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◄ Mark 6:18►

New International Version
For John had been saying to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.”

New Living Translation
John had been telling Herod, “It is against God’s law for you to marry your brother’s wife.”

English Standard Version
For John had been saying to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.”

Berean Standard Bible
For John had been telling Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife!”

Berean Literal Bible
For John had been saying to Herod, "It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife."

King James Bible
For John had said unto Herod, It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother's wife.

New King James Version
Because John had said to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.”

New American Standard Bible
For John had been saying to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.”

NASB 1995
For John had been saying to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.”

NASB 1977
For John had been saying to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.”

Legacy Standard Bible
For John had been saying to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.”

Amplified Bible
For John had been saying to Herod, “It is not lawful [under Mosaic Law] for you to have your brother’s wife.”

Christian Standard Bible
John had been telling Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
John had been telling Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife!”

American Standard Version
For John said unto Herod, It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother's wife.

English Revised Version
For John said unto Herod, It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother's wife.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
John had been telling Herod, "It's not right for you to be married to your brother's wife."

Good News Translation
John the Baptist kept telling Herod, "It isn't right for you to marry your brother's wife!"

International Standard Version
John had been telling Herod, "It's not lawful for you to have your brother's wife."

NET Bible
For John had repeatedly told Herod, "It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife."

New Heart English Bible
For John said to Herod, "It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife."

Webster's Bible Translation
For John had said to Herod, It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother's wife.

Weymouth New Testament
For John had repeatedly told Herod, "You have no right to be living with your brother's wife."

Majority Text Translations

Majority Standard Bible
For John had been telling Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife!”

World English Bible
For John had said to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.”

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
for John said to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have the wife of your brother”;

Berean Literal Bible
For John had been saying to Herod, "It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife."

Young's Literal Translation
for John said to Herod -- 'It is not lawful to thee to have the wife of thy brother;'

Smith's Literal Translation
For John said to Herod, That it is not lawful for thee to have thy brother's wife.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
For John said to Herod: It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother's wife.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For John was saying to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.”

New American Bible
John had said to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.”

New Revised Standard Version
For John had been telling Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.”

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
For John had said to Herod, It is not lawful for you to marry your brother’s wife.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
For Yohannan had said to Herodus, “It is not lawful for you to take the wife of your brother.”

NT Translations

Anderson New Testament
For John said to Herod: It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife.

Godbey New Testament
For John said to Herod, It is not lawful for thee to have the wife of thy brother.

Haweis New Testament
For John said to Herod, It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother’s wife.

Mace New Testament
upon which John told him, "it is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife."

Weymouth New Testament
For John had repeatedly told Herod, "You have no right to be living with your brother's wife."

Worrell New Testament
For John said to Herod, "It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife."

Worsley New Testament
For Johnhad said to Herod, it is not lawful for thee to have thy brother's wife.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

The Beheading of John
…17For Herod himself had ordered that John be arrested and bound and imprisoned, on account of his brother Philip’s wife Herodias, whom Herod had married.18For John had been telling Herod,“It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife!”19So Herodias held a grudge against John and wanted to kill him. But she had been unable,…

Berean Standard Bible ·Download

Cross References

Matthew 14:3-4
Now Herod had arrested John and bound him and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, / because John had been telling him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.”

Luke 3:19-20
But when he rebuked Herod the tetrarch regarding his brother’s wife Herodias and all the evils he had done, / Herod added this to them all: He locked John up in prison.

Leviticus 18:16
You must not have sexual relations with your brother’s wife; that would shame your brother.

Leviticus 20:21
If a man marries his brother’s wife, it is an act of impurity. He has uncovered the nakedness of his brother; they shall be childless.

Matthew 5:32
But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, brings adultery upon her. And he who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.

Matthew 19:9
Now I tell you that whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery.”

Romans 7:2-3
For instance, a married woman is bound by law to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is released from the law of marriage. / So then, if she is joined to another man while her husband is still alive, she is called an adulteress; but if her husband dies, she is free from that law and is not an adulteress if she marries another man.

1 Corinthians 5:1
It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that is intolerable even among pagans: A man has his father’s wife.

1 Corinthians 6:9-10
Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who submit to or perform homosexual acts, / nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor verbal abusers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God.

1 Corinthians 7:10-11
To the married I give this command (not I, but the Lord): A wife must not separate from her husband. / But if she does, she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband. And a husband must not divorce his wife.

1 Corinthians 7:39
A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, as long as he belongs to the Lord.

Hebrews 13:4
Marriage should be honored by all and the marriage bed kept undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers.

