Mark 6:22

And when the daughter of the said Herodias came in, and danced, and pleased Herod and them that sat with him, the king said unto the damsel, Ask of me whatsoever thou wilt, and I will give [it] thee.

And {G2532} when the daughter {G2364} of the said {G846} Herodias {G2266} came in {G1525}, and {G2532} danced {G3738}, and {G2532} pleased {G700} Herod {G2264} and {G2532} them that sat with him {G4873}, the king {G935} said {G2036} unto the damsel {G2877}, Ask {G154} of me {G3165} whatsoever {G3739}{G1437} thou wilt {G2309}, and {G2532} I will give {G1325} it thee {G4671}.

The daughter of Herodias came in and danced, and she pleased Herod and his guests. The king said to the girl, "Ask me for whatever you want; I will give it to you";

When the daughter of Herodias came and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests, and the king said to the girl, “Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it to you.”

and when the daughter of Herodias herself came in and danced, she pleased Herod and them that sat at meat with him; and the king said unto the damsel, Ask of me whatsoever thou wilt, and I will give it thee.

Mark 6:22 captures a pivotal moment leading to the tragic death of John the Baptist. This verse describes the seductive dance performed by the daughter of Herodias at King Herod Antipas's birthday celebration, which so delighted Herod and his guests that he made a powerful, yet ultimately destructive, vow to her.

Context

This scene is set during a lavish birthday feast hosted by Herod Antipas, the tetrarch of Galilee and Perea. Herodias, his unlawful wife (as she was previously married to Herod's brother Philip, and also Herod's niece), held a deep grudge against John the Baptist for condemning their incestuous marriage. The "damsel" mentioned is traditionally identified as Salome. Her dance was a public performance, and its effect on Herod and his company was profound, leading to a rash and binding oath. Despite Herod's initial respect for John, this moment of revelry and flattery set the stage for a grave injustice.

Key Themes

  • Rash Promises and Oaths: Herod's impulsive vow, made in a moment of intoxicated pleasure and public display, highlights the danger of commitments made without careful consideration. Such promises can lead to irreversible and devastating consequences.
  • Manipulation and Vengeance: This verse is the precursor to Herodias's cunning manipulation of her daughter to achieve her long-sought vengeance against John the Baptist, demonstrating the destructive power of a vengeful heart.
  • Moral Compromise: Herod's actions reveal his moral weakness. Despite knowing John was a righteous man, he allowed himself to be cornered by a public oath and the desires of a vengeful woman, prioritizing his reputation and pleasure over justice.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "pleased" (euērestēsen) indicates that the dance was highly satisfactory and delightful to Herod and his guests, suggesting a strong emotional impact that led to his extravagant offer. The term "damsel" (korasion) refers to a young girl, emphasizing Salome's youth and how she was used as a pawn in her mother's schemes.

Significance and Application

Mark 6:22 serves as a powerful cautionary tale. It warns against:

  • Impulsive Decisions: The story underscores the peril of making significant decisions or binding promises in moments of heightened emotion, flattery, or intoxication.
  • The Cost of Compromise: Herod's inability to stand firm on his convictions regarding John, succumbing instead to public pressure and a desire to maintain face, illustrates the heavy price of moral compromise.
  • The Destructive Nature of Unchecked Malice: The verse sets the stage for Herodias's malice to fully manifest, demonstrating how bitterness and vengeance can lead to horrific outcomes, ultimately resulting in the beheading of John the Baptist.
This narrative reminds believers to exercise wisdom and self-control, particularly when faced with public pressure or opportunities for personal gain, and to always prioritize righteousness over fleeting pleasure or social standing. This event is also recounted in Matthew 14:6-7.

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 1:10

    ¶ On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, and Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcas, the seven chamberlains that served in the presence of Ahasuerus the king,

  • Esther 1:12

    But the queen Vashti refused to come at the king's commandment by [his] chamberlains: therefore was the king very wroth, and his anger burned in him.

  • Daniel 5:2

    Belshazzar, whiles he tasted the wine, commanded to bring the golden and silver vessels which his father Nebuchadnezzar had taken out of the temple which [was] in Jerusalem; that the king, and his princes, his wives, and his concubines, might drink therein.

  • Matthew 14:6

    But when Herod's birthday was kept, the daughter of Herodias danced before them, and pleased Herod.

  • Isaiah 3:16

    ¶ Moreover the LORD saith, Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, and walk with stretched forth necks and wanton eyes, walking and mincing [as] they go, and making a tinkling with their feet:

  • Isaiah 3:26

    And her gates shall lament and mourn; and she [being] desolate shall sit upon the ground.

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