Mark 6:29

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

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary

Mark 6:29 KJV describes the somber aftermath of John the Baptist's execution, focusing on the devoted actions of his disciples. This brief verse concludes the tragic narrative of John's martyrdom, highlighting the immediate response of those who followed him.

Context

This verse follows directly from the gruesome account of John the Baptist's beheading, initiated by King Herod Antipas at the manipulative request of Herodias's daughter, Salome (see Mark 6:27-28). John had been imprisoned for courageously condemning Herod's unlawful marriage to Herodias, his brother's wife. His death marks a pivotal moment, silencing the voice of the one who was the forerunner of Jesus Christ, preparing the way for His ministry. The disciples' act of retrieving and burying John's body demonstrates their loyalty and the profound impact he had on their lives, even in the face of such a brutal and unjust death.

Key Themes

  • Devotion and Respect: The disciples' willingness to retrieve John's "corpse" (Greek: ptoma, emphasizing the lifeless body) and lay it in a tomb speaks volumes about their deep reverence and love for their teacher. This act of care was a final tribute, defying the disrespect shown by Herod.
  • Grief and Sorrow: The act of burial is inherently an expression of mourning. The disciples' actions convey their profound sorrow and loss at the death of their spiritual leader, a man revered as a prophet.
  • The Cost of Truth: John's execution vividly illustrates the dangers faced by those who boldly proclaim God's truth to power. His death is a stark reminder that faithfulness can come at a great personal cost, a theme echoed throughout the New Testament regarding persecution for righteousness' sake.
  • Human Dignity in Death: Despite the horrific circumstances of his death, John's disciples ensured he received a dignified burial, affirming the inherent value of human life even after its end.

Linguistic Insights

The term "corpse" (Greek: ptoma, literally "a fall") emphasizes the lifelessness and fallen state of John's body, underscoring the finality of his death. The word "tomb" (Greek: mnemeion) refers to a memorial or monument, often a cave or rock-cut sepulchre, highlighting a common burial practice of the time and the intent to honor the deceased.

Practical Application

Mark 6:29 reminds us of several enduring truths:

  • Loyalty and Care: It underscores the importance of standing by and caring for those we love, even in their darkest hours or after their passing. The disciples' courage in facing Herod's wrath to honor John serves as a powerful example.
  • The Legacy of Faith: John the Baptist's life, though cut short, left an indelible mark. His disciples continued his legacy, and later, some would become followers of Jesus. This speaks to the lasting impact of a life lived faithfully for God.
  • Comfort in Grief: The act of burial provides a necessary closure and opportunity for grieving. For believers, there is comfort in knowing that even in death, there is hope, looking forward to the resurrection of the dead.

Reflection

This simple verse, detailing the burial of John the Baptist, carries significant weight. It closes a chapter on a mighty prophet's life, yet it opens our eyes to the unwavering devotion of his followers. It reminds us that even in profound sorrow and injustice, acts of love and respect persist, carrying forward the legacy of those who have faithfully served God.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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.
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