Mark 6:23

KJV

And he sware unto her, Whatsoever thou shalt ask of me, I will give [it] thee, unto the half of my kingdom.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} he sware {G3660} unto her {G846}, Whatsoever {G3754}{G3739}{G1437} thou shalt ask {G154} of me {G3165}, I will give {G1325} it thee {G4671}, unto {G2193} the half {G2255} of my {G3450} kingdom {G932}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and he made a vow to her, "Whatever you ask me, I will give you, up to half my kingdom."

Berean Standard Bible

And he swore to her, “Whatever you ask of me, I will give you, up to half my kingdom!”

American Standard Version

And he sware unto her, Whatsoever thou shalt ask of me, I will give it thee, unto the half of my kingdom.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 6:23 captures the pivotal, rash, and ultimately tragic oath made by Herod Antipas to Salome, the daughter of Herodias, during his birthday celebration. In a moment of drunken revelry and a desire to impress his guests, Herod pledges to grant Salome "whatsoever thou shalt ask of me, unto the half of my kingdom," an extravagant and ill-considered promise that sets in motion the events leading to the unjust execution of John the Baptist. This verse encapsulates Herod's moral weakness and sets the stage for a profound act of injustice driven by malice and a king's foolish pride.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Mark 6:23 is situated within the broader narrative of John the Baptist's imprisonment and martyrdom, a significant interlude in Mark's account of Jesus's ministry. Immediately preceding this verse, the narrative details Herod's conflicted relationship with John: he feared John, knew him to be a righteous and holy man, and even enjoyed listening to him, yet he had imprisoned him due to John's condemnation of Herod's unlawful marriage to Herodias, his brother Philip's wife ([Mark 6:17-20](/mark/6-17-20 "Mark 6:17-20 - John the Baptist Imprisoned")). The verse itself follows Salome's captivating dance, which so pleased Herod and his dinner guests that he felt compelled to make a public, extravagant vow. This promise, made in the presence of his officials and leading men of Galilee ([Mark 6:21](/mark/6-21 "Mark 6:21 - Herod's Birthday Feast")), creates an inescapable trap for Herod, leading directly to Herodias's vengeful demand for John's head and Herod's reluctant but ultimately compliant execution of the prophet ([Mark 6:24-28](/mark/6-24-28 "Mark 6:24-28 - The Execution of John the Baptist")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Herod Antipas, a tetrarch appointed by Rome, ruled over Galilee and Perea. His marriage to Herodias was a scandalous affair, as she was his brother Philip's wife, a union explicitly forbidden by Jewish law ([Leviticus 18:16](/leviticus/18-16 "Leviticus 18:16 - Unlawful Marriages")). John the Baptist's public condemnation of this marriage was a bold act of prophetic witness, challenging the moral authority of the ruling elite. Oaths in the ancient Near East, especially those made by rulers in public, carried immense weight and were considered binding, often invoking divine witness. For a king to renege on such a promise would result in a severe loss of face, honor, and perceived legitimacy. Herod's desire to uphold his public image and the solemnity of his oath, even when faced with a morally repugnant request, underscores the cultural pressure and the personal weakness that led to John's death. The "half of my kingdom" was a hyperbolic expression, signifying an almost limitless offer within his domain, akin to a king offering "anything" to a favored subject.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within the Gospel of Mark and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights the **danger of rash and ill-considered vows**, demonstrating how impulsive promises, especially when made under social pressure or compromised judgment, can lead to catastrophic and irreversible consequences. Herod's oath, though seemingly generous, becomes a noose around his own conscience. Secondly, it exposes **moral compromise and the corrupting influence of power**. Despite Herod's internal conflict and his recognition of John's righteousness ([Mark 6:20](/mark/6-20 "Mark 6:20 - Herod's Respect for John")), his concern for his reputation and the perceived inviolability of his oath ultimately superseded his moral compass and sense of justice. This reveals a ruler more concerned with appearances than with righteousness, a theme echoed in other biblical accounts of corrupt leadership. Finally, the verse underscores the **destructive power of malice and manipulation**. Herodias's deep-seated hatred for John, fueled by his public rebuke of her illicit marriage, drives her to exploit Herod's rash promise through her daughter, demonstrating how personal vendettas can lead to extreme cruelty and injustice, even against a prophet of God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sware (Greek, _omnȳō'_):** From G3660, this verb means "to swear, i.e. take (or declare on) oath." Its use here emphasizes the solemn and binding nature of Herod's declaration. In the ancient world, an oath was a serious commitment, often made with an appeal to divine authority, making it extremely difficult for Herod to retract without losing face or inviting perceived divine judgment. This highlights the gravity of his promise.
