New International Versionbecause Herod feared John and protected him, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man. When Herod heard John, he was greatly puzzled; yet he liked to listen to him.
New Living Translationfor Herod respected John; and knowing that he was a good and holy man, he protected him. Herod was greatly disturbed whenever he talked with John, but even so, he liked to listen to him.
English Standard Versionfor 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.
Berean Standard Biblebecause Herod feared John and protected him, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man. When he heard John’s words, he was greatly perplexed; yet he listened to him gladly.
Berean Literal BibleFor Herod was afraid of John, knowing him a righteous and holy man; and he kept him safe. And having heard him, he was greatly perplexed, and heard him gladly.
King James BibleFor 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.
New King James Versionfor Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just and holy man, and he protected him. And when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly.
New American Standard Biblefor Herod was afraid of John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he had been protecting him. And when he heard him, he was very perplexed; and yet he used to enjoy listening to him.
NASB 1995for Herod was afraid of John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he kept him safe. And when he heard him, he was very perplexed; but he used to enjoy listening to him.
NASB 1977for Herod was afraid of John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and kept him safe. And when he heard him, he was very perplexed; but he used to enjoy listening to him.
Legacy Standard Biblefor Herod was afraid of John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he was keeping him safe. And when he heard him, he was very perplexed; but he used to enjoy listening to him.
Amplified Biblebecause Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he continually kept him safe. When he heard John [speak], he was very perplexed; but he enjoyed listening to him.
Christian Standard Biblebecause Herod feared John and protected him, knowing he was a righteous and holy man. When Herod heard him he would be very perplexed, and yet he liked to listen to him.
Holman Christian Standard Biblebecause Herod was in awe of John and was protecting him, knowing he was a righteous and holy man. When Herod heard him he would be very disturbed, yet would hear him gladly.
American Standard Versionfor Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and kept him safe. And when he heard him, he was much perplexed; and he heard him gladly.
Contemporary English Versionbecause Herod was afraid of John and protected him. He knew that John was a good and holy man. Even though Herod was confused by what John said, he was glad to listen to him. And he often did.
English Revised Versionfor Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous man and a holy, and kept him safe. And when he heard him, he was much perplexed; and he heard him gladly.
GOD'S WORD® Translationbecause Herod was afraid of John. Herod knew that John was a fair and holy man, so he protected him. When he listened to John, he would become very disturbed, and yet he liked to listen to him.
Good News TranslationHerod was afraid of John because he knew that John was a good and holy man, and so he kept him safe. He liked to listen to him, even though he became greatly disturbed every time he heard him.
International Standard Versionbecause Herod was afraid of John. He knew that John was a righteous and holy man, and so he protected him. Whenever he listened to John, he did much of what he said. In fact, he liked listening to him.
NET Biblebecause Herod stood in awe of John and protected him, since he knew that John was a righteous and holy man. When Herod heard him, he was thoroughly baffled, and yet he liked to listen to John.
New Heart English Biblefor Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and kept him safe. And when he heard him, he was very perplexed, but he heard him gladly.
Webster's Bible TranslationFor Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just and holy man, and observed him: and when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly.
Weymouth New Testamentfor Herod stood in awe of John, knowing him to be an upright and holy man, and he protected him. After listening to him he was in great perplexity, and yet he found a pleasure in listening. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Biblebecause Herod feared John and protected him, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man. When he heard John’s words, he did much of what he said; and he listened to him gladly.
World English Biblefor Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and kept him safe. When he heard him, he did many things, and he heard him gladly. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionfor Herod was fearing John, knowing him [to be] a righteous and holy man, and was keeping watch over him, and having heard him, was doing many things, and hearing him gladly.
Berean Literal BibleFor Herod was afraid of John, knowing him a righteous and holy man; and he kept him safe. And having heard him, he was greatly perplexed, and heard him gladly.
Young's Literal Translation for Herod was fearing John, knowing him a man righteous and holy, and was keeping watch over him, and having heard him, was doing many things, and hearing him gladly.
