Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version So he immediately sent an executioner with orders to bring John’s head. The man went, beheaded John in the prison, New Living Translation 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, English Standard Version And immediately the king sent an executioner with orders to bring John’s head. He went and beheaded him in the prison Berean Standard Bible So without delay, the king commanded that John’s head be brought in. He sent an executioner, who went and beheaded him in the prison. Berean Literal Bible And immediately the king, having sent an executioner, commanded to be brought his head. And having gone away, he beheaded him in the prison King James Bible And immediately the king sent an executioner, and commanded his head to be brought: and he went and beheaded him in the prison, New King James Version Immediately the king sent an executioner and commanded his head to be brought. And he went and beheaded him in prison, New American Standard Bible Immediately the king sent an executioner and commanded him to bring back his head. And he went and beheaded him in the prison, NASB 1995 Immediately the king sent an executioner and commanded him to bring back his head. And he went and had him beheaded in the prison, NASB 1977 And immediately the king sent an executioner and commanded him to bring back his head. And he went and had him beheaded in the prison, Legacy Standard Bible And immediately the king sent an executioner and commanded him to bring back his head. And he went and beheaded him in the prison, Amplified Bible So the king immediately sent for an executioner and commanded him to bring back John’s head. And he went and had John beheaded in the prison, Berean Annotated Bible So without delay, the king commanded that John’s head be brought in. He sent an executioner, who went and beheaded him in the prison. Christian Standard Bible The king immediately sent for an executioner and commanded him to bring John’s head. So he went and beheaded him in prison, Holman Christian Standard Bible The king immediately sent for an executioner and commanded him to bring John’s head. So he went and beheaded him in prison, American Standard Version And straightway the king sent forth a soldier of his guard, and commanded to bring his head: and he went and beheaded him in the prison, Contemporary English Version At once he ordered a guard to cut off John's head there in prison. English Revised Version And straightway the king sent forth a soldier of his guard, and commanded to bring his head: and he went and beheaded him in the prison, GOD'S WORD® Translation Immediately, the king sent a guard and ordered him to bring John's head. The guard cut off John's head in prison. Good News Translation So he sent off a guard at once with orders to bring John's head. The guard left, went to the prison, and cut John's head off; International Standard Version So without delay the king sent a soldier and ordered him to bring John's head. The soldier went and beheaded him in prison. NET Bible So the king sent an executioner at once to bring John's head, and he went and beheaded John in prison. New Heart English Bible So immediately the king sent out a soldier of his guard, and commanded to bring John's head, and he went and beheaded him in the prison, Webster's Bible Translation And immediately the king sent an executioner, and commanded his head to be brought: and he went and beheaded him in the prison, Weymouth New Testament He at once sent a soldier of his guard with orders to bring John's head. So he went and beheaded him in the prison, Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleSo without delay, the king commanded that John’s head be brought in. He sent an executioner, who went and beheaded him in the prison. World English Bible Immediately the king sent out a soldier of his guard and commanded to bring John’s head; and he went and beheaded him in the prison, Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand immediately the king having sent a guardsman, commanded his head to be brought, Berean Literal Bible And immediately the king, having sent an executioner, commanded to be brought his head. And having gone away, he beheaded him in the prison Young's Literal Translation and immediately the king having sent a guardsman, did command his head to be brought, Smith's Literal Translation And quickly the king, having sent a scout, commanded his head to be brought: Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleBut sending an executioner, he commanded that his head should be brought in a dish. Catholic Public Domain Version So, having sent an executioner, he instructed that his head be brought on a platter. New American Bible So he promptly dispatched an executioner with orders to bring back his head. He went off and beheaded him in the prison. New Revised Standard Version Immediately the king sent a soldier of the guard with orders to bring John’s head. He went and beheaded him in the prison, Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleSo the king immediately sent the executioner, and commanded to bring the head of John. And he went and beheaded John in the prison, Aramaic Bible in Plain English The King sent the executioner at once and commanded to bring the head of Yohannan and he went and cut off the head of Yohannan in the prison. