Mark 6:21

But Herodias was able to have someone execute John when they honored/celebrated the day when Herod was born. On that day, he invited the most important government officials, the most important army leaders, and the most important men in Galilee district in order that they might eat and celebrate with him.

Translation for Translators

In The King James Version

And when a convenient day was come, that Herod on his birthday made a supper to his lords, high captains, and chief estates of Galilee;

In Context

20Herod did this because he respected/feared John, because he knew that he was a righteous and holy man. The king did not know what he should do, but he liked to listen to him.

22While they were eating, Herodias’ daughter came into the room and danced, and that pleased King Herod and his guests. So the king said to her, “Ask me for whatever you desire and I will give it to you!”

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Cross References

Genesis 40:20The third day after that was the ◄king’s birthday/day they celebrated when the king became one year older►. On that day the king invited all his officials to celebrate his birthday. During the celebration, while they were all gathered there, the king summoned his chief drink-server and chief baker from the prison.

Esther 1:3During the third year that he ruled his empire, he invited all his administrators and other officials to a big banquet/feast. He invited all the commanders of the armies of Persia and Media to come to the banquet. He also invited the governors and other leaders of the provinces.

Esther 3:7So, during the twelfth year that Xerxes was ruling, during the month of April, Haman told his advisors to ◄cast lots/throw small marked stones► to determine the best month and the best day to kill the Jews. Haman’s advisors did that, and the day that was selected was March 7th during the following/next year.

Proverbs 31:4Lemuel, kings should not be constantly drinking wine or greatly desire to drink other strong/alcoholic drinks.

Hosea 7:5The king and his officials get very drunk during their festivals, carousing with others who also do foolish things.

Acts 12:2He commanded a soldier to cut off the head of the apostle James, the older brother of the apostle John.

Matthew Henry on Mark 6:15-30

The Death of John the Baptist. 14 And king Herod heard of him; (for his name was spread abroad:) and he said, That John the Baptist was risen from the dead, and therefore mighty works do show forth themselves in him. 15 Others said, That it is Elias. And others said, That it is a prophet, or as one of the prophets. 16 But when Herod heard thereof, he said, It is John, whom I beheaded: he is risen from the dead. 17 For Herod himself had sent forth and laid hold upon John, and bound him in prison for Herodias' sake,… Read the whole commentary →

This Verse In Other Editions

Study Mark 6:21