Smith's Literal TranslationFor Herod feared John, knowing him a just and holy man, and he observed him: and having heard him, did many things, and heard him cheerfully. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleFor Herod feared John, knowing him to be a just and holy man: and kept him, and when he heard him, did many things: and he heard him willingly.
Catholic Public Domain VersionFor Herod was apprehensive of John, knowing him to be a just and holy man, and so he guarded him. And he heard that he was accomplishing many things, and so he listened to him willingly.
New American BibleHerod feared John, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man, and kept him in custody. When he heard him speak he was very much perplexed, yet he liked to listen to him.
New Revised Standard Versionfor Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he protected him. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed; and yet he liked to listen to him. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleFor Herod was afraid of John, because he knew that he was a righteous and holy man, and he guarded him; and he heard that he was doing a great many things, and he heard him gladly.
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishHerodus had been afraid of Yohannan because he had known that he was a righteous and holy man, and he protected him and he heard many things that he had said and did services for him, and he heard him with pleasure. NT Translations Anderson New Testamentfor Herod feared John, because he knew him to be a just and holy man; and he kept him in safety. And having heard him, he did many things, and heard him with pleasure.
Godbey New Testament
for Herod was afraid of John, knowing him to be a just and holy man, and he continued to hold him in prison: and hearing him, he continued to do many things, and he was hearing him gladly.
Haweis New Testament
for Herod feared John, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man; and paid great attention to him and when he heard him, did many things, and heard him with delight.
Mace New Testament
because Herod had a respect for John, knowing him to be a very honest good man, and therefore protected him; having reform'd many things upon his remonstrances, which he us'd to receive very graciously.
Weymouth New Testament
for Herod stood in awe of John, knowing him to be an upright and holy man, and he protected him. After listening to him he was in great perplexity, and yet he found a pleasure in listening.
Worrell New Testament
for Herod was fearing John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he was preserving him.
Worsley New Testament
but could not; for Herod revered John, knowing him to be a just and holy man, and protected him: and when he heard him he did many thingsaccording to John's instructions, and heard him willingly.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The Beheading of John… 19So Herodias held a grudge against John and wanted to kill him. But she had been unable, 20becauseHerodfearedJohnandprotectedhim,knowing thathe wasa righteousandholyman.Whenhe heardJohn’s words,he was greatly perplexed;yethe listenedto himgladly.21On Herod’s birthday, her opportunity arose. Herod held a banquet for his nobles and military commanders and the leading men of Galilee.…
Cross References Matthew 14:5Although Herod wanted to kill John, he was afraid of the people, because they regarded John as a prophet.
Luke 9:7-9When Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was happening, he was perplexed. For some were saying that John had risen from the dead, / others that Elijah had appeared, and still others that a prophet of old had arisen. / “I beheaded John,” Herod said, “but who is this man I hear such things about?” And he kept trying to see Jesus.
Matthew 11:9What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.
Luke 7:24-26After John’s messengers had left, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swaying in the wind? / Otherwise, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? Look, those who wear elegant clothing and live in luxury are found in palaces. / What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.
Matthew 21:26But if we say, ‘From men,’ we are afraid of the people, for they all regard John as a prophet.”
Luke 20:6But if we say, ‘From men,’ all the people will stone us, for they are convinced that John was a prophet.”
Matthew 21:46Although they wanted to arrest Him, they were afraid of the crowds, because the people regarded Him as a prophet.
Luke 20:19When the scribes and chief priests realized that Jesus had spoken this parable against them, they sought to arrest Him that very hour. But they were afraid of the people.
Matthew 21:11The crowds replied, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”
Luke 1:66And all who heard this wondered in their hearts and asked, “What then will this child become?” For the Lord’s hand was with him.
1 Kings 21:20When Elijah arrived, Ahab said to him, “So you have found me out, my enemy.” He replied, “I have found you out because you have sold yourself to do evil in the sight of the LORD.
