Mark 6:29

KJV

And when his disciples heard [of it], they came and took up his corpse, and laid it in a tomb.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} when his {G846} disciples {G3101} heard {G191} of it, they came {G2064} and {G2532} took up {G142} his {G846} corpse {G4430}, and {G2532} laid {G5087} it {G846} in {G1722} a tomb {G3419}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When Yochanan's talmidim heard of it, they came and took the body and laid it in a grave.

Berean Standard Bible

When John’s disciples heard about this, they came and took his body and placed it in a tomb.

American Standard Version

And when his disciples heard thereof, they came and took up his corpse, and laid it in a tomb.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 6:29 poignantly details the immediate, sorrowful response of John the Baptist's disciples following his brutal execution. This brief but powerful verse concludes the tragic narrative of John's martyrdom, emphasizing the profound loyalty and devotion of his followers as they undertake the solemn duty of retrieving and burying his body, thereby providing a dignified end to the life of a courageous prophet.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the somber conclusion to the extended narrative of John the Baptist's imprisonment and beheading, which dominates [Mark 6:14-28](/mark/6-14-28 "Mark 6:14-28 - The Execution of John the Baptist"). The preceding verses meticulously recount Herod Antipas's internal conflict, Herodias's vengeful machinations, and Salome's manipulative request that ultimately leads to John's death. John's disciples, having been introduced earlier in the Gospels as followers of the one who prepared the way for the Messiah, now step forward to perform this final act of reverence. Their action marks the definitive end of John's earthly ministry within Mark's narrative, paving the way for the continued focus on Jesus's burgeoning ministry and the sending out of the twelve disciples.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Jewish and Roman cultures, the proper burial of the dead was a profound act of piety and respect, considered a sacred duty. To leave a body unburied was a grave dishonor and a curse (cf. [Deuteronomy 21:23](/deuteronomy/21-23 "Deuteronomy 21:23 - Burial of the Executed")). John's disciples, by coming to take his corpse, demonstrated immense courage and loyalty, as they risked incurring the wrath of Herod Antipas, who had just ordered John's execution. Their action was not merely a practical necessity but a public declaration of their allegiance and a final act of defiance against the injustice of John's death, ensuring that their revered teacher received a dignified resting place in accordance with their cultural and religious norms.
* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several significant themes. It powerfully illustrates **devotion and loyalty**, as John's disciples brave potential danger to honor their teacher, even in death. Their actions are an expression of profound **grief and sorrow**, marking the loss of a revered spiritual leader and prophet. Furthermore, John's execution and the disciples' response underscore the **cost of truth and righteousness**, highlighting that faithfulness to God's word can lead to persecution and even death, a theme Jesus Himself would later elaborate upon (e.g., [Matthew 5:10](/matthew/5-10 "Matthew 5:10 - Blessed are the Persecuted")). Finally, the act of burial itself affirms the **dignity of human life**, even in its tragic end, ensuring that John's body, though brutally severed, was treated with the respect due to a human being.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Disciples (Greek, _mathētḗs'_):** From the root meaning "to learn," this term signifies a learner or pupil. In this context, it refers to those who followed John the Baptist, indicating a deep commitment to his teachings and prophetic ministry. Their identity as "disciples" underscores their loyalty and the bond they shared with John, compelling them to act in his honor.
* **Corpse (Greek, _ptōma'_):** Derived from a verb meaning "to fall," this word literally denotes "a ruin" or "that which has fallen." It specifically refers to a lifeless body, a carcass, or carrion. The use of _ptōma_ here emphasizes the grim reality and finality of John's death, highlighting the brutal nature of his execution and the lifeless state of his body.
* **Tomb (Greek, _mnēmeîon'_):** This term refers to a memorial, a place of interment, a grave, or a sepulchre. It implies a place designed for remembrance and honor, often a rock-cut cave or a constructed monument. The act of laying John's body in a _mnēmeîon_ signifies not just burial, but also the intent to preserve his memory and provide a respectful, permanent resting place.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when his disciples heard [of it]":** This clause indicates the immediate transmission of the news of John's execution to his followers. The phrase "heard [of it]" (ἀκούω, _akoúō_) implies receiving information, likely the shocking and tragic news of their master's beheading. This hearing serves as the catalyst for their subsequent actions, demonstrating their readiness to respond to the dire circumstances.
* **"they came and took up his corpse":** This phrase describes the disciples' swift and courageous action. "They came" (ἔρχομαι, _érchomai_) suggests a deliberate and urgent journey to the site where John's body lay. "Took up" (αἴρω, _aírō_) signifies lifting or carrying away, specifically the lifeless body. This act was not merely practical but profoundly symbolic, reclaiming John's body from the public display of Herod's cruelty and demonstrating their unwavering devotion.
* **"and laid it in a tomb":** This final clause details the solemn act of burial. "Laid" (τίθημι, _títhēmi_) implies carefully placing the body in a resting position. The destination, "in a tomb" (ἐν μνημείῳ, _en mnēmeíō_), signifies a proper, respectful interment. This act ensured John received a dignified burial, a crucial cultural and religious practice that honored the deceased and provided a place for mourning and remembrance.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 6:29, though brief, employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The verse utilizes **Pathos** by eliciting a strong emotional response from the reader, emphasizing the sorrow and respect felt by John's disciples in the face of his tragic death. The act of taking up the "corpse" and laying it in a "tomb" serves as powerful **Symbolism**. The corpse symbolizes the brutal reality of martyrdom and the fragility of human life, while the tomb symbolizes dignity, remembrance, and the finality of death, yet also the hope of a respectful resting place. Furthermore, the entire narrative of John's martyrdom, culminating in this verse, acts as a form of **Foreshadowing**. John, as the forerunner, suffers a violent end at the hands of earthly powers, a grim precursor to the persecution and crucifixion that Jesus, the Messiah, would ultimately endure at the hands of both religious and political authorities.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 6:29, while narrating a specific historical event, carries significant theological weight. It underscores the profound importance of honoring the deceased, a principle deeply rooted in biblical tradition, and highlights the unwavering loyalty of true discipleship, even in the face of immense sorrow and potential danger. The disciples' act of respectfully burying John's body affirms the inherent dignity of human life, even after death, and demonstrates a continuity of care and witness. Their actions ensure that John, the prophet who faithfully proclaimed God's truth, received a proper resting place, allowing his legacy to endure beyond his physical demise. This act of burial also serves as a crucial moment for the disciples to process their grief and solidify their commitment to the message John preached, which ultimately pointed to Jesus.

