Mark 6:20
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 page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
This verse reveals a fascinating internal conflict in Herod. He "kept him safe," not out of genuine protection for John, but to preserve himself from John's convicting word, while still "hearing him gladly," a pleasure that sadly offered no path to true change.
This verse comes right after Jesus sends out the twelve disciples, and Herod the tetrarch hears about Jesus' growing fame, wondering if he's John the Baptist risen from the dead. Herod had previously imprisoned John for confronting him about his unlawful marriage to Herodias, but he held John in high regard and kept him safe, even though Herodias wanted him dead.
Herod was clearly impacted by John the Baptist. But what kind of impact was it? And why didn't it lead to lasting change?
The verse describes Herod's reaction to John: he 'feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man.' This fear wasn't a dread of punishment, but a deep-seated awe and respect for John's integrity. It's the kind of respect we often have for people who live with conviction, even when their message challenges us.
Herod did 'many things' and heard John 'gladly.' It sounds almost positive, right? But the outcome tells a different story.
The original Greek suggests Herod was not just doing 'many things,' but was 'greatly perplexed' – stuck, unable to find a way out of his inner conflict. He heard John, respected him, and even enjoyed his company, but he couldn't bring himself to obey the core command: to leave his sinful marriage.
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.
This verse highlights the internal struggle of Herod Antipas, a ruler caught between his fear and respect for John the Baptist's righteousness and his own sinful desires and political expediency, a common human dilemma.
c. AD 27-30
John the Baptist's Ministry
John the Baptist preaches a message of repentance and baptizes in the wilderness of Judea, drawing large crowds and gaining a reputation as a prophet.
c. AD 28-30
Herod Antipas's Marriage
Herod Antipas, the tetrarch of Galilee, divorces his first wife and marries Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, a union condemned by Jewish law and John the Baptist.
c. AD 29
John's Rebuke of Herod
John the Baptist directly confronts Herod Antipas, declaring his marriage to Herodias unlawful, which leads to John's imprisonment.
c. AD 30— this verse
Herod's Internal Conflict
Despite imprisoning John, Herod fears him, recognizing his righteousness, and is perplexed and intrigued by his message, often listening to him gladly.
This passage details John the Baptist's bold confrontation with Herod regarding his unlawful marriage, setting the stage for Herod's fear and perplexity described in Mark 6:20.
Matthew 14:1-5This account highlights Herod's fear of John and his awareness of John's righteousness, explaining why Herod initially protected him despite Herodias's desire to kill John.
John 18:36Jesus states His kingdom is not of this world, which resonates with Herod's confusion; he likely couldn't grasp John's spiritual message or kingdom due to his earthly-mindedness.
Acts 24:25Felix, like Herod, trembled when hearing Paul speak about righteousness and self-control but ultimately dismissed the message, illustrating the danger of hearing gladly without repenting.
Proverbs 1:7This verse states that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, contrasting Herod's fear of John (a reverential awe) with the true fear of God that leads to wisdom.
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…
This verse reveals a fascinating internal conflict in Herod. He "kept him safe," not out of genuine protection for John, but to preserve himself from John's convicting word, while still "hearing him gladly," a pleasure that sadly offered no path to true change.
This verse comes right after Jesus sends out the twelve disciples, and Herod the tetrarch hears about Jesus' growing fame, wondering if he's John the Baptist risen from the dead. Herod had previously imprisoned John for confronting him about his unlawful marriage to Herodias, but he held John in high regard and kept him safe, even though Herodias wanted him dead.
This verse comes right after Jesus sends out the twelve disciples, and Herod the tetrarch hears about Jesus' growing fame, wondering if he's John the Baptist risen from the dead. Herod had previously imprisoned John for confronting him about his unlawful marriage to Herodias, but he held John in high regard and kept him safe, even though Herodias wanted him dead.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Mark 6:20 is available in the Sola app.
c. AD 30
Herod's Birthday Feast
Herod celebrates his birthday with a lavish banquet for his officials. Salome, Herodias's daughter, dances for the guests and entertains Herod.
c. AD 30
John the Baptist's Execution
Influenced by Herodias and Salome's request, and bound by an oath, Herod orders John the Baptist's execution, beheading him in prison.
"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." — This verse reveals a fascinating internal conflict in Herod. He "kept him safe," not out of genuine protection for John, but to preserve himself from John's convicting word, while still "hearing him…
