Mark 6:18

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

For John had said unto Herod, It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother's wife.

Complete Jewish Bible:

but Yochanan had told him, "It violates the Torah for you to marry your brother's wife."

Berean Standard Bible:

For John had been telling Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife!”

American Standard Version:

For John said unto Herod, It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother’s wife.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

For^{G1063} John^{G2491} had said^{G3004} unto Herod^{G2264},^{G3754} It is^{G1832} not^{G3756} lawful^{G1832} for thee^{G4671} to have^{G2192} thy^{G4675} brother's^{G80} wife^{G1135}.

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Mark 6:18

Mark 6:18 is a verse that captures a pivotal moment in the relationship between John the Baptist and Herod Antipas, a key political figure in the historical context of the New Testament. Herod Antipas was a tetrarch, ruling over Galilee and Perea, and he had married Herodias, who was previously married to his half-brother Philip. This union was considered incestuous and against Jewish law, as detailed in Leviticus 18:16 and 20:21.

The verse specifically references John the Baptist's bold reproach to Herod, stating that it was unlawful for him to have his brother's wife. John's condemnation of Herod's marriage reflects the theme of prophetic courage and the call to uphold moral and religious law, even in the face of political power. This confrontation underscores the tension between the religious duties of the Jews and the often-compromised ethics of their rulers, who were subject to the pressures and indulgences of a Greco-Roman culture.

John the Baptist's stance ultimately led to his imprisonment and, as recorded later in the narrative, his beheading at the request of Herodias's daughter, Salome. This event highlights the danger faced by prophets and religious figures who challenged the status quo and the potential cost of integrity and faithfulness to one's convictions in a morally complex world. The verse encapsulates the broader biblical theme of the struggle between righteousness and corruption, and the consequences that can ensue when leaders choose personal desire over divine law.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: G1063
   There are 1016 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: γάρ
   Transliteration: gár
   Pronunciation: gar
   Description: a primary particle; properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles):--and, as, because (that), but, even, for, indeed, no doubt, seeing, then, therefore, verily, what, why, yet.
   
2. Strong's Number: G2491
   There are 130 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: Ἰωάννης
   Transliteration: Iōánnēs
   Pronunciation: ee-o-an'-nace
   Description: of Hebrew origin (יוֹחָנָן); Joannes (i.e. Jochanan), the name of four Israelites:--John.
   
3. Strong's Number: G3004
   There are 1244 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: λέγω
   Transliteration: légō
   Pronunciation: leg'-o
   Description: a primary verb; properly, to "lay" forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas ἔπω and φημί generally refer to an individual expression or speech respectively; while ῥέω is properly to break silence merely, and λαλέω means an extended or random harangue)); by implication, to mean:--ask, bid, boast, call, describe, give out, name, put forth, say(-ing, on), shew, speak, tell, utter.
   
4. Strong's Number: G2264
   There are 41 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: Ἡρώδης
   Transliteration: Hērṓdēs
   Pronunciation: hay-ro'-dace
   Description: compound of (a "hero") and εἶδος; heroic; Herod, the name of four Jewish kings:--Herod.
   
5. Strong's Number: G3754
   There are 1189 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ὅτι
   Transliteration: hóti
   Pronunciation: hot'-ee
   Description: neuter of ὅστις as conjunction; demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because:--as concerning that, as though, because (that), for (that), how (that), (in) that, though, why.
   
6. Strong's Number: G1832
   There are 30 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἔξεστι
   Transliteration: éxesti
   Pronunciation: ex-on'
   Description: third person singular present indicative of a compound of ἐκ and εἰμί; so also neuter present participle of the same (with or without some form of εἰμί expressed); impersonally, it is right (through the figurative idea of being out in public):--be lawful, let, X may(-est).
   
7. Strong's Number: G3756
   There are 1328 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: οὐ
   Transliteration: ou
   Pronunciation: ookh
   Description: a primary word; the absolute negative (compare μή) adverb; no or not:--+ long, nay, neither, never, no (X man), none, (can-)not, + nothing, + special, un(-worthy), when, + without, + yet but. See also οὐ μή, μῆκος.
   
8. Strong's Number: G4671
   There are 204 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: σοί
   Transliteration: soí
   Pronunciation: soy
   Description: dative case of σύ; to thee:--thee, thine own, thou, thy.
   
9. Strong's Number: G2192
   There are 628 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἔχω
   Transliteration: échō
   Pronunciation: skheh'-o
   Description: a primary verb; to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or condition):--be (able, X hold, possessed with), accompany, + begin to amend, can(+ -not), X conceive, count, diseased, do + eat, + enjoy, + fear, following, have, hold, keep, + lack, + go to law, lie, + must needs, + of necessity, + need, next, + recover, + reign, + rest, + return, X sick, take for, + tremble, + uncircumcised, use.
   
10. Strong's Number: G4675
    There are 360 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: σοῦ
    Transliteration: soû
    Pronunciation: soo
    Description: genitive case of σύ; of thee, thy:--X home, thee, thine (own), thou, thy.
    
11. Strong's Number: G80
    There are 344 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: ἀδελφός
    Transliteration: adelphós
    Pronunciation: ad-el-fos'
    Description: from Α (as a connective particle) and (the womb); a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like Α):--brother.
    
12. Strong's Number: G1135
    There are 200 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: γυνή
    Transliteration: gynḗ
    Pronunciation: goo-nay'
    Description: probably from the base of γίνομαι; a woman; specially, a wife:--wife, woman.