1 Kings 22:8The king of Israel answered, “There is still one man through whom we can inquire of the LORD, but I hate him because he never prophesies anything good for me, but only bad. He is Micaiah son of Imlah.” “The king should not say that!” Jehoshaphat replied.
Jeremiah 26:16Then the officials and all the people told the priests and prophets, “This man is not worthy of death, for he has spoken to us in the name of the LORD our God!”
Jeremiah 36:19Then the officials said to Baruch, “You and Jeremiah must hide yourselves and tell no one where you are.”
Ezekiel 2:5And whether they listen or refuse to listen—for they are a rebellious house—they will know that a prophet has been among them.
Treasury of Scripture 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. feared. Mark 11:18 And the scribes and chief priests heardit, and sought how they might destroy him: for they feared him, because all the people was astonished at his doctrine. Exodus 11:3 And the LORD gave the people favour in the sight of the Egyptians. Moreover the man Moseswas very great in the land of Egypt, in the sight of Pharaoh's servants, and in the sight of the people. 1 Kings 21:20 And Ahab said to Elijah, Hast thou found me, O mine enemy? And he answered, I have foundthee: because thou hast sold thyself to work evil in the sight of the LORD. observed him. Mark 4:16 And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness; Psalm 106:12,13 Then believed they his words; they sang his praise… Ezekiel 33:32 And, lo, thouart unto them as a very lovely song of one that hath a pleasant voice, and can play well on an instrument: for they hear thy words, but they do them not. Jump to Previous AfraidAweConsciousEarFearFearedFoundGladlyGreatGreatlyHeardHearingHerodHolyJohnKeptListeningObservedPerplexedPerplexityPleasureProtectedPuzzledRighteousSafeStoodTroubledUprightUsedJump to Next AfraidAweConsciousEarFearFearedFoundGladlyGreatGreatlyHeardHearingHerodHolyJohnKeptListeningObservedPerplexedPerplexityPleasureProtectedPuzzledRighteousSafeStoodTroubledUprightUsedMark 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.because Herod feared John and protected himHerod Antipas, the tetrarch of Galilee and Perea, feared John the Baptist due to John's influence and the moral authority he held among the people. Herod's fear was not just political but also personal, as he recognized John's integrity and the potential divine judgment for harming a prophet. This protection can be seen as a reluctant respect for John's character and message, despite Herod's eventual capitulation to Herodias's demands. This reflects the tension between political power and spiritual authority, a theme seen throughout the Bible, such as in the interactions between Pharaoh and Moses. knowing that he was a righteous and holy man
John the Baptist's reputation as a righteous and holy man was well-known, and even Herod acknowledged this. Righteousness in biblical terms often refers to living in accordance with God's laws, while holiness implies being set apart for God's purposes. John's lifestyle, message of repentance, and baptism for the forgiveness of sins set him apart as a prophet. This recognition by Herod highlights the universal acknowledgment of John's moral and spiritual authority, similar to how even non-believers recognized the integrity of figures like Daniel in the Old Testament. When he heard John’s words, he was greatly perplexed
Herod's perplexity upon hearing John's words suggests an internal conflict. While he was intrigued by John's message, it also challenged his lifestyle and authority. This mirrors the reaction of many who encounter the truth of God's word, as seen inActs 24:25, where Felix is alarmed by Paul's message. The perplexity indicates a struggle between conviction and the unwillingness to change, a common human experience when confronted with divine truth. yet he listened to him gladly