* [Matthew 14:12](/matthew/14-12 "Matthew 14:12 - John's Disciples Bury Him"): "And his disciples came, and took up the body, and buried it, and went and told Jesus."
* [Acts 8:2](/acts/8-2 "Acts 8:2 - Devout Men Bury Stephen"): "And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him."
* [Deuteronomy 21:23](/deuteronomy/21-23 "Deuteronomy 21:23 - Burial of the Executed"): "His body shall not remain all night upon the tree, but thou shalt in any wise bury him that day; (for he that is hanged is accursed of God;) that thy land be not defiled, which the Lord thy God giveth thee for an inheritance."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 6:29, though a brief account of a burial, offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It calls us to consider the depth of our own loyalty and devotion, not just to leaders or causes, but to the truth of God's Word, even when it comes at a personal cost. The disciples' courage in the face of Herod's tyranny reminds us that faithfulness may sometimes require us to stand against prevailing powers or popular opinion. Furthermore, this verse underscores the importance of ministering to those who grieve and showing respect for the deceased, affirming the sanctity of human life from beginning to end. It invites us to consider the legacy we are building, much like John the Baptist, whose life, though cut short, continued to impact those who followed him, eventually leading some to Jesus. In our own lives, we are called to be faithful stewards of the truth and compassionate companions to those in sorrow, embodying the selfless love demonstrated by John's disciples.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the disciples' act of burying John's body demonstrate their loyalty and courage in the face of injustice?**
* **What does this verse teach us about the importance of honoring the deceased and the human need for dignified burial?**
* **In what ways might we be called to show similar devotion or courage in our own lives, even when it is difficult or unpopular?**
* **How can we, like John's disciples, ensure that the legacy of faithful individuals continues to impact others, pointing them towards Christ?**

### FAQ
**Why was it so important for John's disciples to retrieve and bury his body?**

Answer: In ancient Jewish culture, the proper burial of the dead was not merely a custom but a profound religious and cultural obligation. To leave a body unburied was considered a great dishonor and a curse, defiling the land and the memory of the deceased (cf. [Deuteronomy 21:23](/deuteronomy/21-23 "Deuteronomy 21:23 - Burial of the Executed")). For John's disciples, retrieving his "corpse" (Greek, _ptōma_, emphasizing the lifeless body) and laying it in a "tomb" (Greek, _mnēmeîon_, a place of remembrance) was an act of deep reverence, love, and loyalty. It was a final act of respect for their revered teacher and prophet, ensuring he received a dignified resting place despite the brutal and unjust circumstances of his execution by Herod Antipas. This act also provided closure for the grieving disciples and allowed them to mourn properly.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Mark 6:29 describes the somber burial of John the Baptist, it subtly points towards the ultimate fulfillment found in Jesus Christ. John's life and death served as a powerful precursor to Christ's ministry and ultimate sacrifice. John, the "voice crying in the wilderness" (cf. [Mark 1:3](/mark/1-3 "Mark 1:3 - John the Baptist Prepares the Way")), faithfully pointed to the "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" (cf. [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). John's unjust execution and subsequent burial foreshadow the even greater injustice of Jesus's crucifixion and burial. Just as John's devoted disciples took up his body and laid it in a tomb, so too would faithful followers like Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus reverently take down Jesus's body and lay it in a tomb (cf. [Matthew 27:57-60](/matthew/27-57-60 "Matthew 27:57-60 - The Burial of Jesus")). However, the Christ-centered fulfillment transcends John's fate: while John's body remained in the tomb, Jesus's body did not. The tomb could not hold the Lord of Life, for He rose again on the third day, conquering sin and death (cf. [1 Corinthians 15:3-4](/1_corinthians/15-3-4 "1 Corinthians 15:3-4 - The Gospel of Christ's Death and Resurrection")). Thus, John's burial, a testament to human grief and loyalty, ultimately directs our gaze to the empty tomb of Christ, the source of eternal hope and the ultimate victory over death.

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

Matthew 14:12

And his disciples came, and took up the body, and buried it, and went and told Jesus.

2 Chronicles 24:16

And they buried him in the city of David among the kings, because he had done good in Israel, both toward God, and toward his house.

Matthew 27:57

¶ When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus' disciple:

Matthew 27:60

And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed.

1 Kings 13:29

And the prophet took up the carcase of the man of God, and laid it upon the ass, and brought it back: and the old prophet came to the city, to mourn and to bury him.

1 Kings 13:30

And he laid his carcase in his own grave; and they mourned over him, [saying], Alas, my brother!

Acts 8:2

And devout men carried Stephen [to his burial], and made great lamentation over him.