Malachi 2:14-16
Yet you ask, “Why?” It is because the LORD has been a witness between you and the wife of your youth, against whom you have broken faith, though she is your companion and your wife by covenant. / Has not the LORD made them one, having a portion of the Spirit? And why one? Because He seeks godly offspring. So guard yourselves in your spirit and do not break faith with the wife of your youth. / “For I hate divorce,” says the LORD, the God of Israel. “He who divorces his wife covers his garment with violence,” says the LORD of Hosts. So guard yourselves in your spirit and do not break faith.

Genesis 2:24
For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.

Exodus 20:14
You shall not commit adultery.

Treasury of Scripture

For John had said to Herod, It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife.

It is.

Leviticus 18:16
Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy brother's wife: itis thy brother's nakedness.

Leviticus 20:21
And if a man shall take his brother's wife, itis an unclean thing: he hath uncovered his brother's nakedness; they shall be childless.

1 Kings 22:14
And Micaiah said,As the LORD liveth, what the LORD saith unto me, that will I speak.

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Mark 6

1.Jesus is a prophet without honor in his own country.
7.He gives the twelve power over unclean spirits.
14.Various opinions of Jesus.
16.John the Baptist is imprisoned, beheaded, and buried.
30.The apostles return from preaching.
34.The miracle of five loaves and two fishes.
45.Jesus walks on the sea;
53.and heals all who touch him.

Study Bible

Book ◦ Chapter

For John had been telling Herod
John the Baptist, a prominent prophetic figure, was known for his boldness in speaking truth to power. His role as a prophet was to call people to repentance and prepare the way for Jesus Christ. In this context, John was addressing Herod Antipas, the tetrarch of Galilee and Perea. Herod was a ruler under Roman authority, known for his moral and political compromises. John's confrontation with Herod highlights the prophetic tradition of holding leaders accountable to God's laws, reminiscent of prophets like Nathan confronting King David (2 Samuel 12:1-14).

“It is not lawful for you
John's statement refers to the Jewish law, which Herod, though a ruler in a Roman context, was expected to respect due to his Jewish heritage. The law in question is found inLeviticus 18:16 and 20:21, which prohibits a man from marrying his brother's wife while the brother is still alive. This reflects the broader biblical principle of upholding the sanctity of marriage and family as ordained by God.

to have your brother’s wife!”
Herod had married Herodias, who was previously married to his brother Philip. This marriage was considered adulterous and unlawful according to Jewish law. Herodias's ambition and Herod's moral weakness led to this union, which was scandalous and controversial. This situation is a vivid example of the moral decay and political intrigue that characterized Herod's reign. It also foreshadows the eventual martyrdom of John the Baptist, as Herodias harbored a grudge against John for his condemnation, leading to his imprisonment and execution (Mark 6:19-29). This narrative underscores the cost of prophetic truth-telling and the conflict between God's kingdom and worldly powers.

Persons / Places / Events

1.John the Baptist
A prophet and forerunner of Jesus Christ, known for his boldness in proclaiming God's truth and calling people to repentance. In this passage, he confronts Herod Antipas about his unlawful marriage.

2.Herod Antipas
The tetrarch of Galilee and Perea, known for his immoral lifestyle and political maneuvering. He married Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, which was against Jewish law.

3.Herodias
The wife of Herod Antipas, previously married to his brother Philip. Her marriage to Herod was considered unlawful according to Jewish law.

4.Philip
Herod Antipas's brother and the former husband of Herodias. His marriage to Herodias was legitimate, making her subsequent marriage to Herod Antipas unlawful.

5.The Event
John the Baptist's confrontation with Herod Antipas over his marriage to Herodias, which ultimately led to John's imprisonment and execution.

Teaching Points

Courage in Confrontation
John the Baptist exemplifies the courage required to speak truth to power. Believers are called to stand firm in their convictions, even when it is unpopular or dangerous.

The Cost of Discipleship
John's imprisonment and eventual execution remind us that following Christ and upholding His truth can come with significant personal cost.

The Importance of Upholding God's Law
John's rebuke of Herod highlights the importance of adhering to God's standards, even when cultural norms or personal desires conflict with them.

Repentance and Accountability
This passage underscores the need for repentance and accountability in the face of sin. Herod's refusal to repent serves as a warning against hardening one's heart.

The Role of Prophets
John the Baptist's role as a prophet was to prepare the way for Jesus by calling people to repentance. This role is a reminder of the importance of prophetic voices in calling the church and society back to God's standards.

