Mark 6 27

Mark 6:27 kjv

And immediately the king sent an executioner, and commanded his head to be brought: and he went and beheaded him in the prison,

Mark 6:27 nkjv

Immediately the king sent an executioner and commanded his head to be brought. And he went and beheaded him in prison,

Mark 6:27 niv

So he immediately sent an executioner with orders to bring John's head. The man went, beheaded John in the prison,

Mark 6:27 esv

And immediately the king sent an executioner with orders to bring John's head. He went and beheaded him in the prison

Mark 6:27 nlt

So he immediately sent an executioner to the prison to cut off John's head and bring it to him. The soldier beheaded John in the prison,

Mark 6 verses

Mark 6 27 Meaning

Mark 6:27 describes the swift and brutal execution of John the Baptist by order of Herod Antipas. Immediately after making a rash vow, driven by the malice of Herodias and his own fear of human judgment, King Herod dispatched one of his personal guards, who functioned as an executioner, to the prison. This guard promptly carried out the command, beheading John the Baptist in his confinement. The verse highlights the tragic culmination of worldly power's confrontation with divine truth and righteousness.

Mark 6 27 Context

Mark 6:27 takes place in the immediate aftermath of Herod Antipas's birthday celebration. The larger context (Mark 6:14-29) describes the chain of events leading to John the Baptist's execution: Herod initially fears John, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man, and even enjoys listening to him. However, John had publicly condemned Herod's unlawful marriage to Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, leading Herodias to hold a grudge and desire John's death. Herodias seizes an opportunity at Herod's feast when her daughter Salome dances and pleases Herod. In a rash moment, and perhaps under the influence of alcohol, Herod pledges to give Salome whatever she asks, "up to half of my kingdom." Prompted by her mother, Salome requests John the Baptist's head on a platter. Though Herod is grieved, his pride and desire to keep his oath before his dinner guests compel him to send for the execution. This verse (6:27) details the chilling implementation of that command, demonstrating Herod's surrender to personal and political pressures over moral conviction.

Mark 6 27 Word analysis

• And immediately (καὶ εὐθύς, kai euthys): Mark frequently uses "immediately," emphasizing the swiftness and urgency of events. Here, it highlights the king's impulsive, unconsidered, and rapid action, demonstrating a lack of righteous deliberation.
• the king (ὁ βασιλεὺς, ho basileus): Refers to Herod Antipas, though he was technically a tetrarch (ruler of a fourth part) rather than a full "king." The title implies his perceived absolute authority and worldly power in the region, which he misused.
• sent (ἀπέστειλεν, apesteilen): Indicates a direct command and dispatch. It signifies the formal nature of the order, given from a position of authority.
• an executioner (σπεκουλάτορα, spekoulatora): This is a Latin loanword (speculator), referring to a member of a ruler's elite bodyguard or imperial guard, often employed as a special messenger or executioner. The use of a Roman military term highlights the influence of Roman power and customs in Herod's court and the cold, professional manner of the deed.
• and commanded him (ἐντειλάμενος, enteilamenos): Emphasizes that the action was not left to the executioner's discretion but was a direct, specific instruction from the king.
• to bring John’s head: This is the horrific, grotesque specific request. It underscores the ultimate desire to silence John's prophetic voice completely and the absolute contempt held by Herodias (and fulfilled by Herod) for John and his message.
• So he went (καὶ ἀπελθὼν, kai apelthōn): Signifies immediate compliance without hesitation or question on the part of the executioner, underscoring the efficiency and finality of the king's decree.
• and beheaded him (ἀπεκεφάλισεν, apokephalisen): The direct, brutal act of execution by decapitation. This was a common but severe form of punishment.
• in the prison (ἐν τῇ φυλακῇ, en tē phylakē): The place of execution, emphasizing John's defenselessness and captivity, a quiet but effective silencing of the prophet, hidden from public view yet still fulfilling Herod's oath before his elite guests.

• Words-group analysis:
• "Immediately the king sent an executioner": This phrase dramatically portrays Herod's impulsive decision-making, driven by immediate social pressure and his earlier oath, rather than by justice or conscience. It signifies the quick implementation of a corrupt will.
• "and commanded him to bring John's head": This explicit and horrifying command reveals the depravity of the request from Herodias and the extreme measure Herod was willing to take to save face, even at the cost of a righteous man's life. It highlights the direct targeting and dehumanization of John.
• "So he went and beheaded him in the prison": This short, declarative statement marks the chilling completion of the evil command. It emphasizes the lack of resistance, the swiftness of the execution, and the hidden, vulnerable place where a great prophet met his unjust end. The absence of details on the executioner's actions further emphasizes the cold, official nature of the murder.

Mark 6 27 Bonus section

• The Irony of "King": While Mark calls Herod a "king," his actions throughout the narrative—his indecisiveness, his fear of Herodias, and his bowing to external pressure—reveal a figure far from the dignified or wise monarch. He holds the title but lacks true kingly virtue, especially in contrast to Jesus, the true King, whose kingdom is not of this world (Jn 18:36).
• Foreshadowing Christ's Suffering: John the Baptist, as Jesus' forerunner, suffers a martyrdom that foreshadows Christ's own unjust trial and execution at the hands of earthly authorities influenced by wicked forces. Both are innocent, righteous men killed for speaking truth.
• Silence of the Narrative: The gospel account does not dwell on the grisly details or the executioner's feelings, making the act even more stark and impersonal. This brevity emphasizes the sheer horror and finality of the king's order.
• Cost of a Corrupt Conscience: Herod, who "liked to listen to him" (Mk 6:20), had a fleeting moment of conscience but allowed fear, pride, and a misplaced sense of honor to override it. This highlights the slippery slope from compromising one's values to committing grave sins.

Mark 6 27 Commentary

Mark 6:27 delivers a stark narrative about the clash between worldly authority driven by pride and lust, and prophetic truth upheld by righteousness. Herod's impulsive nature and fear of man's judgment (prioritizing his oath and reputation over his conscience) led him to commit a grave injustice against a man he acknowledged as holy. The employment of a speculator highlights the professional and immediate nature of the execution, showcasing the brutal efficiency of earthly power. John's beheading in prison underscores his unjust captivity and vulnerability, signifying the world's deep-seated opposition to God's messengers and truth-tellers. This act serves as a poignant example of a leader failing miserably by submitting to wicked influence and a perverse sense of honor, rather than upholding justice and God's standards.