for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he kept him safe. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed, and yet he heard him gladly.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse highlights a fascinating paradox: Herod both "feared" John and "heard him gladly." This wasn't genuine respect, but a deeply troubled awe; he acknowledged John's righteousness, yet his willingness to "keep him safe" and hear him suggests a desire to keep conviction at a distance, rather than act on it.
for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he kept him safe. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed, and yet he heard him gladly.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage occurs as Jesus' disciples return from their mission, reporting their success. King Herod Antipas, hearing about Jesus and the disciples' activities, believes John the Baptist has been raised from the dead, a fear rooted in his own guilt. John had previously condemned Herod for his unlawful marriage to Herodias, leading Herod to imprison John, not to punish him, but to protect him from Herodias while still being deeply troubled by John's words.
Why would a powerful ruler be 'afraid' of a prisoner? And why would he 'hear him gladly' if he didn't intend to change?
Herod's reaction to John the Baptist is a fascinating study in internal conflict.
A Reverential Fear
The text says Herod 'feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man.' This wasn't a fear of physical harm, but a deep-seated awe and respect for John's integrity and divine authority. Herod recognized John's moral superiority, even though he was imprisoned by him.
A Perplexed Hearing
The most striking part is that Herod 'was greatly perplexed, and yet he heard him gladly.' This shows an inner turmoil. John's message cut through Herod's sin, forcing him to confront his own actions, particularly his illegal marriage. He was 'perplexed' because he couldn't reconcile his conscience with his desires. Yet, he 'heard him gladly' because there was something compelling about John's message and his bold declaration of truth, even if it troubled him.
Herod 'kept him safe' and 'heard him gladly,' but ultimately had John beheaded. What went wrong?
Herod's actions reveal a dangerous pattern of compromise that ultimately leads to destruction.
'Keeping Him Safe' as Preservation
The word used for 'kept him safe' (Greek: synetērei) suggests not just imprisonment, but a form of protection. Herod, despite his sin, protected John from Herodias's immediate desire to kill him. This was Herod's attempt to manage the situation – to keep John alive but also to keep his own illicit relationship intact.
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The Illusion of 'Many Things'
Commentaries suggest that the original text might have read 'he was greatly perplexed' rather than 'he did many things.' However, even if interpreted as 'he did many things,' it points to Herod's attempts to appease John and his conscience without truly repenting. He might have offered John comforts, listened respectfully, or made minor concessions. This is a common human tendency: to do 'many things' – perform religious acts, offer kind gestures – to avoid the one crucial thing God demands: true repentance and obedience.
The Downfall of Half-Measures
Herod's 'perplexity' and 'glad hearing' did not lead to life, but to the tragic end of John the Baptist. His refusal to fully obey God, choosing instead a path of compromise to satisfy both his conscience and his desires, demonstrates how easily genuine conviction can be overridden by fear, convenience, or the desire to please others. Ultimately, his attempts to navigate the situation failed him, leading to a decision that haunted him.
Understand the original words
phobeomai · Greek Verb
An attitude of reverent awe, terror, or deep respect; in this context, it is a conviction-driven fear arising from a guilty conscience.
dikaios · Greek Adjective
Characterized by moral integrity and adherence to God's standard of justice; a person whose life aligns with the requirements of the covenant.
hagios · Greek Adjective
Set apart by God for His use; possessing moral purity and living in a way that reflects the character of a holy God.
aporeō · Greek Verb
To be in a state of mental uncertainty, confusion, or doubt, often caused by the confrontation of truth that contradicts one's desires or actions.