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentAnd the king immediately sent one of his guards, and commanded his head to be brought. Godbey New Testament And the king immediately sending forth a soldier of his guard, commanded that his head should be brought. Haweis New Testament And the king immediately sending a centinel, commanded his head to be brought thither: and he went, and beheaded him in the prison, Mace New Testament but immediately dispatch'd the proper officer with orders to bring the head of John the Baptist. Weymouth New Testament He at once sent a soldier of his guard with orders to bring John's head. So he went and beheaded him in the prison, Worrell New Testament And the king, straightway sending off one of his guard, gave orders to bring his head; and, departing, he beheaded him in the prison, Worsley New Testament and ordered his head to be brought: Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Beheading of John…26The king was consumed with sorrow, but because of his oaths and his guests, he did not want to refuse her. 27So without delay, the king commanded that John’s head be brought in. He sent an executioner, who went and beheaded him in the prison. 28The man brought John’s head on a platter and presented it to the girl, who gave it to her mother.… Cross References So without delay, Esther 6:10 “Hurry,” said the king to Haman, “and do just as you proposed. Take the robe and the horse to Mordecai the Jew, who is sitting at the king’s gate. Do not neglect anything that you have suggested.” Esther 5:5 “Hurry,” commanded the king, “and bring Haman, so we can do as Esther has requested.” So the king and Haman went to the banquet that Esther had prepared. Genesis 41:14 So Pharaoh sent for Joseph, who was quickly brought out of the dungeon. After he had shaved and changed his clothes, he went in before Pharaoh. the king commanded Daniel 6:24 At the command of the king, the men who had falsely accused Daniel were brought and thrown into the den of lions—they and their children and wives. And before they had reached the bottom of the den, the lions overpowered them and crushed all their bones. 1 Kings 2:46 Then the king commanded Benaiah son of Jehoiada, and he went out and struck Shimei down, and he died. Thus the kingdom was firmly established in the hand of Solomon. Esther 7:9-10 Then Harbonah, one of the eunuchs attending the king, said: “There is a gallows fifty cubits high at Haman’s house. He had it built for Mordecai, who gave the report that saved the king.” “Hang him on it!” declared the king. / So they hanged Haman on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai. Then the fury of the king subsided. that John’s head be brought in. Matthew 14:8 Prompted by her mother, she said, “Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist.” Matthew 14:11 John’s head was brought in on a platter and presented to the girl, who carried it to her mother. 1 Samuel 17:54 David took the head of the Philistine and brought it to Jerusalem, and he put Goliath’s weapons in his own tent. He sent an executioner, 1 Kings 2:25 So King Solomon gave orders to Benaiah son of Jehoiada, and he struck down Adonijah and he died. 1 Kings 2:29 It was reported to King Solomon: “Joab has fled to the tent of the LORD and is now beside the altar.” So Solomon sent Benaiah son of Jehoiada, saying, “Go, strike him down!” 2 Samuel 1:15 Then David summoned one of the young men and said, “Go, execute him!” So the young man struck him down, and he died. who went and beheaded him in the prison. Matthew 14:10 and sent to have John beheaded in the prison. Luke 9:9 “I beheaded John,” Herod said, “but who is this man I hear such things about?” And he kept trying to see Jesus. Luke 3:20 Herod added this to them all: He locked John up in prison. Matthew 11:11 Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has risen no one greater than John the Baptist. Yet even the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. Treasury