Mark 6:20

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 6:20 offers a profound glimpse into the conflicted soul of King Herod Antipas, revealing his paradoxical relationship with John the Baptist. Despite having imprisoned John, Herod held a deep, almost reverential fear of the prophet, recognizing him as a righteous and holy man. This inner conviction led Herod to protect John from the murderous intentions of Herodias and to listen to his teachings with a surprising degree of pleasure and engagement, even prompting him to implement some of John's counsel, yet ultimately falling short of true repentance and full obedience to God's will.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within Mark's account of John the Baptist's martyrdom, which interrupts the narrative of Jesus sending out the twelve disciples. Immediately preceding Mark 6:20, verses 17-19 detail Herod's unlawful marriage to Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, and John's courageous condemnation of this sin. Herodias's vengeful desire for John's death is explicitly stated, setting up the tension that Mark 6:20 resolves by explaining why Herod hesitated to execute John despite Herodias's relentless pressure. The subsequent verses (Mark 6:21-29) tragically culminate in John's beheading, fulfilling Herodias's wicked wish and highlighting the ultimate failure of Herod's partial obedience. This interlude serves as a stark contrast to the disciples' successful ministry and foreshadows the fate of those who proclaim God's truth to powerful, yet unrepentant, rulers.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Herod Antipas, the tetrarch of Galilee and Perea, was a son of Herod the Great. His marriage to Herodias, his niece and sister-in-law, was a blatant violation of Mosaic Law, specifically condemned in [Leviticus 18:16](/leviticus/18-16 "Leviticus 18:16 - Uncovering a Brother's Nakedness") and [Leviticus 20:21](/leviticus/20-21 "Leviticus 20:21 - Forbidden Marriages"). This act was not only religiously illicit but also politically scandalous, contributing to the instability of his rule. John the Baptist, as a prophet in the tradition of Elijah, fearlessly confronted this moral corruption, embodying the prophetic role of speaking truth to power. Herod's "fear" of John was likely a complex mix of superstitious dread, respect for John's perceived divine authority, and perhaps a genuine, albeit weak, conscience. Rulers in this period often feared the influence of popular religious figures, especially those who commanded public respect and could potentially incite unrest.
* **Key Themes:** Mark 6:20 powerfully illustrates several key themes. Firstly, it highlights the **Power of Prophetic Truth**, demonstrating how God's word, even when delivered by an imprisoned prophet, can penetrate the conscience of a powerful ruler. John's message, though condemning, held a captivating authority over Herod. Secondly, it explores the theme of **Conflicted Conscience and Partial Obedience**. Herod recognized John's righteousness and even acted on some of his counsel, yet he remained unwilling to address the core issue of his unlawful marriage. This illustrates the danger of a heart that acknowledges truth but refuses to fully submit to it, a theme echoed in [James 1:22](/james/1-22 "James 1:22 - Be Doers of the Word"). Thirdly, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **Human Weakness and Worldly Pressure** overriding divine conviction. Despite his inner turmoil and respect for John, Herod ultimately succumbed to the manipulative influence of Herodias and the pressures of his court, leading to a tragic outcome. This foreshadows the broader human tendency to prioritize worldly approval over divine righteousness, a struggle seen throughout [the Gospel of Mark](/mark/1 "The Gospel of Mark - The Suffering Servant").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **feared (Greek, _phobéō'_):** This word, derived from _phobos_, signifies more than simple terror. In this context, it conveys a profound awe, reverence, or respect, often tinged with a superstitious dread of divine retribution. Herod's fear of John was rooted in his recognition of John's divine connection and moral authority, suggesting an awareness that John was a messenger from God whose words carried spiritual weight. This "fear" compelled Herod to protect John, indicating a sense of sacred respect for the prophet's person.
* **just (Greek, _díkaios'_):** This term describes John as righteous, upright, and conforming to divine law. It implies moral integrity and adherence to God's standards. Herod's acknowledgment of John as "just" indicates that he recognized John's blameless character and the truthfulness of his message, even when that message condemned his own actions. This perception of John's righteousness was a key factor in Herod's hesitation to harm him.
* **gladly (Greek, _hēdéōs'_):** This adverb means "sweetly" or "with pleasure." It reveals a surprising aspect of Herod's engagement with John's preaching. Despite the convicting nature of John's message, Herod found a certain fascination or enjoyment in listening to him. This suggests an intellectual or emotional appeal, perhaps a curiosity about spiritual matters or an admiration for John's powerful delivery, even if it did not translate into full repentance and obedience.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For Herod feared John":** This opening clause immediately establishes Herod's complex emotional state. His "fear" was not merely of a man, but of a man he perceived as having divine backing. This awe-filled respect served as a powerful deterrent against Herodias's desire for John's death, highlighting John's spiritual authority even in chains.
* **"knowing that he was a just man and an holy":** This phrase explains the basis of Herod's fear. He possessed an undeniable conviction about John's character. "Just" (righteous) and "holy" (set apart for God, consecrated) describe John's moral integrity and his unique status as a prophet. Herod's knowledge of John's true nature made it difficult for him to simply dismiss or execute him.
* **"and observed him":** The Greek word here (_syntēréō_) can mean to keep closely together, to conserve, to protect, or to keep under watch. In this context, it suggests Herod was actively protecting John from harm, particularly from Herodias, while also perhaps keeping him under close surveillance due to his popularity and influence. This action underscores Herod's internal conflict and his protective stance towards John.
* **"and when he heard him, he did many things":** This reveals Herod's partial responsiveness to John's message. While the specific "many things" are not detailed, it implies that John's preaching had a tangible, positive impact on Herod's governance or personal life, perhaps leading to some reforms or changes in behavior. This demonstrates that Herod was not entirely impervious to John's influence.
* **"and heard him gladly":** This final clause highlights the paradoxical nature of Herod's engagement. Despite the challenging and convicting content of John's sermons, Herod found pleasure in listening. This "gladness" suggests a fascination or intellectual enjoyment, but it tragically falls short of genuine repentance and transformation, illustrating the danger of superficial engagement with divine truth.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 6:20 is rich in **Characterization**, providing a nuanced portrait of Herod Antipas as a man caught between his conscience and his desires. He is depicted not as a purely evil tyrant, but as a conflicted individual who recognizes truth and righteousness, yet lacks the moral fortitude to fully embrace them. The verse also employs **Irony**, as the powerful king is shown to "fear" the imprisoned prophet, and to "gladly" hear a message that condemns his very lifestyle. This highlights the unexpected power of spiritual authority over worldly might. Furthermore, there is subtle **Foreshadowing** in Herod's partial obedience and ultimate failure, which serves as a cautionary tale for those who hear the truth but do not act upon it fully, mirroring the later rejection of Jesus by many who heard His words but refused to follow Him completely. The **Contrast** between John's unwavering righteousness and Herod's vacillating will is stark, emphasizing the integrity of the prophet against the moral compromise of the ruler.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 6:20 presents a sobering theological truth: the recognition of divine truth and even partial obedience are insufficient for true spiritual transformation. Herod's case is a powerful illustration of a "divided heart" – one that acknowledges righteousness and finds pleasure in spiritual teaching, yet ultimately refuses to surrender the one area of life (his unlawful marriage) that demands radical repentance. This highlights the critical difference between intellectual assent or emotional appreciation for God's word and genuine, life-altering submission. True faith requires not just hearing or doing "many things," but a complete turning from sin and an embrace of God's will, even when it demands costly sacrifice. Herod's tragic end, culminating in John's execution, serves as a stark warning against the perils of procrastination and prioritizing worldly pressures over divine conviction.

