Devine Scripture

Mark 6:26

What does Mark 6:26 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 6:26 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 6:26 means

Mark 6:26 records Herod’s deep sorrow at the request, yet he feels compelled to honor his oath and the presence of his guests, so he will not refuse her. The verse shows the tragic collision of conscience and reputation: Herod is distressed, but his desire to maintain his word and face leads him to commit an immoral act. It highlights human weakness—how public vanity and fear of shame can override ethical judgment. The verse condemns the weight of appearances over righteousness and sets up the irreparable consequence of Herod’s choice.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And the king was exceeding sorry; but for the sake of his oaths, and of them that sat at meat, he would not reject her.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And the king was exceeding sorry; yet for his oath’s sake, and for their sakes which sat with him, he would not reject her.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And the king was exceeding sorry; but for the sake of his oaths, and of them that sat at meat, he would not reject her.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And the king was very sad; but because of his oaths, and those who were with him at table, he would not say 'No' to her.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And the king--made very sorrowful--because of the oaths and of those reclining (at meat) with him, would not put her away,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And the king was struck sad. Yet because of his oath, and because of them that were with him at table, he would not displease her:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And the king, [while] made very sorry, on account of the oaths and those lying at table with [him] would not break his word with her.

Context

This verse follows the appalling demand in verse 25 and reveals Herod’s reaction. His sorrow shows he recognizes the wrong, yet social pressures and his oath constrain him. The verse frames the moral culpability of the ruler and explains how he proceeds to order the execution despite misgivings. It prepares the grisly execution in verses 27–28 and reflects the broader theme: prophetic truth threatened by political expediency.

v.25And she came in straightway with haste unto the king, and asked, saying, I will that thou forthwith give me on a platter the head of John the Baptist.

v.26This passage

v.27And straightway the king sent forth a soldier of his guard, and commanded to bring his head: and he went and beheaded him in the prison,

Cross references

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

  • Matthew 27:3

    Then Judas, who betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders,

  • Matthew 27:24

    So when Pilate saw that he prevailed nothing, but rather that a tumult was arising, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this righteous man; see ye to it.

  • Matthew 14:9

    And the king was grieved; but for the sake of his oaths, and of them that sat at meat with him, he commanded it to be given;

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