Mark 6:21

KJV

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;

KJV (with Strong's)

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};

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 6:21 meticulously sets the stage for the tragic execution of John the Baptist, detailing the precise circumstances under which Herod Antipas, ruler of Galilee, convened a lavish birthday feast. This verse describes the "opportune" day that gathered Herod's most influential subjects—his military commanders, high-ranking officials, and prominent citizens—creating a public forum where a rash oath would lead to a profound act of injustice.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Mark 6:21 immediately precedes the dramatic account of John the Baptist's martyrdom. Prior to this, Mark has established that [John was imprisoned](/mark/6-17 "Mark 6:17 - John the Baptist Imprisoned") because he boldly condemned Herod Antipas's unlawful marriage to Herodias, his brother Philip's wife. Herodias harbored a deep grudge against John and sought his death, while Herod himself was conflicted, both fearing John as a righteous man and enjoying listening to him (cf. [Mark 6:20](/mark/6-20 "Mark 6:20 - Herod's Conflict Over John")). This verse, therefore, marks the pivotal moment where Herodias's long-held desire for revenge finds its opportunity, exploiting Herod's public persona and the celebratory atmosphere of his birthday. The narrative tension builds from John's imprisonment to this fateful feast, culminating in the shocking request and Herod's irreversible decision.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Herod Antipas was a tetrarch, a client king ruling Galilee and Perea under Roman authority. His birthday celebration, described here, was typical of Hellenistic rulers who adopted Roman and Greek customs to display their power, wealth, and influence. Such feasts were not merely social gatherings but significant political events, designed to solidify alliances and project authority. The guest list—"lords, high captains, and chief estates of Galilee"—underscores the high stakes involved. "Lords" (Greek: *megistânes*) refers to the most prominent officials and nobles, "high captains" (Greek: *chilíarchoi*) were military commanders, and "chief estates of Galilee" (Greek: *prōtois tēs Galilaias*) indicates the leading citizens and influential figures from his territory. The presence of such an elite audience would have intensified the pressure on Herod to uphold his public image and any promises made, regardless of their wisdom.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within Mark's Gospel. Firstly, it highlights **The Peril of Public Display and Peer Pressure**. Herod's desire to maintain honor and avoid shame before his powerful guests during a public feast directly leads to his fateful decision to execute John, illustrating how the pursuit of human approval can override moral conviction. Secondly, the phrase "a convenient day was come" (KJV) points to **The Unfolding of Divine Providence**, suggesting 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 subtly indicates God's sovereign hand at work, even amidst human sin and political intrigue, guiding the narrative toward its divinely ordained conclusion, much like the broader arc of [God's plan for redemption](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - God's Sovereign Plan"). Finally, the lavish supper, intended for revelry, ironically becomes **The Setting for Profound Injustice**, directly leading to [John the Baptist's martyrdom](/mark/6-27 "Mark 6:27 - John the Baptist's Execution"), thereby underscoring the corrupting influence of power unchecked by righteousness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **convenient (Greek, _eúkairos'_):** This word, derived from *eu* (good, well) and *kairos* (time, season), means "well-timed" or "opportune." In the KJV, "convenient" might suggest suitability for Herod, but the Greek implies a timing that is "fitting" or "advantageous" in the broader narrative, particularly for the unfolding of God's purposes, even if those purposes involve tragic human actions. It signifies that the circumstances were ripe for the events to unfold, not necessarily by Herod's design but as part of a larger, divinely permitted sequence.
* **birthday (Greek, _genésia'_):** This term refers specifically to "birthday ceremonies" or the celebration of one's birth. In the ancient world, particularly among rulers, birthdays were often marked by lavish feasts, gift-giving, and public displays of power and generosity. This particular *genésia* serves as the specific, high-profile occasion that provides the context for Herod's rash vow and the subsequent demand for John's head.
* **lords (Greek, _megistânes'_):** Meaning "grandees" or "great men," this term denotes high-ranking officials, nobles, and influential persons. Their presence at Herod's feast emphasizes the public and politically charged nature of the event. Herod's oath, made before such an esteemed audience, would have carried immense weight and made retraction extremely difficult without significant loss of face and authority.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when a convenient day was come":** This clause establishes the critical timing of the events. The "convenient day" (Greek *eúkairos hēméra*) is not merely a day suitable for Herod, but an "opportune" or "well-timed" day in the divine economy, setting the stage for the dramatic and tragic events that follow. It implies a moment ripe for the unfolding of God's permissive will, even through human sin.
* **"that Herod on his birthday made a supper":** This part identifies the protagonist, Herod Antipas, and the specific occasion: his birthday celebration. The "supper" (Greek *deîpnon*) refers to the main meal of the day, typically eaten in the evening, often a lavish banquet. This detail highlights the celebratory, public, and potentially indulgent atmosphere that would influence Herod's subsequent actions.
* **"to his lords, high captains, and chief estates of Galilee;":** This final clause specifies the distinguished guest list, revealing the political and social significance of the gathering. Herod's "lords" (high-ranking officials), "high captains" (military commanders), and "chief estates of Galilee" (prominent citizens and influential leaders) represent the elite of his territory. Their presence amplifies the public pressure on Herod, making his rash oath and its fulfillment a matter of public honor and political standing.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 6:21 masterfully employs several literary devices to heighten the drama and significance of the unfolding narrative. **Foreshadowing** is evident in the very phrase "a convenient day was come," which, while seemingly innocuous, subtly hints that this particular day is divinely appointed for a momentous, albeit tragic, event—the martyrdom of John the Baptist. There is profound **Irony** in a birthday celebration, typically a time of joy and life, becoming the backdrop for a brutal execution. The lavish **Setting** of the supper, with its powerful and influential guests, serves to amplify Herod's moral weakness and susceptibility to manipulation, as his desire to maintain honor before such an audience leads him to a catastrophic decision. This opulent feast, meant to display power and solidify alliances, ironically exposes the fragility of Herod's character and the corrupting influence of unchecked authority.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 6:21, though seemingly a simple narrative detail, carries profound theological weight. It underscores the destructive power of human sin, particularly when combined with unchecked authority and the desire for public approval. Herod's moral compromise, driven by a fear of losing face before his elite guests, leads directly to the murder of a righteous prophet. This event serves as a stark reminder that even in moments of celebration and outward success, spiritual and moral integrity can be catastrophically compromised. The "convenient day" also subtly points to God's sovereignty, demonstrating that even the most heinous acts of human evil can, in His mysterious wisdom, be woven into His larger redemptive plan, bringing about His purposes in ways that defy human comprehension.

