Mark 6:17

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} Herod {G2264} himself {G846} had sent forth {G649} and laid hold {G2902} upon John {G2491}, and {G2532} bound {G1210} him {G846} in {G1722} prison {G5438} for {G1223} Herodias {G2266}' sake {G1223}, his {G846} brother {G80} Philip's {G5376} wife {G1135}: for {G3754} he had married {G1060} her {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For Herod had sent and had Yochanan arrested and chained in prison because of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip. Herod had married her,

Berean Standard Bible

For Herod himself had ordered that John be arrested and bound and imprisoned, on account of his brother Philip’s wife Herodias, whom Herod had married.

American Standard Version

For Herod himself had sent forth and laid hold upon John, and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife; for he had married her.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 6:17 provides the critical backstory to John the Baptist's imprisonment, revealing King Herod Antipas's direct role in his arrest and the scandalous reason behind it. Herod, driven by his illicit marriage to Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, sought to silence John's prophetic condemnation of their union, setting the stage for the prophet's eventual martyrdom and highlighting the dangerous intersection of political power and moral transgression.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a crucial parenthetical explanation within Mark's narrative, interrupting the account of Jesus sending out the twelve disciples (Mark 6:7-13) and their return (Mark 6:30). It provides the necessary background for understanding the subsequent, detailed narrative of John the Baptist's execution (Mark 6:21-29). The placement emphasizes the escalating conflict between God's truth, represented by John, and corrupt worldly authority, embodied by Herod. It also subtly foreshadows the opposition Jesus and His disciples would face, drawing a parallel between John's suffering and the potential suffering of those who proclaim God's kingdom.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The individual identified as "Herod" in this verse is Herod Antipas, one of the sons of Herod the Great, who ruled as tetrarch of Galilee and Perea from 4 BC to AD 39. His illicit marriage to Herodias was a significant scandal. Herodias was not only his niece but also his sister-in-law, having been married to his half-brother, Herod Philip I (not Philip the tetrarch, who ruled Iturea and Trachonitis). Such a marriage was strictly forbidden under Jewish law, as articulated in [Leviticus 18:16](/leviticus/18-16 "Leviticus 18:16 - Unlawful Marriage") and [Leviticus 20:21](/leviticus/20-21 "Leviticus 20:21 - Penalty for Unlawful Marriage"). John the Baptist, acting as a fearless prophet in the tradition of Elijah, publicly denounced this union, challenging Herod's authority and moral conduct in a way that resonated with the Jewish populace but infuriated Herodias and, eventually, Herod himself.
* **Key Themes:** Mark 6:17 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the Gospel of Mark. It powerfully illustrates the **conflict between divine truth and corrupt worldly power**, a theme that will culminate in Jesus' own confrontation with religious and political authorities in Jerusalem. John's unwavering commitment to God's law, even in the face of royal opposition, highlights the theme of **prophetic courage and integrity**. Furthermore, the verse underscores the **consequences of unrighteousness**, as Herod's immoral actions lead to the silencing of a righteous voice and ultimately, to a tragic act of violence. This narrative also serves as a stark reminder of the **cost of discipleship**, foreshadowing the persecution and suffering that disciples of Jesus would endure for their faithfulness, echoing Jesus' later teachings on taking up one's cross (e.g., [Mark 8:34](/mark/8-34 "Mark 8:34 - Taking Up the Cross")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **gár (Greek, _gár'_):** Translated as "For," this primary particle serves to introduce a reason or explanation. In Mark 6:17, it signals that the following details about Herod's actions are presented as the underlying cause or justification for John's imprisonment, which was briefly mentioned earlier in the narrative. It connects this explanatory interlude directly to the broader context of John's ministry and fate.
* **kratéō (Greek, _kratéō'_):** Rendered "laid hold upon," this verb means "to use strength, to seize or retain." It conveys a forceful, authoritative, and decisive action by Herod. This was not a passive arrest but an active, deliberate seizure, emphasizing Herod's direct involvement and the power he wielded to apprehend John. It highlights the physical and political power dynamic at play.