* [James 1:22](/james/1-22-24 "James 1:22-24 - Be Doers of the Word")
* [Matthew 7:24](/matthew/7-24-27 "Matthew 7:24-27 - The Wise and Foolish Builders")
* [Luke 8:13](/luke/8-13 "Luke 8:13 - The Seed on the Rock")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Herod's story in Mark 6:20 serves as a powerful mirror for our own spiritual journeys. It challenges us to examine the depth of our commitment to God's word. Are we merely "glad hearers," enjoying the intellectual stimulation or emotional comfort of spiritual truths, but failing to allow them to fundamentally transform our lives? Do we, like Herod, do "many things" that seem outwardly religious or morally upright, while clinging to a hidden sin or an area of disobedience that we refuse to surrender to God? This verse compels us to move beyond superficial engagement to genuine, wholehearted repentance and obedience. It reminds us that true faith is not just about what we know or what we feel, but about what we *do* and who we *become* in response to God's truth. The call is to consistent, comprehensive submission, allowing the Holy Spirit to convict and transform every aspect of our lives, lest we, like Herod, fall short of the ultimate blessing due to a divided heart.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be like Herod, acknowledging God's truth but resisting full obedience?**
* **Am I a "glad hearer" of God's word, finding pleasure in it, but failing to be a "doer" of it?**
* **What "many things" might I be doing that give the appearance of righteousness, while a core area of sin remains unaddressed?**
* **What worldly pressures or personal desires might be preventing me from fully surrendering to God's will in a specific area?**