* **ask (Greek, _aitéō'_):** From G154, this word means "to ask (in genitive case)." It denotes a request or demand. The use of this word underscores the agency given to Salome to determine the content of the promise. Herod's offer is not merely a gift but a response to whatever specific request she might formulate, placing the burden of the choice, and its potential consequences, directly on her and, by extension, Herodias.
* **give (Greek, _dídōmi'_):** From G1325, this verb means "to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)." In this context, it signifies Herod's commitment to bestow, grant, or deliver whatever is requested. The breadth of its meaning in the Greek lexicon reinforces the boundless nature of Herod's promise, indicating his willingness to surrender almost anything within his power, even to the detriment of his own moral standing.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he sware unto her":** This opening clause establishes the solemnity and binding nature of Herod's declaration. The act of swearing an oath was a profound commitment in the ancient world, often invoking divine witness. Herod's oath to Salome, made publicly, traps him in a promise that he will find difficult, if not impossible, to retract without significant loss of honor and political standing.
* **"Whatsoever thou shalt ask of me":** This phrase reveals the limitless scope of Herod's offer. He places no conditions or boundaries on the request, granting Salome complete freedom to name her desire. This open-ended promise, made impulsively, is the critical hinge upon which the tragic events turn, demonstrating Herod's recklessness and lack of foresight.
* **"I will give [it] thee":** This reinforces Herod's firm commitment to fulfill his oath. It is a direct, personal pledge of action, emphasizing his resolve, however misguided, to honor his word. The implied "it" refers to whatever Salome chooses to ask for, reiterating the blank check he has offered her.
* **"unto the half of my kingdom":** This hyperbolic expression signifies the extreme generosity and vastness of Herod's promise. It is not meant literally to divide his territory but to convey that he would give almost anything within his power and dominion. This phrase underscores the extravagance of his oath and the depth of his desire to impress his guests and fulfill his word, even if it meant sacrificing a significant portion of his wealth or authority.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 6:23 is rich with **Hyperbole**, as Herod's promise to give "unto the half of my kingdom" is an exaggerated statement not meant to be taken literally, but rather to convey the extreme extent of his generosity and the boundless nature of his offer. This dramatic overstatement highlights his impulsiveness and the potentially ruinous nature of his vow. The verse also employs **Dramatic Irony**, as the audience, knowing the tragic outcome of John the Baptist's death, understands the terrible implications of Herod's seemingly magnanimous promise in a way that Herod himself does not fully grasp at the moment of utterance. This creates tension and foreshadows the impending injustice. Furthermore, there is an element of **Foreshadowing**, as this rash oath directly sets the stage for the fulfillment of Herodias's malicious desire and the subsequent execution of John, making the promise itself a dark harbinger of the violence to come.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 6:23 serves as a stark biblical warning against the dangers of making rash promises and the moral compromises that can arise from a desire for human approval over divine righteousness. Herod's oath, born of pride and intoxication, entraps him, illustrating how the pursuit of worldly honor can lead to grave injustice. The narrative underscores the immense value of human life and the sanctity of truth, both of which are tragically violated in the subsequent events. It also highlights the contrast between earthly kings, whose power is limited and often wielded imperfectly or unjustly, and the ultimate sovereignty of God, whose promises are always true and whose justice is perfect. The story implicitly calls believers to integrity in their speech and to prioritize moral courage over social expediency, even when faced with difficult choices.