* **déō (Greek, _déō'_):** Translated as "bound," this primary verb signifies "to bind" in various applications, literally or figuratively. Here, it literally describes John being physically restrained and confined. Coupled with "laid hold," it paints a picture of John's complete subjugation to Herod's will, stripped of his freedom and mobility, a stark image of prophetic suppression.
* **gaméō (Greek, _gaméō'_):** Appearing as "had married," this verb means "to wed (of either sex)." Its use here points to the core offense: Herod's formal, albeit unlawful, union with Herodias. The fact that it was a "marriage" in the eyes of the world, despite violating divine law, is precisely what John challenged, making it the direct catalyst for his imprisonment.
* **diá (Greek, _diá'_):** Translated as "for...sake," this preposition denotes the channel or reason for an act. Here, it explicitly states that John's imprisonment was "through" or "by reason of" Herodias. This highlights her direct involvement and influence as the primary instigator behind Herod's decision, underscoring her vengeful motivation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For Herod himself had sent forth and laid hold upon John,"**: This clause establishes Herod Antipas as the direct agent of John's arrest. The phrase "sent forth" (ἀποστέλλω, _apostéllō_) implies an official, authoritative command, indicating that John's apprehension was not a spontaneous act but a deliberate order from the highest political authority in the region. "Laid hold upon" (ἐκράτησεν, _ekratēsen_) further emphasizes the forceful and decisive nature of this action, underscoring Herod's intent to assert his power over the prophet.
* **"and bound him in prison"**: This segment details the immediate consequence of John's apprehension: his incarceration. The act of "binding" (ἔδησεν, _edēsen_) signifies physical restraint and the deprivation of liberty, placing John in a "prison" (φυλακῇ, _phylakē_), a place of confinement and punishment. This was a direct attempt to silence John's prophetic voice and remove him from public influence.
* **"for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife:"**: This crucial explanatory phrase reveals the specific motivation behind Herod's actions. John was imprisoned not for a political crime against the state, but "for Herodias' sake" (διὰ Ἡρῳδιάδα, _dia Hērōdiada_), indicating her personal vendetta and influence as the driving force. The identification of Herodias as "his brother Philip's wife" (γυναικὸς Φιλίππου τοῦ ἀδελφοῦ αὐτοῦ, _gynaikos Philippou tou adelphou autou_) clarifies the scandalous nature of her relationship with Herod Antipas, as it violated Jewish law and was the subject of John's public condemnation.
* **"for he had married her."**: This final clause provides the ultimate justification for John's prophetic rebuke and, consequently, for his imprisonment. The simple statement "for he had married her" (ὅτι αὐτὴν ἐγάμησεν, _hoti autēn egamēsen_) points to the unlawful and immoral nature of Herod's union with Herodias. It was this act, and John's courageous denunciation of it, that directly led to the prophet's suffering, highlighting the conflict between divine righteousness and human sin.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 6:17 employs several potent literary devices. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as John's imprisonment for speaking truth to power ominously anticipates Jesus' own eventual arrest and execution for challenging the established order. The verse also utilizes **Irony**, as Herod, a powerful ruler, is shown to be enslaved by his own illicit desires and the manipulative influence of Herodias, while the imprisoned John remains spiritually free and courageous. There is a clear **Contrast** between John's unwavering moral integrity and Herod's moral compromise and political expediency. Furthermore, the "prison" functions as a **Symbol** not merely of physical confinement but of the world's attempt to suppress and silence divine truth, a recurring motif in biblical narratives where prophets are persecuted for their message.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 6:17 profoundly illustrates the timeless conflict between God's absolute truth and the corrupting influence of worldly power and personal sin. John the Baptist, as a prophet, embodies unwavering faithfulness to divine law, even when it demands confronting those in authority. His imprisonment highlights the cost of prophetic witness and the inherent danger in challenging moral compromise, especially when it is entrenched in political leadership. Theologically, this event underscores the radical nature of God's kingdom, which often stands in stark opposition to the kingdoms of this world, and the call for believers to uphold righteousness regardless of personal consequence. It also speaks to the pervasive nature of sin, demonstrating how illicit desires can lead to oppression and violence against those who speak truth.

