Mark 6:22

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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";

Berean Standard Bible

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.”

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 6:22 vividly portrays the pivotal moment at Herod Antipas's birthday feast where the daughter of Herodias, traditionally identified as Salome, performed a dance that captivated Herod and his guests. This performance so delighted the king that, in a moment of impulsive revelry and public display, he made a solemn, open-ended promise to the young woman, setting in motion the tragic chain of events that would lead to the unjust execution of John the Baptist.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within the broader narrative of John the Baptist's imprisonment and eventual martyrdom, which is strategically placed by Mark immediately after Jesus's sending out of the twelve disciples. The account of John's death (Mark 6:14-29) serves as a somber interlude, highlighting the dangers faced by God's prophets and foreshadowing the ultimate rejection and suffering of Jesus himself. Specifically, Mark 6:22 follows Herod's internal conflict and his initial respect for John ([Mark 6:20](/mark/6-20 "Mark 6:20 - Herod's Respect for John")), setting the stage for the dramatic and tragic climax of John's beheading. The preceding verses establish Herodias's deep-seated animosity towards John for condemning her unlawful marriage to Herod ([Mark 6:17-18](/mark/6-17-18 "Mark 6:17-18 - John Condemns Herod's Marriage")), making her a key antagonist in this unfolding drama.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events unfold during the reign of Herod Antipas, one of the sons of Herod the Great, who ruled as tetrarch of Galilee and Perea under Roman authority. His marriage to Herodias, his brother Philip's wife and his own niece, was a flagrant violation of Jewish law (Leviticus 18:16, 20:21) and deeply offensive to pious Jews, including John the Baptist. Birthday celebrations for rulers, often marked by lavish banquets, entertainment, and excessive drinking, were common in the Roman world. The act of a royal daughter dancing publicly, especially for male guests, was highly unusual and indicative of the morally compromised atmosphere of Herod's court. Such performances could be seen as scandalous, suggesting a lack of modesty or even a suggestive intent, which further underscores the depravity of the scene.
* **Key Themes:** Mark 6:22 contributes significantly to several major themes within the Gospel of Mark. It powerfully illustrates the theme of **moral compromise and weakness**, as Herod, despite knowing John to be a righteous man, succumbs to the pressures of public image, flattery, and a rash oath, prioritizing his reputation over justice. The verse also underscores the **destructive power of sin and vengeance**, particularly through Herodias's manipulative scheme to eliminate John, an act driven by her unchecked malice. Furthermore, it highlights the **cost of discipleship and prophetic witness**, as John's unwavering faithfulness to God's truth leads directly to his martyrdom, a fate that foreshadows the suffering of Jesus and his followers. The narrative also subtly touches upon the **corrupting influence of power and worldly desires**, showing how a ruler's unchecked appetites can lead to profound injustice and tragedy, contrasting sharply with the kingdom principles Jesus teaches throughout [the Gospel of Mark](/mark/1 "The Gospel of Mark - The Beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **danced (Greek, _orchéomai'_):** This verb, derived from a word meaning "a row or ring," signifies a rhythmic, often circular, movement. In this context, it describes the physical act of the daughter of Herodias performing a dance. The term itself is neutral, but the circumstances — a young woman dancing before a drunken king and his male guests at a feast — imbue it with connotations of sensuality and entertainment, designed to please and impress.
* **pleased (Greek, _aréskō'_):** This word indicates that the dance was highly agreeable, satisfactory, and delightful to Herod and those reclining with him. It implies a strong emotional impact, a sense of gratification and approval. This deep satisfaction is the direct catalyst for Herod's extravagant and ultimately disastrous promise, highlighting the power of flattery and immediate gratification over reasoned judgment.
* **Ask (Greek, _aitéō'_):** This verb means "to ask, beg, call for, crave, or desire." It conveys a general sense of making a request. In Herod's declaration, it grants the damsel complete agency to name her desire, emphasizing the open-ended and binding nature of his impulsive offer. The freedom granted by this word stands in stark contrast to the severe, unalterable consequence that will follow.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when the daughter of the said Herodias came in":** This clause sets the scene, introducing the key figure of Herodias's daughter, whose entrance into the male-dominated banquet hall marks the beginning of the fateful performance. Her identity as "the daughter of the said Herodias" immediately links her to the woman who harbors deep animosity towards John the Baptist, subtly hinting at the manipulative forces at play.
* **"and danced":** This simple yet potent phrase describes the central action. The dance itself is not detailed, but its performance before Herod and his guests is the catalyst for all subsequent events. It is an act of entertainment, but one that carries profound and tragic consequences.
* **"and pleased Herod and them that sat with him":** This clause reveals the immediate effect of the dance. It was not merely tolerated but genuinely delighted the king and his company. The word "pleased" underscores the strong positive emotional response, indicating that the performance resonated deeply with the desires and expectations of the revelers, particularly Herod.
* **"the king said unto the damsel":** This marks the direct consequence of the pleasure derived from the dance. Herod, identified as "the king," speaks directly to the "damsel" (a young girl), indicating his authority and the personal nature of his subsequent offer. His words are a direct response to her performance and the atmosphere of the feast.
* **"Ask of me whatsoever thou wilt, and I will give [it] thee":** This is Herod's rash and open-ended promise. The phrase "whatsoever thou wilt" grants the damsel an astonishing degree of power, allowing her to request anything she desires. The king's affirmation, "and I will give it thee," seals the vow, binding him to its fulfillment regardless of the request's nature, demonstrating his impulsive and morally weak character.

