Mark 6:20

For Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just man and an holy, and observed him; and when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly.

For {G1063} Herod {G2264} feared {G5399} John {G2491}, knowing {G1492} that he {G846} was a just {G1342} man {G435} and {G2532} an holy {G40}, and {G2532} observed {G4933} him {G846}; and {G2532} when he heard {G191} him {G846}, he did {G4160} many things {G4183}, and {G2532} heard {G191} him {G846} gladly {G2234}.

because Herod stood in awe of Yochanan and protected him, for he knew that he was a tzaddik, a holy man. Whenever he heard him, he became deeply disturbed; yet he liked to listen to him.

because Herod feared John and protected him, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man. When he heard John’s words, he was greatly perplexed; yet he listened to him gladly.

for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and kept him safe. And when he heard him, he was much perplexed; and he heard him gladly.

Context of Mark 6:20

This verse offers a crucial insight into the complex relationship between King Herod Antipas, the tetrarch of Galilee and Perea, and John the Baptist. At this point in Mark's narrative, John has already been imprisoned by Herod. The preceding verses explain that John had condemned Herod's unlawful marriage to Herodias, his brother Philip's wife. While Herodias vehemently sought John's death, Herod himself harbored a peculiar mixture of fear, respect, and fascination for the prophet. Mark 6:20 delves into the reasons behind Herod's hesitation to execute John, painting a picture of a ruler caught between his conscience and the pressures of his court.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Herod's Conflicted Conscience: Herod recognized John as a "just man and an holy." He was aware of John's moral integrity and divine authority, which instilled a sense of fear and reverence in him. This verse highlights the internal struggle of a powerful ruler confronted by undeniable truth and righteousness.
  • The Power of Truth and Moral Authority: Despite John's imprisonment and vulnerable position, his spiritual and moral authority held sway over Herod. The truth John spoke, even when condemning Herod's actions, resonated with the king's conscience. This demonstrates that genuine righteousness can impact even the most hardened hearts.
  • Partial Obedience and Superficial Interest: Herod "did many things" when he heard John, and "heard him gladly." This suggests a willingness to engage with John's message on some level, perhaps even implementing minor reforms or being intrigued by the prophetic voice. However, his actions stopped short of true repentance, particularly regarding his unlawful marriage. This illustrates the danger of a divided heart that acknowledges truth but refuses to fully commit to it.
  • Fear and Protection: The phrase "Herod feared John" implies not just a dread of divine judgment but also a sense of respect and perhaps even a superstitious awe. The text also says Herod "observed him" (KJV), which can be interpreted as protecting John from Herodias's wrath, keeping him safe, or simply keeping a close watch on him due to his perceived influence.

Linguistic Nuances

The KJV uses "just man and an holy." The Greek words are dikaios (just), meaning righteous, upright, conforming to divine law, and hagios (holy), meaning set apart for God, consecrated, or pure. These terms emphasize John's exemplary character and his status as a true prophet. The phrase "observed him" comes from the Greek syneichen, which can mean to hold, protect, or keep under watch, suggesting Herod's complex motivations regarding John's safety. "Heard him gladly" (Greek: edeos ekouen) literally means "sweetly heard," indicating Herod found pleasure or fascination in listening to John, even if he didn't fully obey.

Practical Application

Mark 6:20 serves as a powerful reminder that merely acknowledging truth or being fascinated by spiritual things is not enough. Herod heard gladly and even acted on some things, but ultimately failed to make the fundamental changes required by his conscience. This challenges believers to move beyond intellectual assent or emotional enjoyment of God's word to genuine obedience and repentance. It underscores the importance of being doers of the word, not hearers only. Herod's tragic end, culminating in John's execution (Mark 6:27-28), serves as a cautionary tale against allowing fear of man or worldly pressures to override divine conviction.

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.

  • Matthew 21:26

    But if we shall say, Of men; we fear the people; for all hold John as a prophet.

  • Matthew 14:5

    And when he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet.

  • John 5:35

    He was a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light.

  • 2 Chronicles 24:15

    ¶ But Jehoiada waxed old, and was full of days when he died; an hundred and thirty years old [was he] when he died.

  • 2 Chronicles 24:22

    Thus Joash the king remembered not the kindness which Jehoiada his father had done to him, but slew his son. And when he died, he said, The LORD look upon [it], and require [it].

  • Mark 11:18

    And the scribes and chief priests heard [it], and sought how they might destroy him: for they feared him, because all the people was astonished at his doctrine.

  • Ezekiel 2:5

    And they, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear, (for they [are] a rebellious house,) yet shall know that there hath been a prophet among them.

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