* [Matthew 14:3-4](/matthew/14-3-4 "Matthew 14:3-4 - John's Rebuke to Herod")
* [Leviticus 18:16](/leviticus/18-16 "Leviticus 18:16 - Prohibition of Marrying Brother's Wife")
* [Acts 5:29](/acts/5-29 "Acts 5:29 - Obeying God Rather Than Men")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 6:17 challenges us to consider our own commitment to truth and righteousness in a world that often compromises moral standards for power, popularity, or personal gain. John's courageous stand against Herod's unlawful marriage, even at the cost of his freedom, calls believers to a similar integrity. It compels us to examine whether we are willing to speak truth to power, whether in public discourse or private relationships, when God's Word is being disregarded. This passage reminds us that faithfulness to Christ may involve discomfort, opposition, or even suffering, but that such a path aligns us with the prophets of old and ultimately with Christ Himself. It encourages us to cultivate a prophetic sensitivity to injustice and sin, and to pray for the courage to act according to God's will, trusting in His sovereignty even when the immediate outcome seems bleak.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or society am I called to speak truth, even if it is unpopular or challenging?**
* **What personal costs am I willing to bear for upholding biblical truth and righteousness?**
* **How does John the Baptist's example inspire or challenge my own commitment to moral integrity?**
* **How can I cultivate courage to stand against cultural norms that contradict God's Word?**

### FAQ
**Who was Herod, and why was his marriage to Herodias considered unlawful?**

Answer: The "Herod" mentioned in Mark 6:17 is Herod Antipas, one of the sons of Herod the Great. He ruled as tetrarch (a regional ruler) over Galilee and Perea during the time of John the Baptist and Jesus. His marriage to Herodias was unlawful according to Jewish law because Herodias was previously married to Herod Antipas's half-brother, Herod Philip I (not the tetrarch Philip, who ruled a different territory). [Leviticus 18:16](/leviticus/18-16 "Leviticus 18:16 - Prohibition of Marrying Brother's Wife") explicitly forbids a man from marrying his brother's wife while his brother is still alive, stating, "You shall not uncover the nakedness of your brother's wife; it is your brother's nakedness." John the Baptist's courageous denunciation of this illicit union was the direct cause of his imprisonment.

**Why did Herod imprison John the Baptist, rather than simply ignoring him?**

Answer: Herod imprisoned John the Baptist primarily because of John's public and persistent condemnation of Herod's unlawful marriage to Herodias. While Herod himself was reportedly conflicted about John, even fearing him as a righteous and holy man (as noted in [Mark 6:20](/mark/6-20 "Mark 6:20 - Herod's Respect for John")), Herodias harbored a deep grudge against John and actively sought his death. Herod's decision to imprison John was a compromise: it appeased Herodias by silencing her accuser, while avoiding the more extreme step of execution, which Herod initially seemed reluctant to take due to John's popularity and his own conscience. However, the pressure from Herodias and the circumstances of his birthday feast ultimately led to John's beheading (see [Mark 6:21-29](/mark/6-21-29 "Mark 6:21-29 - John the Baptist's Execution")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 6:17, while detailing the tragic fate of John the Baptist, ultimately points forward to the person and work of Jesus Christ. John, as the forerunner, prepared the way for the Messiah, and his suffering at the hands of earthly powers foreshadows the greater suffering and ultimate sacrifice of Jesus. Just as John was imprisoned for speaking truth to power, Jesus Himself would confront the spiritual and political authorities of His day, leading to His unjust trial and crucifixion. John's faithfulness unto death, even in the face of immense pressure, exemplifies the kind of radical obedience to God that Jesus perfectly embodied. The conflict between the kingdom of God, represented by John's prophetic message, and the corrupt kingdoms of this world, embodied by Herod, finds its ultimate resolution in Christ. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus triumphed over the powers of sin and death, establishing a kingdom that cannot be shaken (as seen in [Hebrews 12:28](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28 - A Kingdom That Cannot Be Shaken")). John's martyrdom, therefore, serves as a poignant reminder that the path of righteousness often involves suffering, a path perfectly trod by the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), whose ultimate victory brings true freedom and justice.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 11:2

Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples,

Luke 3:19

But Herod the tetrarch, being reproved by him for Herodias his brother Philip's wife, and for all the evils which Herod had done,

Luke 3:20

Added yet this above all, that he shut up John in prison.

Luke 3:1

¶ Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judaea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of Ituraea and of the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias the tetrarch of Abilene,

Matthew 14:3

For Herod had laid hold on John, and bound him, and put [him] in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife.

Matthew 14:12

And his disciples came, and took up the body, and buried it, and went and told Jesus.

Matthew 4:12

¶ Now when Jesus had heard that John was cast into prison, he departed into Galilee;