis 39:17

    And she spake unto him according to these words, saying, The Hebrew servant, whom thou hast brought unto us, came in unto me to mock me:

  • Ecclesiastes 7:9

    Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry; for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.

  • 1 Kings 21:20

    And Ahab said to Elijah, Hast thou found me, O mine enemy? And he answered, I have found thee, because thou hast sold thyself to do that which is evil in the sight of Jehovah.

  • Ephesians 4:26

    Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:

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