Mark 6:18

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 6:18 captures the courageous and direct confrontation of John the Baptist with King Herod Antipas, declaring Herod's marriage to Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, to be unlawful. This pivotal statement underscores John's unwavering commitment to divine law and moral truth, setting the stage for the escalating conflict that would ultimately lead to his martyrdom and highlighting the profound tension between worldly power and prophetic righteousness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Mark's concise and action-oriented Gospel, immediately following the brief mention of John's imprisonment in [Mark 6:17](/mark/6-17 "Mark 6:17 - John's Imprisonment"). The preceding verses introduce John the Baptist's ministry and his powerful call to repentance, which had gained him significant public attention, even from Herod. The narrative then shifts to Jesus sending out the twelve disciples, but the mention of John's fate interrupts this account, creating a flashback that explains why Herod was troubled by reports of Jesus's ministry, mistaking Jesus for John raised from the dead ([Mark 6:14-16](/mark/6-14-16 "Mark 6:14-16 - Herod's Fear of John Reborn")). Thus, Mark 6:18 serves as the crucial explanation for John's imprisonment, driving the subsequent narrative of his execution.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Herod Antipas, one of the sons of Herod the Great, ruled as tetrarch over Galilee and Perea from 4 BC to AD 39. His marriage to Herodias was a blatant violation of Jewish law, specifically the Mosaic prohibitions against marrying a brother's wife while the brother was still alive, as found in [Leviticus 18:16](/leviticus/18-16 "Leviticus 18:16 - Prohibited Marital Relations") and [Leviticus 20:21](/leviticus/20-21 "Leviticus 20:21 - Consequences of Incest"). Herodias was not only his niece but also the wife of his half-brother, Philip (not Philip the Tetrarch, but another son of Herod the Great). This union was scandalous in the eyes of observant Jews and a direct challenge to the moral authority of the Law. John the Baptist, acting in the tradition of Old Testament prophets, boldly confronted this powerful ruler, risking his life to uphold God's commandments against the backdrop of a corrupt political elite.
* **Key Themes:** Mark 6:18 contributes significantly to several key themes in Mark's Gospel. Firstly, it highlights **Prophetic Courage** and the cost of speaking truth to power, a theme exemplified by John the Baptist's unwavering denunciation of Herod's sin, echoing the prophetic tradition of confronting kings found throughout the Old Testament. Secondly, it underscores the **Supremacy of God's Law** over human authority and political expediency, as John insists on the divine standard of righteousness regardless of Herod's status. Thirdly, the verse foreshadows the **Suffering and Persecution** that await those who faithfully proclaim God's truth, a theme that will culminate in Jesus's own crucifixion, demonstrating that faithfulness often comes with a significant personal cost, as seen in [Mark 8:34-35](/mark/8-34-35 "Mark 8:34-35 - The Cost of Discipleship").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **lawful (Greek, _éxesti'_):** This word, derived from a compound meaning "it is out" or "it is public," conveys the idea of something being permissible, legitimate, or morally right, often in a religious or legal sense. John's declaration that Herod's marriage was "not lawful" (G3756 _ou_ + G1832 _éxesti_) was not merely a legalistic point but a profound moral and spiritual indictment, indicating that Herod's actions were contrary to God's established order and law, not just human custom. It speaks to divine authorization and ethical permissibility.
* **to have (Greek, _échō'_):** This primary verb is remarkably versatile, meaning "to hold," "to possess," or "to have." In the context of marriage, it signifies the state of being married to someone, to "have" them as one's wife. John's use of this term directly addresses Herod's ongoing state of possession of Herodias as his wife, highlighting that the very act of maintaining this relationship was the unlawful transgression. It points to the active, continuous nature of the sin.
* **wife (Greek, _gynḗ'_):** This term refers broadly to a woman, but specifically in this context, it denotes a married woman or a wife. The significance here lies in Herodias's prior status as "thy brother's wife" (G80 _adelphós_ + G1135 _gynḗ_). John's emphasis on her being "thy brother's wife" directly invokes the Levitical prohibition, making it clear that her marital status to Philip rendered her an illicit partner for Herod, regardless of any divorce proceedings or societal acceptance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For John had said unto Herod,"**: This opening clause establishes John the Baptist as the speaker and Herod Antipas as the recipient of the prophetic message. The conjunction "For" (G1063 _gár_) indicates that this statement provides the reason or explanation for John's imprisonment mentioned in the preceding verse ([Mark 6:17](/mark/6-17 "Mark 6:17 - John's Imprisonment")). It highlights John's direct and personal confrontation of the king, emphasizing his courage and the high stakes of his prophetic ministry.
* **"It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother's wife."**: This is the core of John's indictment. The phrase "It is not lawful" (G3756 _ou_ + G1832 _éxesti_) unequivocally declares the marriage to be a violation of divine law. The specific nature of the transgression—"to have thy brother's wife"—directly references the incestuous nature of Herod's union with Herodias, who was married to his half-brother Philip. This statement is a direct challenge to Herod's moral authority and his blatant disregard for the Mosaic Law, serving as the catalyst for the unfolding drama.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 6:18 employs several powerful literary devices. **Direct Speech** is prominently featured, as John's exact words of condemnation are quoted, lending immediacy and authority to his prophetic declaration. This directness underscores John's boldness and the confrontational nature of his ministry. The verse also functions as a form of **Foreshadowing**, as John's uncompromising stand against injustice and the subsequent persecution he faces prefigure Jesus's own confrontations with religious and political authorities, and his ultimate suffering for truth. Furthermore, there is an implicit **Contrast** between John's unwavering adherence to God's law and Herod's moral compromise and abuse of power, highlighting the stark difference between spiritual integrity and worldly corruption.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 6:18 serves as a potent reminder of the enduring tension between divine truth and human authority, and the prophetic imperative to speak against sin, regardless of the personal cost. John the Baptist embodies the Old Testament prophetic tradition, fearlessly confronting a powerful ruler who has violated God's explicit commands. His declaration that Herod's marriage is "not lawful" underscores the unchanging nature of God's moral law, which transcends political expediency or personal desire. This commitment to righteousness, even unto death, becomes a powerful testament to faithfulness and a foundational theme for understanding the cost of discipleship in the New Covenant. The verse also highlights the pervasive nature of sin, which impacts even those in positions of power, and the necessity of repentance for all, from the common person to the king.

