Devine Scripture

Mark 6:23

What does Mark 6:23 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 6:23 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 6:23 means

Mark 6:23 tells how Herod swore to the dancing girl that he would give her whatever she asked, even up to half his kingdom. The oath reveals his rashness and pride: making an extravagant promise in front of guests shows his desire to display generosity and authority. Yet the vow also binds him morally and publicly. This moment shows how a ruler’s vanity can lead to tragic decisions. The oath’s extremity—granting half the kingdom—heightens the shock when the request becomes grotesque, and it explains Herod’s later unwillingness to go back on his word despite misgivings.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And he sware unto her, Whatsoever thou shalt ask of me, I will give it thee, unto the half of my kingdom.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And he sware unto her, Whatsoever thou shalt ask of me, I will give it thee, unto the half of my kingdom.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And he sware unto her, Whatsoever thou shalt ask of me, I will give it thee, unto the half of my kingdom.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And he took an oath, saying to her, Whatever is your desire I will give it to you, even half of my kingdom.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and he sware to her--`Whatever thou mayest ask me, I will give to thee--unto the half of my kingdom.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And he swore to her: Whatsoever thou shalt ask I will give thee, though it be the half of my kingdom.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And he swore to her, Whatsoever thou shalt ask me I will give thee, to half of my kingdom.

Context

This verse follows the daughter’s successful dance (verse 22) and sets the stage for the exploitative request orchestrated by Herodias. The public oath, given before notable men, cornered Herod into compliance. That context makes his subsequent action disturbing: he chooses appearance over justice. The oath’s binding nature explains why he will order John’s execution despite sorrow, leading into the explicit demand in verses 24–28.

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.

v.23This passage

v.24And she went out, and said unto her mother, What shall I ask? And she said, The head of John the Baptizer.

Cross references

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

  • Matthew 5:34

    but I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by the heaven, for it is the throne of God;

  • Matthew 4:9

    and he said unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.

  • 1 Samuel 28:10

    And Saul sware to her by Jehovah, saying, As Jehovah liveth, there shall no punishment happen to thee for this thing.

  • 2 Kings 6:31

    Then he said, God do so to me, and more also, if the head of Elisha the son of Shaphat shall stand on him this day.

  • Matthew 14:7

    Whereupon he promised with an oath to give her whatsoever she should ask.

  • Esther 5:3

    Then said the king unto her, What wilt thou, queen Esther? and what is thy request? it shall be given thee even to the half of the kingdom.

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