* [Ecclesiastes 5:4-5](/ecclesiastes/5-4-5 "Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 - Be Careful with Vows")
* [Matthew 5:33-37](/matthew/5-33-37 "Matthew 5:33-37 - Jesus Teaches About Oaths")
* [Proverbs 18:21](/proverbs/18-21 "Proverbs 18:21 - The Power of the Tongue")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 6:23 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers, urging us to cultivate wisdom and integrity in our words and actions. Herod's tragic mistake reminds us that words carry immense power, especially promises and oaths, and that impulsive commitments can lead to unforeseen and devastating consequences. We are called to be people of our word, but also to be thoughtful and discerning before making pledges, recognizing that "death and life are in the power of the tongue" ([Proverbs 18:21](/proverbs/18-21 "Proverbs 18:21 - The Power of the Tongue")). Furthermore, Herod's choice to uphold a foolish oath and save face rather than do what was morally right challenges us to examine our own priorities. Are we willing to stand for truth and justice, even when it is unpopular, costly, or threatens our reputation? The narrative compels us to prioritize righteousness and a clear conscience over social approval or the avoidance of discomfort. Finally, the manipulation by Herodias serves as a cautionary tale, encouraging us to develop spiritual discernment to recognize and resist schemes that tempt us toward sin or compromise our convictions, always seeking to align our will with God's.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life might you be tempted to make rash promises or commitments, perhaps under pressure or emotion?**
* **How can you cultivate greater integrity and thoughtfulness in your speech, ensuring your "yes" means yes and your "no" means no?**
* **When have you faced a choice between upholding your reputation or doing what you know is morally right, and what did you learn from that experience?**
* **How can you develop greater spiritual discernment to recognize and resist manipulative influences in your life?**

### FAQ
**Why did Herod make such an extravagant promise to Salome?**

Answer: Herod's promise was likely a combination of factors: the celebratory atmosphere of his birthday feast, the influence of alcohol, and a desire to impress his guests and show off his generosity and power. Salome's dance had greatly pleased him and his company, and in that moment of heightened emotion and public display, he made an impulsive and hyperbolic vow, perhaps not fully considering the potential implications or the malicious intent of Herodias. It was a classic example of a ruler's pride leading to a foolish commitment.

**What is the significance of "unto the half of my kingdom"?**

Answer: The phrase "unto the half of my kingdom" ([Mark 6:23](/mark/6-23 "Mark 6:23 - Herod's Rash Promise")) is a hyperbolic expression, not meant to be taken literally as a partition of his territory. Instead, it signifies the extreme generosity and vastness of Herod's promise, conveying that he would give almost anything within his power and dominion. It underscores the boundless nature of his offer, highlighting his recklessness and the immense pressure he placed upon himself to fulfill such a grand public declaration, regardless of the consequences.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The tragic narrative of Mark 6:23 and its aftermath stands in stark contrast to the perfect kingship and unwavering integrity of Jesus Christ. Herod, an earthly king, makes a rash, self-serving promise that leads to the unjust murder of a righteous man, driven by human weakness, pride, and fear of losing face. His kingdom is one of earthly power, susceptible to corruption and manipulation. In contrast, Jesus, the true King, operates not by impulsive oaths but by divine will and perfect wisdom. His promises are not born of human weakness but of divine faithfulness, always leading to life and redemption, not death. While Herod offers "half of his kingdom" for a fleeting pleasure, Christ offers His very life as a sacrifice for the sins of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), establishing a spiritual kingdom that is eternal and incorruptible ([Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Kingdom of His Beloved Son")). Unlike Herod, who succumbs to the demands of a vengeful woman, Jesus willingly gives Himself, fulfilling the Father's perfect plan ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). The ultimate fulfillment of all righteous promises is found in Christ, who is the "Amen, the faithful and true witness" ([Revelation 3:14](/revelation/3-14 "Revelation 3:14 - The Amen, the Faithful and True Witness")), and whose kingdom is not of this world ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")), but offers eternal life to 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 7:2

And the king said again unto Esther on the second day at the banquet of wine, What [is] thy petition, queen Esther? and it shall be granted thee: and what [is] thy request? and it shall be performed, [even] to the half of the kingdom.

Esther 5:3

Then said the king unto her, What wilt thou, queen Esther? and what [is] thy request? it shall be even given thee to the half of the kingdom.

Esther 5:6

And the king said unto Esther at the banquet of wine, What [is] thy petition? and it shall be granted thee: and what [is] thy request? even to the half of the kingdom it shall be performed.

Matthew 4:9

And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.

2 Kings 6:31

Then he said, God do so and more also to me, if the head of Elisha the son of Shaphat shall stand on him this day.

Matthew 14:7

Whereupon he promised with an oath to give her whatsoever she would ask.

Proverbs 6:2

Thou art snared with the words of thy mouth, thou art taken with the words of thy mouth.