* [Leviticus 18:16](/leviticus/18-16 "Leviticus 18:16 - Prohibited Marital Relations")
* [Matthew 14:3-4](/matthew/14-3-4 "Matthew 14:3-4 - John's Imprisonment and Confrontation")
* [Luke 3:19-20](/luke/3-19-20 "Luke 3:19-20 - John Rebukes Herod")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 6:18 challenges us to consider the depth of our own commitment to God's truth in a world that often prioritizes convenience, popularity, or power over righteousness. John the Baptist's courageous stand against Herod serves as a powerful example for believers today, calling us to cultivate a similar boldness in upholding biblical principles, even when it is unpopular or comes with personal risk. It prompts us to examine whether our lives reflect a genuine adherence to God's moral standards, not just in public but in our private choices and relationships. This verse reminds us that true faithfulness may involve confronting injustice, speaking truth to power, and being prepared for opposition, trusting that God's approval is paramount, regardless of worldly consequences.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to compromise God's truth for personal gain, comfort, or acceptance?**
* **What specific "unlawful" situations in society or my community might God be calling me to speak into, even if it feels uncomfortable or risky?**
* **How can I cultivate the kind of courage and conviction that John the Baptist demonstrated, relying on God's strength rather than my own?**

### FAQ
**Why was Herod's marriage to Herodias considered "unlawful" by John the Baptist?**

Answer: John the Baptist's declaration that Herod's marriage was "not lawful" was rooted in the specific prohibitions of the Mosaic Law, particularly those found in [Leviticus 18:16](/leviticus/18-16 "Leviticus 18:16 - Prohibition Against Marrying Brother's Wife") and [Leviticus 20:21](/leviticus/20-21 "Leviticus 20:21 - Consequences for Marrying Brother's Wife"). These laws strictly forbade a man from marrying his brother's wife while the brother was still alive, classifying such a union as incestuous and impure. Herodias was not only Herod Antipas's niece but also the wife of his half-brother, Philip (not the tetrarch of Ituraea, but another son of Herod the Great). John, acting as a prophet, was upholding God's moral standard, which applied to everyone, including the king, regardless of their social or political status.

**Who was Herodias, and what was her relationship to Herod Antipas?**

Answer: Herodias was a granddaughter of Herod the Great, making her Herod Antipas's niece. She was initially married to Herod Antipas's half-brother, Philip (Herod Philip I), by whom she had a daughter, Salome. Herod Antipas, during a visit to Rome, persuaded Herodias to leave Philip and marry him. This union was scandalous and unlawful under Jewish law, as Philip was still alive. Herodias's influence over Herod Antipas was significant, and her resentment towards John the Baptist for his public condemnation of their marriage ultimately led to John's imprisonment and execution, as detailed in [Mark 6:19-29](/mark/6-19-29 "Mark 6:19-29 - The Death of John the Baptist").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John the Baptist, in his courageous confrontation of Herod, serves as a powerful forerunner of Christ, embodying the prophetic voice that prepares the way for the Lord. Just as John fearlessly declared God's truth to a corrupt ruler, Jesus Himself would consistently confront the hypocrisy and sin of the religious and political establishments of His day, speaking with unparalleled authority against injustice and moral compromise ([Matthew 23:1-36](/matthew/23 "Matthew 23 - Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees")). John's declaration that Herod's marriage was "not lawful" points to the ultimate standard of righteousness found in Christ, who perfectly fulfilled the Law and revealed its true spiritual intent ([Matthew 5:17-20](/matthew/5-17-20 "Matthew 5:17-20 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). Furthermore, John's willingness to suffer imprisonment and martyrdom for the sake of truth foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, who, as the Lamb of God, willingly laid down His life to confront and atone for the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), demonstrating the ultimate cost of divine love and righteousness. Thus, John's prophetic stand in [Mark 6:18](/mark/6-18 "Mark 6:18 - John's Confrontation of Herod") illuminates the path of Christ, who perfectly embodies the uncompromising truth and self-sacrificial love necessary to redeem a fallen world.

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

Leviticus 18:16

Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy brother's wife: it [is] thy brother's nakedness.

Leviticus 20:21

And if a man shall take his brother's wife, it [is] an unclean thing: he hath uncovered his brother's nakedness; they shall be childless.

1 Kings 22:14

And Micaiah said, [As] the LORD liveth, what the LORD saith unto me, that will I speak.

Ezekiel 3:18

When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked [man] shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.

Ezekiel 3:19

Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.

Acts 20:26

Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I [am] pure from the blood of all [men].

Acts 20:27

For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.