Devine Scripture

Mark 6:21

What does Mark 6:21 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 6:21 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 6:21 means

Mark 6:21 sets the scene for a fateful banquet on Herod’s birthday, attended by his courtiers, high-ranking officers, and leading men of Galilee. This “convenient day” provides a public setting where the king’s ego and indulgence are on display, making it ripe for political and personal theater. The mention of the high captains and chief men underscores authority and public scrutiny, implying that decisions made here have real consequences. The banquet context prepares for a spectacle—the dance and the tragic demand for John’s head—that will expose moral failure in high places.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And 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;

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And 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;

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And the chance came when Herod on his birthday gave a feast to his lords, and the high captains, and the chief men of Galilee;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And a seasonable day having come, when Herod on his birthday was making a supper to his great men, and to the chiefs of thousands, and to the first men of Galilee,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And when a convenient day was come, Herod made a supper for his birthday, for the princes, and tribunes, and chief men of Galilee.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And a holiday being come, when Herod, on his birthday, made a supper to his grandees, and to the chiliarchs, and the chief [men] of Galilee;

Context

This verse follows the earlier account of Herod’s uneasy regard for John. It introduces a social occasion where Herodias’ plot can find opportunity. The banquet is significant because it will lead to Herod’s rash oath and the public execution of John. Calling attention to the people present shows that John’s death will not be private but witnessed by the ruling class, amplifying the scandal and the cost of prophetic truth-telling.

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.

v.21This passage

v.22and when the daughter of Herodias herself came in and danced, she pleased Herod and them that sat at meat with him; and the king said unto the damsel, Ask of me whatsoever thou wilt, and I will give it thee.

Cross references

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

  • Acts 12:2

    And he killed James the brother of John with the sword.

  • 1 Peter 4:3

    For the time past may suffice to have wrought the desire of the Gentiles, and to have walked in lasciviousness, lusts, winebibbings, revellings, carousings, and abominable idolatries:

  • Daniel 5:1

    Belshazzar the king made a great feast to a thousand of his lords, and drank wine before the thousand.

  • Esther 1:3

    in the third year of his reign, he made a feast unto all his princes and his servants; the power of Persia and Media, the nobles and princes of the provinces, being before him;

  • Genesis 27:41

    And Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing wherewith his father blessed him: and Esau said in his heart, The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then will I slay my brother Jacob.

  • 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.

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