Mark 6:18

For John had been telling Herod, "It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife!"

Study Bible

For John had been telling Herod
This phrase introduces us to the boldness and prophetic courage of John the Baptist. The Greek verb used here, "ἔλεγεν" (elegen), is in the imperfect tense, indicating a continuous or repeated action. John persistently confronted Herod Antipas, the tetrarch of Galilee, about his unlawful marriage. This reflects John's unwavering commitment to truth and righteousness, even in the face of powerful opposition. Historically, Herod Antipas was known for his moral and political complexities, and John's confrontation highlights the prophetic role of calling leaders to account.

It is not lawful
The phrase "οὐκ ἔξεστιν" (ouk exestin) translates to "it is not lawful," emphasizing the legal and moral dimensions of John's rebuke. This statement is rooted in the Jewish Law, specifically Leviticus 18:16 and 20:21, which prohibit a man from marrying his brother's wife. John's declaration underscores the importance of adhering to God's commandments, regardless of one's status or power. It serves as a reminder that divine law supersedes human authority and that moral integrity is paramount.

for you to have your brother’s wife
This phrase directly addresses the sin of Herod Antipas, who had taken Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, as his own. The Greek word "ἔχειν" (echein), meaning "to have," implies possession and an ongoing relationship, highlighting the continuous nature of the sin. Herodias's marriage to Herod Antipas was not only a violation of Jewish law but also a scandalous act that defied social and familial norms of the time. This situation illustrates the broader theme of the corrupting influence of power and the moral decay that can accompany it. John's fearless denunciation of this union serves as a powerful example of standing firm in one's convictions and the call to uphold God's standards in all aspects of life.

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

1. What can we learn from John the Baptist's approach to confronting Herod about his sin, and how can we apply this in our own lives when addressing sin in our communities?

2. How does the account of John the Baptist and Herod Antipas challenge us to consider the cost of standing up for biblical truth in today's world?

3. In what ways does the unlawful marriage of Herod and Herodias reflect broader issues of moral compromise, and how can we guard against similar compromises in our own lives?

4. How do the laws in Leviticus regarding marriage inform our understanding of God's design for relationships, and how can we apply these principles today?

5. Reflect on a time when you had to speak the truth in a difficult situation. What did you learn from that experience, and how does it relate to the example of John the Baptist?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 18:16 and 20:21
These verses in the Mosaic Law explicitly prohibit a man from marrying his brother's wife, which forms the basis of John's rebuke to Herod.

Matthew 14:3-4
Provides additional context to the account, explaining that Herod had arrested John because of Herodias's grudge against him.

Luke 3:19-20
Also recounts John's rebuke of Herod, emphasizing John's role as a prophet who spoke against sin.

Acts 24:24-25
Paul, like John, speaks boldly about righteousness and judgment before rulers, showing the continuity of prophetic boldness in the New Testament.