Despite his perplexity, Herod found a certain pleasure in listening to John. This indicates that Herod was drawn to the truth and the power of John's message, even if he was not willing to fully embrace it. This paradox of being drawn to yet resisting the truth is seen in other biblical accounts, such as King Agrippa's reaction to Paul's testimony inActs 26:28. Herod's gladness in listening to John suggests a recognition of the truth and beauty in John's message, even if it was not fully accepted. Persons / Places / Events 1. Herod AntipasThe tetrarch of Galilee and Perea, son of Herod the Great. He is known for his complex relationship with John the Baptist, whom he both feared and respected. 2. John the BaptistA prophet and forerunner of Jesus Christ, known for his call to repentance and his baptism of Jesus. He is described as a "righteous and holy man" in this passage. 3. HerodiasThe wife of Herod Antipas, formerly married to his brother Philip. Herod's marriage to her was condemned by John the Baptist, leading to tension and ultimately John's imprisonment. 4. GalileeThe region over which Herod Antipas ruled. It is significant as the setting for much of Jesus' ministry and the events surrounding John the Baptist. 5. PrisonThe place where John the Baptist was held by Herod. It symbolizes the tension between worldly power and divine truth. Teaching Points The Fear of God vs. the Fear of ManHerod feared John because he recognized his righteousness, yet he was more concerned with his own reputation and power. Believers are called to prioritize the fear of God over the fear of man. The Power of a Righteous LifeJohn's life and message had a profound impact on Herod, demonstrating the influence a righteous and holy life can have even on those in power. The Danger of CompromiseHerod's perplexity and eventual decision to imprison John illustrate the danger of compromising one's convictions for the sake of political or personal gain. Listening with an Open HeartHerod listened to John gladly, yet his heart was not truly open to change. True listening involves a willingness to be transformed by the truth. The Cost of Speaking TruthJohn's boldness in speaking against Herod's unlawful marriage serves as a reminder of the potential cost of standing for truth in a world that often opposes it. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Mark 6:20?
2.How can we emulate Herod's respect for John in our daily interactions?
3.What does Mark 6:20 teach about recognizing truth even from unlikely sources?
4.How does Herod's fear of John connect to Proverbs 9:10 about wisdom?
5.In what ways can we protect ourselves from being "greatly perplexed" by sin?
6.How can we apply Herod's actions to discern and follow God's truth today?
7.Why did Herod fear John the Baptist according to Mark 6:20?
8.How does Mark 6:20 illustrate Herod's internal conflict between fear and fascination?
9.What does Mark 6:20 reveal about Herod's understanding of righteousness and holiness?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Mark 6?
11.Who was Herod Antipas in biblical history?
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 6:20 Mean Herod feared John• Scripture says, “Herod feared John” (Mark 6:20). The powerful tetrarch trembles before an austere desert preacher. • This fear springs from conscience. Herod knows John speaks for God, and “the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10). •Matthew 14:5 adds that Herod also feared the crowd, “because they regarded John as a prophet,” revealing a man caught between public opinion and personal guilt. • The scene reminds us that rank and title offer no shelter from the moral authority of God’s word (2 Samuel 12:7;Hebrews 4:12).
Herod protected John• Mark notes that Herod “kept him safe.” Ironically, the king who will soon authorize John’s death presently guards him from Herodias’ rage (Mark 6:19). • God often restrains evil through unlikely instruments; Gamaliel’s intervention inActs 5:34-39 is a parallel. • John’s temporary safety illustrates divine timing: “My times are in Your hands” (Psalm 31:15). Nothing can shorten or lengthen a servant’s ministry apart from God’s sovereign plan (Jeremiah 1:19).
He knew John was righteous and holy• Herod’s conscience discerns what his heart resists; he “knew that he was a righteous and holy man.” • Righteous speaks of John’s integrity with people; holy points to his devotion to God. The combination mirrors Noah (Genesis 6:9) and Joseph (Genesis 41:38-39). • Even unbelievers recognize genuine holiness (Luke 23:47). Herod’s acknowledgment condemns him later when he trades righteous blood for a dance and an oath (Mark 6:26-27).
Herod was greatly perplexed by John’s words• “When he heard John’s words, he was greatly perplexed.” Truth unsettles a double mind (James 1:8). • John confronted Herod’s unlawful marriage to Herodias (Luke 3:19). Conviction pierces, but without repentance it only confuses and torments (Acts 24:25). • Herod’s perplexity shows that hearing truth without obeying it multiplies inner turmoil (Psalm 32:3-4).