of Scripture And immediately the king sent an executioner, and commanded his head to be brought: and he went and beheaded him in the prison, the king. Matthew 14:10,11 And he sent, and beheaded John in the prison… an executioner. Jump to Previous Armed Beheaded Command Commanded Forth Guard Head Immediately John John's Once Order Ordered Orders Prison Soldier Straight StraightwayJump to Next Armed Beheaded Command Commanded Forth Guard Head Immediately John John's Once Order Ordered Orders Prison Soldier Straight StraightwayMark 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. So without delay This phrase indicates the urgency and immediacy of Herod's decision. Herod Antipas, the tetrarch of Galilee, was known for his impulsive and often morally questionable decisions. The immediacy reflects Herod's fear of losing face in front of his guests after making a rash promise to Herodias' daughter. This aligns with the cultural importance of honor and shame in the ancient Near East, where a ruler's word was binding and public perception was crucial. the king commanded that John’s head be brought in He sent an executioner who went and beheaded him in the prison Persons / Places / Events 1. King Herod AntipasThe ruler of Galilee and Perea, known for his moral weaknesses and political maneuvering. He ordered the execution of John the Baptist. 2. John the Baptist A prophet and forerunner of Jesus Christ, known for his call to repentance and his baptism of Jesus. He was imprisoned and executed by Herod. 3. Executioner A servant of Herod tasked with carrying out the beheading of John the Baptist. 4. Prison The location where John the Baptist was held and ultimately executed. 5. Herodias The wife of Herod, who harbored a grudge against John for condemning her marriage to Herod, which was unlawful according to Jewish law. Teaching Points The Cost of DiscipleshipJohn the Baptist's unwavering commitment to truth and righteousness led to his martyrdom. As followers of Christ, we must be prepared to face opposition and sacrifice for our faith. The Danger of Unchecked Sin Herod's moral failings and Herodias' vindictiveness illustrate how unchecked sin can lead to destructive actions. We must guard our hearts and seek repentance. The Power of Influence Herodias' influence over Herod demonstrates the impact others can have on our decisions. We should surround ourselves with godly influences and seek wisdom from the Holy Spirit. God's Sovereignty in Suffering Despite the tragic circumstances, God’s purposes are not thwarted. John’s death, though unjust, was part of God’s larger redemptive plan. We can trust God’s sovereignty even in suffering. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Mark 6:27?2. How does Mark 6:27 illustrate the consequences of ungodly leadership decisions? 3. What can we learn about the value of human life from Mark 6:27? 4. How does Mark 6:27 connect with the theme of martyrdom in Scripture? 5. How should Mark 6:27 influence our response to unjust authority today? 6. What steps can we take to stand firm in faith like John the Baptist? 7. Why did Herod order John the Baptist's beheading in Mark 6:27? 8. How does Mark 6:27 reflect on the abuse of power? 9. What does Mark 6:27 reveal about Herod's character? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Mark 6? 11. Are there any historical or archeological records supporting a mass execution in Jerusalem as described in Ezekiel 9? 12. What led to John the Baptist's beheading? 13. What does the Bible say about beheadings? 14. Who was Herod Antipas in biblical history? What Does Mark 6:27 Mean So without delay, the king commanded• Herod’s instantaneous response underscores how a sinful promise (Mark 6:23) can lock a person into further sin when pride rules the heart (Proverbs 29:25). • Scripture shows other rulers who acted hastily and regrettably—think of Saul’s rash oath in 1 Samuel 14:24 or Darius rushing into the lions’-den decree in Daniel 6:14–16. • The verse’s opening teaches that delay is sometimes a grace; hasty decisions often magnify unrighteousness (Proverbs 19:2). That John’s head be brought in • Herod treats John not as God’s prophet (Mark 1:4–8) but as a party favor to impress guests (Matthew 14:9). • The demand for visible proof mirrors wicked requests elsewhere—like the Philistines asking for Samson to entertain them (Judges 16:25). • By objectifying John’s life in this way, Herod ignores Genesis 1:27’s declaration of every person’s God-given dignity. He sent an executioner • Delegating the deed may soothe Herod’s conscience, yet it does not remove guilt (2 Samuel 11:14–17, where David uses Joab to dispose of Uriah). • Government