Mark 6:25

KJV

And she came in straightway with haste unto the king, and asked, saying, I will that thou give me by and by in a charger the head of John the Baptist.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} she came in {G1525} straightway {G2112} with {G3326} haste {G4710} unto {G4314} the king {G935}, and asked {G154}, saying {G3004}, I will {G2309} that {G2443} thou give {G1325} me {G3427} by and by {G1824} in {G1909} a charger {G4094} the head {G2776} of John {G2491} the Baptist {G910}.

Complete Jewish Bible

At once the daughter hurried back to the king and announced her request: "I want you to give me right now on a platter the head of Yochanan the Immerser."

Berean Standard Bible

At once the girl hurried back to the king with her request: “I want you to give me the head of John the Baptist on a platter immediately.”

American Standard Version

And she came in straightway with haste unto the king, and asked, saying, I will that thou forthwith give me on a platter the head of John the Baptist.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 6:25 captures the chilling moment when Salome, prompted by her vindictive mother Herodias, returns to King Herod Antipas with a shocking and immediate demand: the head of John the Baptist on a platter. This pivotal verse marks the horrific culmination of a plot fueled by malice, a rash oath, and the tragic silencing of a righteous prophet, revealing the destructive power of unchecked sin and the vulnerability of truth in the face of corrupt authority.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the grim climax of the narrative detailing the imprisonment and execution of John the Baptist, which begins in [Mark 6:14](/mark/6-14 "Mark 6:14 - Herod's Fear of John"). The preceding verses establish Herod's complex relationship with John—he both feared and respected John, even listening to him gladly ([Mark 6:20](/mark/6-20 "Mark 6:20 - Herod's Respect for John")). However, Herodias, his unlawfully wedded wife, harbored a deep-seated hatred for John due to his condemnation of their marriage ([Mark 6:17-18](/mark/6-17-18 "Mark 6:17-18 - John Rebukes Herod")). The opportunity for her revenge arises during Herod's birthday feast, where Salome's captivating dance leads Herod to make a public, extravagant, and rash oath to grant her anything she desires, up to half his kingdom ([Mark 6:21-23](/mark/6-21-23 "Mark 6:21-23 - The Feast and Herod's Oath")). It is Herodias who instructs Salome to request John's head, setting the stage for this verse's shocking demand and the subsequent execution.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Herod Antipas, a tetrarch ruling Galilee and Perea under Roman authority, was known for his political maneuvering and moral compromises. His marriage to Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, was a violation of Jewish law, specifically Leviticus 18:16 and 20:21, making John's public rebuke a direct challenge to his authority and legitimacy in the eyes of many Jews. In the ancient Near East, public oaths, especially by rulers, were considered binding, regardless of their content or the circumstances under which they were made. To renege on such an oath would lead to immense public shame and a loss of honor, a concept paramount in that culture. The "charger" (a large platter) was a common serving dish, but its use here for a human head underscores the gruesome and barbaric nature of the request, highlighting the depths of Herodias's malice and Herod's moral weakness.
* **Key Themes:** Mark 6:25 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Gospel of Mark and broader biblical narrative. It starkly illustrates the theme of **the cost of truth and prophetic integrity**, as John the Baptist pays the ultimate price for speaking God's truth to power, foreshadowing the persecution of Jesus himself. It highlights the **destructive nature of sin, particularly malice and revenge**, exemplified by Herodias's unrelenting hatred and manipulation. The narrative also underscores the **perilous consequences of rash oaths and moral weakness**, as Herod's pride and fear of public humiliation trap him into fulfilling a horrific promise. Finally, it touches upon the theme of **manipulation and the corruption of innocence**, as Salome, though the one making the demand, is clearly a pawn in her mother's vengeful scheme, demonstrating how easily individuals can be used for wicked purposes when influenced by evil.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **straightway (Greek, _euthéōs'_):** This adverb (G2112) signifies an immediate, direct, or instantaneous action. Coupled with "with haste," it emphasizes the urgency and lack of hesitation in Salome's return, indicating the predetermined nature of her request and the swiftness with which Herodias's vengeful plan was set into motion.
* **I will (Greek, _thélō'_):** The verb (G2309) expresses a strong, deliberate act of the will, a determined choice or desire. It conveys Salome's (or rather, Herodias's through Salome's mouth) resolute and unwavering demand, leaving no room for negotiation or reconsideration. It is not a polite request but a forceful declaration of intent.
* **charger (Greek, _pínax'_):** This noun (G4094) refers to a flat board, plate, or platter. Its specific mention here underscores the gruesome detail of the request—not merely the execution, but the public display of the severed head, turning a serving dish into an instrument of terror and a symbol of Herodias's grotesque triumph.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And she came in straightway with haste unto the king":** This clause emphasizes the immediate and urgent nature of Salome's return. There is no delay, no hesitation, indicating a predetermined course of action, likely instructed by her mother. The "haste" (Greek, _spoudḗ_) conveys a sense of eager dispatch, not necessarily out of personal desire, but out of obedience to Herodias's malicious instruction.
* **"and asked, saying, I will that thou give me by and by":** Salome's "asking" is presented as a direct, forceful demand rather than a polite request, reinforced by the strong declaration "I will." The archaic English phrase "by and by" translates the Greek _exautēs_ (G1824), meaning "immediately" or "instantly," not "eventually." This highlights the urgency and the expectation of immediate fulfillment, leaving no time for Herod to reconsider his rash oath.
* **"in a charger the head of John the Baptist":** This is the horrific core of the demand. The specificity of "the head" and "in a charger" reveals the extreme malice behind the request. It is not just John's death, but the gruesome, public display of his severed head, designed to humiliate, terrorize, and ensure his prophetic voice is definitively silenced.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 6:25 is rich with **Dramatic Irony**, as the reader is fully aware of Herodias's long-standing hatred for John and her desire for his death, while Herod is trapped by his own pride and a rash oath. The verse also employs **Pathos**, evoking a sense of tragedy and sorrow for John the Baptist, a righteous man brought to a brutal end by the machinations of corrupt power. The specific mention of "the head" on a "charger" serves as vivid **Symbolism**, where the head, often representing intellect, authority, and prophetic voice, is explicitly targeted for silencing, and the charger, typically for food, becomes a grotesque instrument of death, underscoring the perversion of the celebratory feast. The **Foreshadowing** of John's death has been present since Herodias's initial desire to kill him, and this verse brings that dark premonition to its chilling fulfillment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse starkly illustrates the profound conflict between the kingdom of God and the kingdoms of this world. John the Baptist, a prophet of righteousness, confronts the moral corruption of Herod's court, embodying the biblical truth that God's standards often clash with worldly power and human depravity. The immediate and gruesome nature of the demand underscores the destructive power of unchecked malice, pride, and the tragic consequences of compromising moral principles for the sake of public image or convenience. It serves as a somber reminder that faithfulness to God's truth can come at a great personal cost, yet it is a cost worth paying for the sake of divine integrity.