Bible Study Questions and Answers

1.What is the meaning of Mark 6:18?

2.How does Mark 6:18 illustrate the importance of upholding God's moral standards today?

3.Why did John the Baptist confront Herod about his unlawful marriage in Mark 6:18?

4.What Old Testament laws support John's rebuke of Herod in Mark 6:18?

5.How can Christians today courageously address sin in their communities like John did?

6.What lessons from Mark 6:18 can guide our interactions with authority figures?

7.Why did John the Baptist condemn Herod's marriage in Mark 6:18?

8.How does Mark 6:18 reflect on the concept of moral authority?

9.What historical context influenced John the Baptist's rebuke in Mark 6:18?

10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Mark 6?

11.What led to John the Baptist's beheading?

12.In Mark 6:14–29, how does the account of John the Baptist’s beheading align with or contradict known historical records?

13.What led to John the Baptist's beheading?

14.Did Herod want to kill John the Baptist? Yes (Matthew 14:5) No. It was Herodias, the wife of Herod who wanted to kill him. But Herod knew that he was a righteous man and kept him safe (Mark 6:20)

What Does Mark 6:18 Mean

For John had been telling Herod

John the Baptist spoke repeatedly, not just once. His steady voice was a conscience to Herod Antipas, just as prophets like Nathan confronted King David (2 Samuel 12:1-7) and Elijah challenged Ahab (1 Kings 18:17-18).

• Consistency: John “had been telling,” implying an ongoing call to repentance rather than a one-time rebuke.

• Courage: Like Peter and John later before the Sanhedrin (Acts 4:19-20), John feared God more than any earthly ruler.

“It is not lawful

John appeals to God’s unchanging moral law, grounded in Scripture.Leviticus 18:16 and 20:21 clearly prohibit marrying a brother’s wife while he lives. Jesus will build on this same standard of lifelong marriage inMark 10:6-9.

• Lawful means “in line with God’s revealed will,” not merely with human legality.

• By invoking the Law, John places Herod under the same authority every Israelite recognized, echoingPsalm 19:7: “The Law of the LORD is perfect.”

for you to have your brother’s wife!”

Herod Antipas had divorced his own wife and taken Herodias, who was the wife of his still-living brother Philip (Josephus confirms this). John names the sin without softening it, much like Paul later confronts an immoral relationship in1 Corinthians 5:1-2.

• Personal address: “for you” makes the rebuke direct and unavoidable.

• Specific sin: “to have” here points to an ongoing adulterous union, not a single lapse.

• Consequences: John’s bold declaration leads to his imprisonment (Mark 6:17) and, ultimately, martyrdom—reminding us of Jesus’ words inMatthew 5:10-12 about persecution for righteousness.

summary

Mark 6:18 shows a faithful prophet applying God’s timeless Law to a powerful ruler’s public sin. John’s continual, scripturally grounded confrontation models how truth spoken with courage can expose wrongdoing, even when the cost is high.

Pulpit Commentary

Verses 18, 19. -For John said untoHerod. The Greek tense (ἔλεγε) implies more than the simple expression, "he said;" it implies a repeated warning. We learn from St. Matthew (Matthew 14:5) that Herod would have killed John before, but he feared the people. Here St. Mark saysthat Herodias set herself against him, and desired to kill him; and she could not; for Herod feared John. There is no contradiction between the two evangelists. The case appears to have been this: that at first Herod desired to put John to death, because John had reproved him on account of Herodias. But by degrees John gained an influence over Herod by the force of his character, and by his holy life and teaching.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

For
γὰρ(gar)
Conjunction
Strong's 1063:For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.

John
Ἰωάννης(Iōannēs)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2491:Of Hebrew origin; Joannes, the name of four Israelites.

had been telling
ἔλεγεν(elegen)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2036:Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.

Herod,
Ἡρῴδῃ(Hērōdē)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2264:Compound of heros and eidos; heroic; Herod, the name of four Jewish kings.

“It is not lawful
ἔξεστίν(exestin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1832:It is permitted, lawful, possible.

for you
σοι(soi)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771:You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

to have
ἔχειν(echein)
Verb - Present Infinitive Active
Strong's 2192:To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.

your
σου(sou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771:You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

brother’s
ἀδελφοῦ(adelphou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 80:A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote.

wife!”
γυναῖκα(gynaika)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1135:A woman, wife, my lady. Probably from the base of ginomai; a woman; specially, a wife.

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NT Gospels: Mark 6:18 For John said to Herod It (Mar Mk Mr)