officials bear the sword as God’s servants for justice (Romans 13:4), but here the sword is wielded in blatant injustice. • The verse reminds believers that authority is accountable to the Lord; misuse invites divine judgment (Psalm 2:10–12). Who went and beheaded him in the prison • The quiet cell that once echoed with prophetic truth (Mark 6:20) becomes the scene of martyrdom—echoing Abel’s blood crying out from the ground (Genesis 4:10). • John’s death fulfills Jesus’ earlier warning that prophets are not spared (Matthew 23:34–35) and foreshadows Christ’s own unjust execution (Mark 15:14–15). • The moment also pictures Revelation 6:9-11, where the souls of beheaded witnesses are honored in heaven—God sees every act of faithful suffering. summary Mark 6:27 records Herod’s swift, pride-driven order, the dehumanizing demand for John’s head, the misuse of delegated power, and the brutal execution of a righteous man. The verse starkly contrasts worldly authority’s corruption with God’s unwavering justice, reminding believers to guard their words, resist peer pressure, and stand firm like John, knowing that earthly loss is heavenly gain. (27) An executioner.--St. Mark uses a Latin word, speculator, a word which, originally meaning "watchman" or "sentinel," had come to be applied by Latin writers of the time specifically to soldiers employed, as in this instance, as couriers or messengers (Suet. Caligula, c. 44; Tacit. Hist. xi. 73).Verse 27. - He sent forth an executioner (σπεκουλάτωρα); literally, a soldier of his guard; one of his body-guard, in constant attendance as messenger or executioner. It is a Roman word from speculari, to watch. St. Jerome relates that when the head of the Baptist was brought, Herodias barbarously thrust the tongue through with a bodkin, as Fulvia is said to have done over and over again, the tongue of Cicero; thus verifying what Cicero had once said while living, that "nothing is more revengeful than a woman." Because they could not bear to hear the truth, therefore they bored through with a bodkin the tongue that had spoken the truth.Parallel Commentaries ... Greek Soκαὶ (kai) Conjunction Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. without delay, εὐθὺς (euthys) Adverb Strong's 2112: Immediately, soon, at once. Adverb from euthus; directly, i.e. At once or soon. the ὁ (ho) Article - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. king βασιλεὺς (basileus) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 935: A king, ruler, but in some passages clearly to be translated: emperor. Probably from basis; a sovereign. commanded that ἐπέταξεν (epetaxen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 2004: To give order, command, charge. From epi and tasso; to arrange upon, i.e. Order. John’s 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. head κεφαλὴν (kephalēn) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular Strong's 2776: From the primary kapto; the head, literally or figuratively. be brought in. ἐνέγκαι (enenkai) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active Strong's 5342: To carry, bear, bring; I conduct, lead; perhaps: I make publicly known. A primary verb. He sent ἀποστείλας (aposteilas) Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 649: From apo and stello; set apart, i.e. to send out literally or figuratively. an executioner σπεκουλάτορα (spekoulatora) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular Strong's 4688: A body-guardsman; an executioner. Of Latin origin; a speculator, i.e. Military scout (by extension) life-guardsman). who went ἀπελθὼν (apelthōn) Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 565: From apo and erchomai; to go off, aside or behind, literally or figuratively. [and] beheaded ἀπεκεφάλισεν (apekephalisen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 607: To behead. From apo and kephale; to decapitate. him 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. in ἐν (en) Preposition Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. the τῇ (tē) Article - Dative Feminine Singular Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. prison. φυλακῇ (phylakē) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular Strong's 5438: From phulasso; a guarding or, the act, the person; figuratively, the place, the condition, or, the time, literally or figuratively. Links Mark 6:27 NIVMark 6:27 NLT Mark 6:27 ESV Mark 6:27 NASB Mark 6:27 KJV Mark 6:27 BibleApps.com Mark 6:27 Biblia Paralela Mark 6:27 Chinese Bible Mark 6:27 French Bible Mark 6:27 Catholic Bible NT Gospels: Mark 6:27 Immediately the king sent out a soldier (Mar Mk Mr) |
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