* [Proverbs 29:25](/proverbs/29-25 "Proverbs 29:25 - The Fear of Man")
* [Luke 12:4-5](/luke/12-4-5 "Luke 12:4-5 - Fear God, Not Man")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works All Things for Good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 6:21 serves as a chilling reminder of how quickly a moment of celebration can devolve into profound tragedy when moral boundaries are disregarded and the fear of man outweighs the fear of God. Herod's desire to impress his powerful guests led him down a path of irreversible injustice, demonstrating the insidious nature of peer pressure and the corrupting influence of unchecked power. For us today, this verse compels us to examine our own lives: Are we more concerned with public image and social approval than with upholding truth and righteousness? Do we allow the expectations of others to dictate our moral choices, even when those choices compromise our integrity or God's commands? The story of Herod's feast challenges us to cultivate a steadfast commitment to biblical principles, regardless of the social cost, and to recognize that true honor comes from God alone, not from the fleeting applause of the world. It calls us to resist the temptation to make rash promises or to succumb to pressures that would lead us away from justice and compassion.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be susceptible to peer pressure or the desire for public approval, potentially compromising my values?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater fear of God and a lesser fear of man in my daily decisions?**
* **What safeguards can I put in place to prevent rash decisions, especially when under social or emotional pressure?**
* **How does this account of injustice challenge my understanding of God's sovereignty amidst human evil?**

### FAQ

**Why is it called a "convenient day" if it leads to John the Baptist's death?**

Answer: The KJV translation "convenient day" (Greek *eúkairos hēméra*) can be misleading if interpreted as "convenient for Herod." The Greek term is better understood as "opportune" or "well-timed." It signifies that this specific day, Herod's birthday feast, provided the *opportunity* for the tragic events related to John the Baptist's martyrdom to unfold. From a theological perspective, it suggests that this day was providentially appointed in God's larger plan, even if it involved human sin and injustice. It was the "fitting" time for this stage of the narrative to progress, leading to John's death and ultimately preparing the way for Jesus's ministry and passion, as seen in [Mark's Gospel](/mark/1 "The Gospel According to Mark").

**Who were the "lords, high captains, and chief estates of Galilee"?**

Answer: These terms describe the elite and influential figures present at Herod's birthday feast, underscoring the political and social significance of the event. The "lords" (Greek *megistânes*) were high-ranking officials and nobles within Herod's administration. The "high captains" (Greek *chilíarchoi*) were military commanders, likely chiliarchs, who commanded a thousand soldiers. The "chief estates of Galilee" (Greek *prōtois tēs Galilaias*) refers to the leading or principal men of the region, prominent citizens, and influential leaders from Herod's territory. Their presence meant that any promises or actions by Herod would be highly public and carry significant weight, making it difficult for him to retract his oath to Herodias's daughter without losing face (cf. [Mark 6:26](/mark/6-26 "Mark 6:26 - Herod's Dilemma")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Mark 6:21 describes a dark moment of human depravity and injustice, it subtly points to Christ in several profound ways. John the Baptist, as the forerunner of Christ, embodies the prophetic tradition that often met with rejection and violent opposition from worldly powers. His unjust execution at a lavish, self-serving feast foreshadows the ultimate suffering of Jesus, who would also be condemned by corrupt authorities and sacrificed for the sins of the world. The contrast between Herod's earthly "supper" and the spiritual feast of God's kingdom is stark; Herod's banquet leads to death, while Christ offers the true bread of life and invites all to a heavenly banquet (cf. [Matthew 26:26-29](/matthew/26-26-29 "Matthew 26:26-26 - Institution of the Lord's Supper") and [Revelation 19:9](/revelation/19-9 "Revelation 19:9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")). Herod's fear of man and his pursuit of worldly honor led to his moral downfall, a stark contrast to Jesus, who, though facing immense pressure and suffering, remained perfectly obedient to His Father's will, ultimately triumphing over sin and death through His selfless sacrifice (cf. [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). Thus, John's martyrdom, set in motion by this "convenient day," serves as a grim prelude to the greater sacrifice of the Lamb of God, whose suffering would bring about ultimate justice and redemption for all who believe.

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

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.