Devine Scripture

Mark 6:20

What does Mark 6:20 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 6:20 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 6:20 means

Mark 6:20 explains why Herod did not carry out Herodias’ wishes: he feared John because he knew John was righteous and holy, and he kept him safe. Herod’s fear is not mere cowardice but a recognition of John’s moral authority and the influence John had on people. Herod enjoyed John’s preaching and felt convicted by him—“he heard him gladly.” This verse paints a complex picture of a ruler torn between guilty conscience and cowardly indulgence, afraid to execute a prophet openly despite being morally compromised by the illicit marriage.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

for 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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

for 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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For Herod was in fear of John, being conscious that he was an upright and holy man, and kept him safe. And hearing him, he was much troubled; and he gave ear to him gladly.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for Herod was fearing John, knowing him a man righteous and holy, and was keeping watch over him, and having heard him, was doing many things, and hearing him gladly.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For Herod feared John, knowing him to be a just and holy man: and kept him, and when he heard him, did many things: and he heard him willingly.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

for Herod feared John knowing that he was a just and holy man, and kept him safe; and having heard him, did many things, and heard him gladly.

Context

This verse builds on verses 17–19 that explain John’s imprisonment and Herodias’ hatred. It shows Herod’s conflicted attitude: he respected John’s integrity and therefore kept him protected. This internal conflict heightens the tragedy when Herod later yields to Herodias’ ambition at his banquet. The verse contributes to the dramatic irony: a king who recognizes righteousness still fails to act justly when social pressure and oath-taking come into play.

v.19And Herodias set herself against him, and desired to kill him; and she could not;

v.20This passage

v.21And when a convenient day was come, that Herod on his birthday made a supper to his lords, and the high captains, and the chief men of Galilee;

Cross references

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

  • Ezekiel 33:32

    And, lo, thou art unto them as a very lovely song of one that hath a pleasant voice, and can play well on an instrument; for they hear thy words, but they do them not.

  • Ezekiel 2:5

    And they, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear (for they are a rebellious house), yet shall know that there hath been a prophet among them.

  • 2 Kings 6:21

    And the king of Israel said unto Elisha, when he saw them, My father, shall I smite them? shall I smite them?

  • Matthew 14:5

    And when he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet.

  • 2 Kings 3:12

    And Jehoshaphat said, The word of Jehovah is with him. So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat and the king of Edom went down to him.

  • 2 Chronicles 24:15

    But Jehoiada waxed old and was full of days, and he died; a hundred and thirty years old was he when he died.

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