Mark 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.

And {G2532} king {G935} Herod {G2264} heard {G191} of him;(for {G1063} his {G846} name {G3686} was {G1096} spread abroad {G5318}:) and {G2532} he said {G3004}, That {G3754} John {G2491} the Baptist {G907} was risen {G1453} from {G1537} the dead {G3498}, and {G2532} therefore {G1223}{G5124} mighty works {G1411} do shew forth themselves {G1754} in {G1722} him {G846}.

Meanwhile, King Herod heard about this, for Yeshua's reputation had spread. Some were saying, "Yochanan the Immerser has been raised from the dead; that is why these miraculous powers are at work in him."

Now King Herod heard about this, for Jesus’ name had become well known, and people were saying, “John the Baptist has risen from the dead! That is why miraculous powers are at work in him.”

And king Herod heardthereof; for his name had become known: and he said, John the Baptizer is risen from the dead, and therefore do these powers work in him.

Commentary

Mark 6:14 introduces us to the reaction of King Herod Antipas concerning the burgeoning fame of Jesus Christ. As Jesus' ministry expanded throughout Galilee, accompanied by powerful miracles and the mission of His twelve disciples, His reputation became undeniable, even reaching the ears of the tetrarch.

Context

Following Jesus' teaching and healing ministry in Nazareth and the surrounding regions (Mark 6:1-6), He commissioned His disciples to preach repentance and heal the sick, giving them authority over unclean spirits (Mark 6:7-13). This widespread activity led to His name being "spread abroad." King Herod Antipas, the ruler of Galilee and Perea, was already entangled with the prophet John the Baptist, whom he had imprisoned and eventually executed at the request of Herodias's daughter (see Mark 6:27-29). Upon hearing of Jesus' mighty works, Herod's guilty conscience immediately connected Jesus' power to a resurrected John, revealing his inner turmoil and superstition.

Key Themes

  • The Unstoppable Spread of Jesus' Fame: Despite initial skepticism in His hometown, Jesus' ministry had grown to such prominence that even political rulers were forced to take notice. His "name was spread abroad," indicating His undeniable impact.
  • Herod's Guilty Conscience: Herod's immediate conclusion that Jesus was John the Baptist risen from the dead highlights his deep-seated guilt and fear concerning John's execution. His conscience was haunted by his sin, leading him to a superstitious and irrational explanation for Jesus' power.
  • Misunderstanding of Jesus' Identity: Herod, like many others during this period, failed to grasp the true identity of Jesus as the Messiah. Instead, he attributed Jesus' miraculous abilities to a supernatural return of John, demonstrating a common struggle to comprehend divine power and purpose.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "mighty works" translates the Greek word dynameis (δυνάμεις), which refers to acts of power, miracles, or supernatural abilities. It emphasizes the extraordinary and powerful nature of Jesus' deeds, which were clearly beyond human capability. This term is the root of English words like "dynamic" and "dynamite," underscoring the explosive impact and divine energy behind Jesus' actions.

Reflection and Application

This verse offers several insights for today. It reminds us that truth, especially the truth of God's work, cannot be easily suppressed; it will eventually "spread abroad." Furthermore, Herod's reaction serves as a stark reminder of the power of a guilty conscience. Unaddressed sin can lead to irrational fears and distorted perceptions of reality. Just as Herod wrestled with who Jesus was, we too are challenged to truly understand and accept Jesus' identity, not based on superstition or past regrets, but on the revelation of God's Word. Our response to Jesus' power should be one of faith and worship, not fear or misunderstanding, acknowledging Him as the Christ, the Son of the living God (see Matthew 16:16).

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Cross-References

  • Luke 9:7 (4 votes)

    Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was done by him: and he was perplexed, because that it was said of some, that John was risen from the dead;

  • Luke 9:9 (4 votes)

    And Herod said, John have I beheaded: but who is this, of whom I hear such things? And he desired to see him.

  • Mark 6:14 (3 votes)

    ¶ 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.

  • Mark 6:29 (3 votes)

    And when his disciples heard [of it], they came and took up his corpse, and laid it in a tomb.

  • Mark 1:28 (2 votes)

    And immediately his fame spread abroad throughout all the region round about Galilee.

  • Matthew 9:31 (2 votes)

    But they, when they were departed, spread abroad his fame in all that country.

  • 1 Thessalonians 1:8 (2 votes)

    For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing.