New Testament
Mark 6:17
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Herod himself had ordered John's arrest and had him bound in prison because of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, whom he had married.
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For Herod himself had sent forth and laid hold upon John, and bound him in prison for Herodias’ sake, his brother Philip’s wife: for he had married her.
What Mark 6:17 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we learn that King Herod had John the Baptist arrested and imprisoned. The reason for this drastic action was Herod's marriage to Herodias, who was his brother Philip's wife. This marriage was controversial and considered unlawful, as it violated Jewish law. John the Baptist had publicly condemned Herod's actions, calling out the immorality of marrying his brother's wife. Herodias, angered by John's criticism, played a significant role in John's imprisonment. This situation highlights the conflict between moral truth and political power, as Herod was caught between his desire to silence John and his fear of the public's reaction to his actions. Herod's decision to imprison John reflects the consequences of compromising one's values for personal gain or to appease others, especially in matters of integrity and righteousness.
How to apply Mark 6:17 to your life
This verse encourages us to stand firm in our beliefs, even when faced with opposition or potential consequences. It reminds us that speaking the truth can lead to conflict, but it is essential to uphold our values and integrity, regardless of the pressures we face.
Curated for this public verse page. Mark Summary
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Illustrated scene from John the Baptist's story: John Is Put in Prison (Mark 6:17–20)
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John the Baptist
Photo: Gary Todd (Gary Lee Todd, Ph.D.), via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication. Source. Location: Southern end of the Temple Mount, Jerusalem Old City. Resized for the web.
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Keep studying Mark 6:17
At a Glance — the Book of Mark
- Author
- John Mark
- Written
- Around AD 55-65
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Roman and Gentile Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Mark 6:17 mean?
Mark 6:17 explains that King Herod arrested John the Baptist because of his marriage to Herodias, his brother Philip's wife. This marriage was seen as unlawful, and John's condemnation of it led to his imprisonment.
Why was John the Baptist imprisoned in Mark 6:17?
John the Baptist was imprisoned because he publicly criticized King Herod's marriage to Herodias, which was considered immoral and against Jewish law.
What is the significance of Herodias in Mark 6:17?
Herodias is significant in Mark 6:17 because she was the catalyst for John's imprisonment; her anger at John's criticism of her marriage to Herod motivated Herod to silence him.
What does this verse reveal about Herod's character?
This verse reveals that Herod was conflicted; he wanted to silence John the Baptist due to his criticism but also feared the public's reaction to his actions.
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