Mark 6:21

And when a convenient day was come, that Herod on his birthday made a supper to his lords, high captains, and chief [estates] of Galilee;

And {G2532} when a convenient {G2121} day {G2250} was come {G1096}, that {G3753} Herod {G2264} on his {G846} birthday {G1077} made {G4160} a supper {G1173} to his {G846} lords {G3175},{G2532} high captains {G5506}, and {G2532} chief {G4413} estates of Galilee {G1056};

Finally, the opportunity came. Herod gave a banquet on his birthday for his nobles and officers and the leading men of the Galil.

On Herod’s birthday, her opportunity arose. Herod held a banquet for his nobles and military commanders and the leading men of Galilee.

And when a convenient day was come, that Herod on his birthday made a supper to his lords, and the high captains, and the chief men of Galilee;

Mark 6:21 sets the stage for one of the most tragic events in the Gospel narratives: the execution of John the Baptist. This verse describes the opportune moment—Herod Antipas’s birthday celebration—which provided the context for a rash vow and a subsequent grave injustice.

Context

This verse immediately precedes the account of John the Baptist's imprisonment, which was due to his bold condemnation of Herod's unlawful marriage to Herodias, his brother Philip's wife. Herod, though conflicted and somewhat awed by John, was pressured by Herodias, who sought John's death. The birthday celebration described here was a grand affair, typical of Hellenistic rulers, designed to display wealth and power. It brought together Herod's inner circle: his lords (high-ranking officials), high captains (military commanders), and chief estates of Galilee (prominent citizens and influential leaders from his territory).

Key Themes

  • The Peril of Public Display and Peer Pressure: Herod's desire to maintain face and honor before his powerful guests during a public feast played a crucial role in his fateful decision. The celebratory atmosphere and the presence of influential figures created an environment where a king's word, even a foolish one, could not easily be retracted.
  • The Unfolding of Divine Providence: The phrase "a convenient day was come" (KJV) suggests that this particular day, while seemingly ordinary or even celebratory for Herod, was providentially appointed for the dramatic fulfillment of events related to John's ministry and martyrdom. It highlights God's sovereign hand even amidst human sin and political intrigue.
  • Setting the Stage for Injustice: This lavish supper, intended for revelry, ironically becomes the backdrop for a profound act of injustice, leading directly to John the Baptist's martyrdom.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "convenient day" (Greek: eukairou hemeras) does not imply convenience for Herod, but rather an "opportune" or "well-timed" day in the broader narrative. It signifies that the circumstances were ripe for the tragic events to unfold, not necessarily by Herod's design but as part of a larger, divinely permitted sequence. The term "chief estates" (Greek: prōtois tēs Galilaias) refers to the leading or principal men of Galilee, indicating the influential and elite segment of society present at the banquet.

Significance and Application

Mark 6:21 serves as a powerful reminder that even in moments of celebration and power, moral compromises can have devastating consequences. Herod's feast, meant to solidify his status, instead exposed his moral weakness and susceptibility to manipulation. For believers today, this verse underscores the importance of upholding truth and righteousness, even when it is unpopular or puts us at odds with influential figures. It also reminds us that God's plan unfolds even through the actions of sinful men, bringing about His ultimate purposes.

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.

  • Esther 2:18

    Then the king made a great feast unto all his princes and his servants, [even] Esther's feast; and he made a release to the provinces, and gave gifts, according to the state of the king.

  • Genesis 40:20

    ¶ And it came to pass the third day, [which was] Pharaoh's birthday, that he made a feast unto all his servants: and he lifted up the head of the chief butler and of the chief baker among his servants.

  • Psalms 37:12

    The wicked plotteth against the just, and gnasheth upon him with his teeth.

  • Psalms 37:13

    The Lord shall laugh at him: for he seeth that his day is coming.

  • Genesis 27:41

    ¶ And Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing wherewith his father blessed him: and Esau said in his heart, The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then will I slay my brother Jacob.

  • 2 Samuel 13:23

    And it came to pass after two full years, that Absalom had sheepshearers in Baalhazor, which [is] beside Ephraim: and Absalom invited all the king's sons.

  • 2 Samuel 13:29

    And the servants of Absalom did unto Amnon as Absalom had commanded. Then all the king's sons arose, and every man gat him up upon his mule, and fled.

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