#### Literary Devices
Mark employs several literary devices to heighten the drama and underscore the theological implications of this verse. **Dramatic Irony** is powerfully present, as the audience knows the tragic outcome of John's death, while Herod, in his revelry, is oblivious to the horrific demand that will be made. The **Contrast** between the festive, indulgent atmosphere of the banquet and the grim, unjust fate awaiting John the Baptist creates a stark and unsettling juxtaposition. The dance itself functions as **Symbolism**, representing not only entertainment but also the seductive power of worldly pleasure and manipulation that leads to moral compromise. Furthermore, the king's impulsive oath serves as a **Foreshadowing** of his eventual, tragic decision, illustrating how a moment of weakness can set in motion an irreversible chain of events.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This pivotal moment in Mark's narrative serves as a profound theological statement on the dangers of unbridled passion, rash promises, and the corrupting influence of power when unchecked by moral conviction. Herod's actions highlight the tragic consequences of prioritizing personal pleasure and public image over divine truth and justice. The scene underscores the vulnerability of righteous individuals in the face of vengeful malice and the moral bankruptcy of those in authority who compromise their principles. It also implicitly contrasts the fleeting, destructive pleasures of the world with the enduring, life-giving truth proclaimed by John the Baptist, a truth that ultimately costs him his life but validates his prophetic ministry. The narrative serves as a cautionary tale against the allure of worldly flattery and the devastating impact of decisions made without wisdom or integrity.