* [Matthew 14:8](/matthew/14-8 "Matthew 14:8 - Salome's Request")
* [Proverbs 29:12](/proverbs/29-12 "Proverbs 29:12 - A Ruler's Listening Ear")
* [Romans 1:29-32](/romans/1-29-32 "Romans 1:29-32 - The Depravity of Humanity")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 6:25 stands as a powerful and unsettling narrative, urging us to reflect on the moral compromises we might make and the dangers of allowing unchecked desires to fester in our hearts. It challenges us to consider the integrity of our own words and commitments, particularly in moments of pressure or pride. Just as Herod was ensnared by a rash oath, we too can find ourselves trapped by impulsive decisions or a desire to please others over upholding what is right. This passage also calls us to consider the courage required to speak truth, even when it is unpopular or dangerous, and to recognize the spiritual battle against the forces of malice and manipulation that seek to silence righteous voices. Ultimately, it encourages us to cultivate wisdom, discernment, and an unwavering commitment to God's truth, rather than succumbing to the fleeting pressures or corrupting influences of the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to make impulsive commitments that could compromise my values or lead to harmful outcomes?**
* **How does the narrative of Herodias's malice challenge me to examine any grudges or desires for revenge I might harbor?**
* **What "voices of truth" in my life or in society am I tempted to silence or ignore due to discomfort or inconvenience?**
* **How can I cultivate greater courage to speak truth, even when it might come at a personal cost?**

### FAQ
**Why did Herod agree to such a gruesome request, especially if he respected John?**

Answer: Herod's decision to fulfill Salome's horrific request, despite his personal respect and fear for John the Baptist, stemmed from a complex interplay of factors. Primarily, he was trapped by his own [rash oath](/mark/6-23 "Mark 6:23 - Herod's Oath") made publicly before his nobles, military commanders, and leading men of Galilee ([Mark 6:21](/mark/6-21 "Mark 6:21 - The Dinner Party")). In the ancient world, a king's word, especially a sworn oath, was considered binding and a matter of honor; to break it would result in immense public shame and a perceived loss of authority. Furthermore, Herodias's relentless manipulation and deep-seated hatred for John played a crucial role ([Mark 6:19](/mark/6-19 "Mark 6:19 - Herodias's Grudge")). She seized the opportunity to finally silence her critic. While Herod was "greatly distressed" ([Mark 6:26](/mark/6-26 "Mark 6:26 - Herod's Distress")), his pride and fear of public humiliation outweighed his moral qualms and his respect for John, leading him to commit this heinous act.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The tragic martyrdom of John the Baptist, as depicted in Mark 6:25, serves as a poignant foreshadowing of the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. John, the forerunner, faithfully prepared the way for the Messiah, speaking truth to power and challenging the spiritual and moral decay of his generation, much like the prophets of old. His unjust execution by a corrupt worldly authority, driven by malice and a rash promise, mirrors the rejection and crucifixion of Jesus, who also faced the wrath of those whose power and traditions were threatened by divine truth ([John 1:11](/john/1-11 "John 1:11 - He Came to His Own")). Both John and Jesus were innocent victims of human sin and political expediency. However, while John's death marked the end of his earthly ministry, Jesus's death on the cross was not an end but a redemptive act, the very means by which God accomplished salvation for humanity ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience unto Death")). John's head on a platter symbolized the silencing of a prophet; Jesus's broken body and shed blood on the cross became the ultimate, triumphant declaration of God's love and victory over sin and death, leading to a glorious resurrection that forever broke the power of the grave ([Romans 6:9](/romans/6-9 "Romans 6:9 - Christ's Resurrection")). Thus, John's sacrifice points forward to the greater, saving sacrifice of the Lamb of God, who truly takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

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

Proverbs 1:16

For their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood.

Numbers 7:19

He offered [for] his offering one silver charger, the weight whereof [was] an hundred and thirty [shekels], one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering:

Numbers 7:89

And when Moses was gone into the tabernacle of the congregation to speak with him, then he heard the voice of one speaking unto him from off the mercy seat that [was] upon the ark of testimony, from between the two cherubims: and he spake unto him.

Numbers 7:13

And his offering [was] one silver charger, the weight thereof [was] an hundred and thirty [shekels], one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them [were] full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering:

Romans 3:15

Their feet [are] swift to shed blood: