Rejection and the twelve's mission
Mark 6:1–13FocusUnbelief and sending
Connection to the wholeRejection in Jesus' own country is followed by the disciples' mission, showing that opposition does not end the work.
interpretation Mark 6:19
KJVTherefore Herodias had a quarrel against him, and would have killed him; but she could not:
Read it in context
John's death recalled
Start reading at Mark 6:14 (Mark 6:14 to Mark 6:29).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Herod's response to reports about Jesus introduces the account of John's death and the dangers confronting God's messengers.
- 6:14 And king Herod heard of him; (for his name was spread abroad:) and he said, That John the Baptist was risen from the dead, and therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in him.
- 6:15 Others said, That it is Elias. And others said, That it is a prophet, or as one of the prophets.
- 6:16 But when Herod heard thereof, he said, It is John, whom I beheaded: he is risen from the dead.
- 6:17 For Herod himself had sent forth and laid hold upon John, and bound him in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife: for he had married her.
- 6:18 For John had said unto Herod, It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother's wife.
- 6:19 Therefore Herodias had a quarrel against him, and would have killed him; but she could not:
- 6:20 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.
- 6:21 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;
- 6:22 And when the daughter of the said Herodias came in, and danced, and pleased Herod and them that sat with him, the king said unto the damsel, Ask of me whatsoever thou wilt, and I will give it thee.
- 6:23 And he sware unto her, Whatsoever thou shalt ask of me, I will give it thee, unto the half of my kingdom.
- 6:24 And she went forth, and said unto her mother, What shall I ask? And she said, The head of John the Baptist.
- 6:25 And she came in straightway with haste unto the king, and asked, saying, I will that thou give me by and by in a charger the head of John the Baptist.
- 6:26 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.
- 6:27 And immediately the king sent an executioner, and commanded his head to be brought: and he went and beheaded him in the prison,
- 6:28 And brought his head in a charger, and gave it to the damsel: and the damsel gave it to her mother.
- 6:29 And when his disciples heard of it, they came and took up his corpse, and laid it in a tomb.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Mark, traditionally identified as John Mark and associated with Peter's preaching, is the author named by early church testimony. Biblical references: Acts 12:12; 1 Peter 5:13. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, Mark, Gospel of. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Mark 6:1–6:56): Jesus teaches in His own country and sends out the twelve. Herod and John's death are recounted; the apostles and crowds appear in the feeding and sea-crossing accounts. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Readers who needed explanations of Jewish customs and Aramaic words, indicating a substantial Gentile audience. An association with Rome is early tradition, not an explicit address in the Gospel. Biblical references: Mark 5:41; Mark 7:3; Mark 7:4. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Mark, Gospel of. book background
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? John's death recalled. Read Mark 6:14 through Mark 6:29 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? Herod's response to reports about Jesus introduces the account of John's death and the dangers confronting God's messengers. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The account begins with John the Baptist and follows Jesus' public ministry through His death and resurrection. It does not give a composition date. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? Galilee, surrounding regions, the journey toward Jerusalem, and Jerusalem form the main narrative movement. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in John's death recalled (Mark 6:14 to Mark 6:29). Start reading at Mark 6:14. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Mark explicitly presents the gospel of Jesus Christ and connects His service with giving His life a ransom for many. His identity and the call to follow Him shape the narrative. See Mark 1:1, Mark 8:34, Mark 10:45. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Follow Jesus with obedient service rather than status-seeking. Read predictions of suffering and calls to discipleship alongside accounts of power and deliverance. interpretation
Cited: Mark 6:14, Mark 6:29, Mark 1:1, Mark 8:34, Mark 10:45
Who wrote it, and how we know
John Mark, recording Peter's preaching (traditional)
From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe book does not name its author.
Early traditionPapias, quoting an earlier elder, records that Mark wrote down Peter's preaching accurately.
What is debatedThe name is not in the text.
Other accounts of this event
The death of John the Baptist
Parallel accounts
These passages describe overlapping parts of the same event. Each account retains its own wording and emphasis.
Related passages
- Herodias Gen 39:17-20 1 Kgs 21:20
- a quarrel Eccl 7:9 Eph 4:26-27
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Mark 6
This Gospel identifies its subject as Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and follows His ministry toward the cross and resurrection. No particular original recipient is named in its opening.
FocusThe cost of speaking truth
Connection to the wholeHerod's response to reports about Jesus introduces the account of John's death and the dangers confronting God's messengers.
interpretation The crowd is fed
Mark 6:30–44FocusCompassion and provision
Connection to the wholeJesus receives the returning apostles, teaches the crowd, and provides food through the disciples despite their limited resources.
interpretation The crossing and further healing
Mark 6:45–56FocusIncomplete understanding
Connection to the wholeJesus' coming across the water exposes the disciples' lack of understanding, while people on shore continue to seek His help.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Mark
This Gospel identifies its subject as Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and follows His ministry toward the cross and resurrection. No particular original recipient is named in its opening.
The ministry prepared
Mark 1:1–13FocusJohn, baptism, and temptation
Connection to the wholeThe brief opening introduces Jesus and His forerunner, moving rapidly toward the proclamation of the kingdom.
interpretation Authority and opposition
Mark 1:14–3:6FocusTeaching, deliverance, and conflict
Connection to the wholeJesus' works and teaching draw followers while controversies bring the first explicit plot against Him.
interpretation FocusDisciples, crowds, and understanding
Connection to the wholeTeaching, mighty works, and varied responses repeatedly expose both Jesus' authority and the disciples' difficulty understanding.
interpretation The way to Jerusalem
Mark 8:27–10:52FocusThe Messiah's suffering and following
Connection to the wholePeter's confession is followed by repeated passion predictions and teaching that redefines greatness and discipleship through service.
interpretation Jerusalem and coming judgment
Mark 11:1–13:37FocusTemple conflict and watchfulness
Connection to the wholeJesus' actions and disputes in Jerusalem lead into His teaching about coming troubles and the command to watch.
interpretation Passion and resurrection
Mark 14:1–16:20FocusDeath, the empty tomb, and proclamation
Connection to the wholeBetrayal, trial, and crucifixion lead to the resurrection proclamation and commission recorded in the KJV's final chapter.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.