* [Matthew 14:6-7](/matthew/14-6-7 "Matthew 14:6-7 - Parallel Account of Herod's Oath")
* [Proverbs 29:12](/proverbs/29-12 "Proverbs 29:12 - A Ruler Who Listens to Lies")
* [Ecclesiastes 5:4-5](/ecclesiastes/5-4-5 "Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 - The Danger of Unfulfilled Vows")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 6:22 is a sobering reminder that moments of seemingly innocent revelry or fleeting pleasure can have profound and devastating consequences, especially when coupled with a lack of self-control and moral fortitude. Herod's impulsive promise, born out of flattery and perhaps intoxication, serves as a powerful warning against making commitments without careful consideration of their potential ramifications. For believers, this narrative underscores the importance of wisdom, discernment, and integrity in all our interactions, particularly when faced with opportunities for personal gain or under social pressure. It challenges us to examine our own hearts: are we easily swayed by external validation or fleeting desires? Do we stand firm in our convictions, even when it is unpopular or inconvenient? The story calls us to cultivate a character rooted in righteousness, where our decisions are guided by God's truth rather than the shifting sands of human approval or momentary gratification. It also highlights the destructive nature of unchecked malice, prompting us to guard our hearts against bitterness and vengeance, which, as seen in Herodias, can lead to horrific outcomes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I most susceptible to making impulsive decisions based on flattery or immediate gratification?**
* **How can I cultivate greater wisdom and discernment to avoid rash promises or commitments that could lead to negative consequences?**
* **Am I willing to stand firm in my convictions, even when it means going against popular opinion or risking personal discomfort, as John the Baptist did?**
* **What steps can I take to ensure my actions and decisions are consistently aligned with biblical principles, rather than worldly pressures?**

### FAQ

**Why was Herod's marriage to Herodias considered unlawful, and why did John the Baptist condemn it?**

Answer: Herod Antipas's marriage to Herodias was unlawful primarily because she was his brother Philip's wife, and also his niece. Jewish law, specifically [Leviticus 18:16](/leviticus/18-16 "Leviticus 18:16 - Prohibition against marrying brother's wife") and [Leviticus 20:21](/leviticus/20-21 "Leviticus 20:21 - Penalty for marrying brother's wife"), explicitly prohibited a man from marrying his brother's wife while his brother was still alive. John the Baptist, as a prophet of God, boldly condemned this union because it violated God's moral law, regardless of Herod's political power or social standing ([Mark 6:18](/mark/6-18 "Mark 6:18 - John's Condemnation of Herod's Marriage")). His condemnation was a direct challenge to Herod's authority and a call to righteousness.

**Was Salome, the daughter of Herodias, aware of her mother's intentions or complicit in the plot against John the Baptist?**

Answer: The biblical text in Mark 6:22 and its parallel in [Matthew 14:6](/matthew/14-6 "Matthew 14:6 - Salome's Dance in Matthew") does not explicitly state Salome's awareness or complicity. She is presented as a "damsel" (Greek, _korásion_), suggesting she was a young girl, likely a teenager. After Herod's rash promise, she consults her mother, Herodias, who then instructs her to ask for John the Baptist's head ([Mark 6:24](/mark/6-24 "Mark 6:24 - Herodias's Instruction to Salome")). This sequence suggests that Salome was primarily a pawn in her mother's vengeful scheme, rather than an instigator. Her youth and immediate consultation with her mother imply she was manipulated and used to achieve Herodias's malicious goal.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The tragic account of John the Baptist's death, initiated by the events of Mark 6:22, serves as a powerful foreshadowing of Christ's own unjust suffering and death, while simultaneously highlighting the stark contrast between worldly kingship and the righteous reign of God. Herod, a flawed and morally compromised ruler, makes a rash oath under the influence of fleeting pleasure and public pressure, leading to the execution of a righteous prophet. This stands in stark opposition to Jesus, the true King, who made and perfectly kept His covenant with God, willingly offering Himself as the ultimate sacrifice for the sins of humanity ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). Unlike Herod, whose power was earthly and corruptible, Jesus's kingship is eternal and just ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords")). John the Baptist's martyrdom, a consequence of speaking truth to power, prefigures Christ's own confrontation with the corrupt religious and political authorities of His day, ultimately leading to His crucifixion. Yet, while John's death was a tragic end, Christ's death was a redemptive act, a voluntary surrender that secured victory over sin and death ([Colossians 2:14-15](/colossians/2-14-15 "Colossians 2:14-15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). Thus, Mark 6:22, though a dark moment, subtly points to the greater King whose perfect obedience and self-sacrifice would ultimately fulfill all righteousness and establish a kingdom founded on eternal justice and love, not impulsive promises or vengeful desires.

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 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.