Herod's complex feelings—fear mixed with admiration and perplexity—reveal a man deeply troubled by his conscience but unwilling to truly repent or relinquish his power and illicit desires.
c. AD 28
John the Baptist Preaches
John the Baptist begins his ministry in the wilderness of Judea, calling people to repentance and baptizing them. He boldly denounces the sins of the people, including the illicit marriage of Herod Antipas.
c. AD 28-30— this verse
John Imprisons John the Baptist
Herod Antipas, the ruler of Galilee, imprisons John the Baptist for publicly condemning his marriage to Herodias, his brother Philip's former wife. Herod is conflicted, fearing John's influence and respecting his righteousness.
c. AD 30
Herod's Birthday Feast
Herod celebrates his birthday with a lavish feast for his officials. Herodias's daughter, Salome, dances at the feast, captivating Herod and leading him to pledge an oath to grant her any request.
c. AD 30
Beheading of John the Baptist
Prompted by Herodias, Salome requests the head of John the Baptist. Bound by his oath and pressured by his guests, Herod reluctantly orders John's execution, beheading him in prison.
This passage describes John the Baptist confronting Herod about his unlawful marriage, which is the direct context for Herod's fear and perplexity regarding John in Mark 6:20. It shows the specific reason for John's imprisonment and Herod's inner conflict.
Matthew 14:3-5This passage parallels Mark 6:20 by explaining that John confronted Herod about his marriage to Herodias and that Herod 'wanted to put him to death' but feared the people. It reinforces the idea of Herod's fear and internal struggle.
Acts 24:24-25Here, Felix, another ruler, hears Paul speak about righteousness, self-control, and judgment, and trembles, but like Herod, sends Paul away, showing a similar pattern of being 'greatly perplexed' and wanting to hear more without changing. This highlights the common human tendency to be drawn to truth without embracing it.
John 12:42-43This passage speaks of people who believed in Jesus but did not confess Him 'because of the Pharisees,' fearing human approval more than God's. This resonates with Herod's fear of John and his eagerness to hear him gladly, yet ultimately prioritizing social standing and convenience over righteousness.
vincentMark 6:20: "For Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just man and an holy, and observed him; and when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly."
Observed him (συνετήρει)A mistranslation. Rev., kept him safe. Peculiar to Mark. Compare Matthew 9:17, are preserved; Luke 2:19, kept ; σύν, closely; τηρεῖν, to preserve or keep, as the result of guarding. See on John 17:12, and reserved, 1 Peter 1:4.Did many things (πολλὰ ἐποίει)The proper reading, however ἠπόρει; from ἀ, no…
barnesMark 6:20: "For Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just man and an holy, and observed him; and when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly."
For Herod feared John - That is, he stood in awe of him on account of his sanctity, and his boldness and fearlessness in reproving sin. Knowing that he was a just man and an Holy - A holy, pious, upright, honest man - a man who would not be afraid of him, or afraid to speak his real sentiments. And observed him - Margin, "kept him, or…
The verse highlights a fascinating paradox: Herod both "feared" John and "heard him gladly." This wasn't genuine respect, but a deeply troubled awe; he acknowledged John's righteousness, yet his willingness to "keep him safe" and hear him suggests a desire to keep conviction at a distance, rather than act on it.
This passage occurs as Jesus' disciples return from their mission, reporting their success. King Herod Antipas, hearing about Jesus and the disciples' activities, believes John the Baptist has been raised from the dead, a fear rooted in his own guilt. John had previously condemned Herod for his unlawful marriage to Herodias, leading Herod to imprison John, not to punish him, but to protect him from Herodias while still being deeply troubled by John's words.
This passage occurs as Jesus' disciples return from their mission, reporting their success. King Herod Antipas, hearing about Jesus and the disciples' activities, believes John the Baptist has been raised from the dead, a fear rooted in his own guilt. John had previously condemned Herod for his unlawful marriage to Herodias, leading Herod to imprison John, not to punish him, but to protect him from Herodias while still being deeply troubled by John's words.
"for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he kept him safe. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed, and yet he heard him gladly." — The verse highlights a fascinating paradox: Herod both "feared" John and "heard him gladly." This wasn't genuine respect, but a deeply troubled awe; he acknowledged John's righteousness, yet his will…
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Last reviewed October 2026