Mark 6:16

But when Herod heard [thereof], he said, It is John, whom I beheaded: he is risen from the dead.

But {G1161} when Herod {G2264} heard {G191} thereof, he said {G2036}, It {G3778} is {G2076} John {G2491}, whom {G3754}{G3739} I {G1473} beheaded {G607}: he {G846} is risen {G1453} from {G1537} the dead {G3498}.

But when Herod heard about it, he said, "Yochanan, whom I had beheaded, has been raised."

But when Herod heard this, he said, “John, whom I beheaded, has risen from the dead!”

But Herod, when he heard thereof, said, John, whom I beheaded, he is risen.

Mark 6:16 captures a pivotal moment in the ministry of Jesus, revealing the deeply troubled conscience of Herod Antipas, the tetrarch of Galilee. Following reports of Jesus' powerful works and the successful mission of His disciples, who were performing miracles and casting out demons (as described in Mark 6:7-13), the news reached the ears of Herod. His immediate, fearful conclusion was that Jesus was none other than John the Baptist, whom he had unjustly executed.

Context

This verse is situated after Jesus has sent out the twelve disciples with authority, and their ministry is making a significant impact. The fame of Jesus was spreading so widely that even the ruler of the region, Herod Antipas, could not ignore it. Herod's reaction is particularly telling because it stems directly from his past actions concerning John the Baptist's beheading, an event detailed later in this same chapter. Herod's statement here serves as a powerful foreshadowing of that tragic narrative and underscores the deep spiritual and psychological impact of his sin.

Key Themes

  • Guilt and Conscience: Herod's immediate thought—that Jesus was John risen from the dead—is a profound indicator of his tormented conscience. His past sin of executing John for a rash oath (Mark 6:26) weighed heavily on him. This illustrates how unconfessed and unrepented sin can haunt an individual, distorting their perception and filling them with fear.
  • Superstition and Fear: Herod's belief in John's resurrection reveals a mix of superstition and a distorted understanding of divine power. He attributes Jesus' miracles to a supernatural return of the prophet he murdered, rather than acknowledging Jesus as the Messiah or a new prophet sent by God. This fear is also highlighted in Mark 6:20, where it's noted that Herod 'feared John' even before his death.
  • The Power of God's Work: The undeniable power accompanying Jesus' ministry and that of His disciples was so evident that even a cynical and worldly ruler like Herod was forced to acknowledge a supernatural force at play, even if he misinterpreted its source.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "he is risen from the dead" (Greek: ēgertai ek nekrōn) uses the perfect passive indicative of the verb "to raise" (egeirō), meaning "he has been raised" or "he has risen." This grammatical tense emphasizes a completed action with ongoing results, indicating Herod's firm conviction that John's resurrection was an accomplished fact. This wasn't merely a fleeting thought but a deep, haunting belief rooted in his guilt.

Practical Application

Mark 6:16 offers a stark reminder of the enduring power of conscience. Herod's inability to escape the consequences of his actions, even in his own mind, shows that sin, particularly grave injustice, can lead to deep psychological and spiritual torment. For believers, this verse underscores the importance of a clear conscience and the freedom found in repentance and forgiveness. It also highlights that even those in positions of power and influence are not immune to the workings of God's truth and the internal repercussions of their moral choices. The truth about Jesus' identity and power will ultimately confront everyone, forcing a response.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Revelation 11:10

    And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth.

  • Revelation 11:13

    And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven.

  • Psalms 53:5

    There were they in great fear, [where] no fear was: for God hath scattered the bones of him that encampeth [against] thee: thou hast put [them] to shame, because God hath despised them.

  • Luke 9:9

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

  • Matthew 27:4

    Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What [is that] to us? see thou [to that].

  • Genesis 40:10

    And in the vine [were] three branches: and it [was] as though it budded, [and] her blossoms shot forth; and the clusters thereof brought forth ripe grapes:

  • Genesis 40:11

    And Pharaoh's cup [was] in my hand: and I took the grapes, and pressed them into Pharaoh's cup, and I gave the cup into Pharaoh's hand.

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