He listened to John gladly• Paradoxically, Herod “listened to him gladly.” People often enjoy inspirational preaching while ignoring its demands (Ezekiel 33:31-32). • The crowd “enjoyed” Jesus’ teaching (Mark 12:37), yet many walked away when the cost became clear (John 6:60-66). • Herod’s pleasant interest never ripened into repentance. His delight ends in disaster, proving that agreeable feelings are no substitute for obedience (Matthew 7:26-27).
summaryMark 6:20 paints a conflicted ruler: awed by a prophet’s holiness, quick to shelter him, intrigued by his message, yet unwilling to surrender his sin. Fear, protection, recognition, perplexity, and enjoyment swirl in Herod’s heart, but without repentance every positive impulse stalls. The verse stands as a sober reminder that admiring truth is not the same as submitting to it; only a yielded heart escapes the tragic fate that later overtook Herod when he silenced the very voice God sent to save him. (20) For Herod feared John.--The full description of Herod's feelings towards the Baptist is peculiar to St. Mark. A just man and an holy.--The two words indicate--the first, righteousness as seen in relation to man; the second, the same element of character in relation to God. Observed him.--The word has been differently interpreted, butLuke 2:19, where it is translated "kept," seems decisive as to its meaning that Herod had a certain reverence for his prisoner. In English, however, to "keep" a man is ambiguous, and the "observed" of our version seems on the whole preferable to any other. He did many things.--The better MSS. give, "he was much perplexed." Verse 20. - The words in the Authorized Version are, When he heard him, he did many things ( πολλὰ ἐποίει), and heard him gladly. But according to the best authorities the reading should be ( πολλὰ ἠπόρει), he was much perplexed. In St. Luke, as stated above, we have ( διηπόρει), "he was much perplexed." Nor is there any inconsistency in the next clause in St. Mark, if we accept this reading. Herod was not utterly depraved. There was to him a charm, not only in the character, but in the discourses of John the Baptist. But he was an inconsistent man, and was continually the victim of a conflict between the good and the evil within him, in which evil, alas! triumphed. Herodias, on the other hand, had always wished to get rid of John, as the stern and uncompromising reprover of her adultery and incest; and so at length she persuaded Herod to give way. "For," says Bede, "she feared lest Herod should at length repent, and yield to the exhortations of John, and dissolve this unreal marriage, and restore Herodias to her lawful husband."
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek becauseγὰρ(gar)Conjunction
Strong's 1063:For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.HerodἩρῴδης(Hērōdēs)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2264:Compound of heros and eidos; heroic; Herod, the name of four Jewish kings.fearedἐφοβεῖτο(ephobeito)Verb - Imperfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 5399:From phobos; to frighten, i.e. to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e. Revere.JohnἸωάννην(Iōannēn)Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2491:Of Hebrew origin; Joannes, the name of four Israelites.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.protectedσυνετήρει(synetērei)Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 4933:From sun and tereo; to keep closely together, i.e. to conserve; mentally, to remember.him,αὐτόν(auton)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.knowingεἰδὼς(eidōs)Verb - Perfect Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1492:To know, remember, appreciate.he [was]αὐτὸν(auton)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.a righteousδίκαιον(dikaion)Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1342:From dike; equitable; by implication, innocent, holy.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.holyἅγιον(hagion)Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 40:Set apart by (or for) God, holy, sacred. From hagos; sacred.man.ἄνδρα(andra)Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 435:A male human being; a man, husband. A primary word; a man.Whenκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.he heardἀκούσας(akousas)Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 191:To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.[John’s words],αὐτοῦ(autou)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.he was greatly perplexed;ἠπόρει(ēporei)Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 639:From a compound of a and the base of poreuomai; to have no way out, i.e. Be at a loss.yetκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.he listenedἤκουεν(ēkouen)Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 191:To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.to himαὐτοῦ(autou)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.gladly.ἡδέως(hēdeōs)Adverb
Strong's 2234:Gladly, pleasantly, with pleasure. Adverb from a derivative of the base of hedone; sweetly, i.e. with pleasure.
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NT Gospels: Mark 6:20 For Herod feared John knowing that he (Mar Mk Mr) |