### FAQ
**Why did Herod "fear" John the Baptist?**

Answer: Herod's fear of John was multifaceted. Firstly, he recognized John as a "just man and an holy," meaning he perceived John as a righteous individual with a genuine connection to God. This instilled a sense of awe and reverence, perhaps even a superstitious dread of divine judgment if he harmed such a man. Secondly, John commanded significant popular support, and Herod likely feared the political repercussions of executing a prophet widely regarded by the people. This combination of spiritual conviction and pragmatic political concern led Herod to protect John from Herodias's wrath, at least for a time.

**What does it mean that Herod "did many things" when he heard John?**

Answer: The text does not specify what "many things" Herod did, but it implies that John's preaching had a tangible, positive impact on Herod's actions or policies. This could have included reforms in governance, acts of charity, or even personal moral adjustments in areas other than his unlawful marriage. It shows that Herod was not entirely unresponsive to John's message; he was willing to make some changes, indicating a degree of conviction or at least a desire to appease his conscience. However, these actions ultimately fell short of the complete repentance that John's message demanded, particularly regarding the core issue of his marriage to Herodias, which John had directly condemned (see [Mark 6:18](/mark/6-18 "Mark 6:18 - John Condemns Herod's Marriage")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 6:20, with Herod's conflicted response to John the Baptist, powerfully foreshadows humanity's often-divided response to Jesus Christ. John was the forerunner, the voice crying in the wilderness, preparing the way for the Lord. Herod's "fear" of John, his recognition of John's righteousness, and his "glad" hearing of John's message, yet ultimate refusal to fully repent, mirrors the way many would later encounter Jesus. Jesus, the ultimate "just man and an holy," came proclaiming the kingdom of God and calling for repentance (see [Mark 1:15](/mark/1-15 "Mark 1:15 - Jesus Proclaims the Kingdom")). Many were drawn to His teachings, found pleasure in His words, and were even willing to do "many things" in His name, yet ultimately recoiled from the radical demands of true discipleship, unwilling to surrender their cherished sins or worldly attachments. The [Gospel of John](/john/3 "John 3 - Nicodemus and the New Birth") highlights how some, like Nicodemus, came to Jesus by night, intellectually convinced but hesitant to fully commit. Jesus's call is for complete surrender, not partial obedience or mere fascination. He warns against those who hear His words but do not put them into practice, likening them to a foolish builder whose house collapses (see [Matthew 7:26-27](/matthew/7-26-27 "Matthew 7:26-27 - The Foolish Builder")). In Christ, we find the ultimate truth and the ultimate call to repentance, a call that demands a wholehearted response, transforming not just our actions, but the very desires of our hearts (see [Luke 13:3](/luke/13-3 "Luke 13:3 - Repent or Perish")). Herod's tragedy underscores that only in full submission to the King of kings can true life and freedom be found.

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 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.