New Testament
Mark 6:27
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, King Herod acts quickly after being manipulated by his stepdaughter, Salome, who danced for him and asked for John the Baptist's head as a reward.
- Author
- John Mark
- Written
- Around AD 55-65
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Roman and Gentile Christians
So he immediately sent an executioner with orders to bring John's head. The soldier went to the prison and beheaded him.
And immediately the king sent an executioner, and commanded his head to be brought: and he went and beheaded him in the prison,
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, King Herod acts quickly after being manipulated by his stepdaughter, Salome, who danced for him and asked for John the Baptist's head as a reward. Herod, despite knowing John was a righteous man, feels trapped by his own promise to Salome. He sends an executioner to the prison to carry out the beheading. This moment highlights the tragic consequences of Herod's poor choices and the influence of others on his decisions. It also emphasizes the theme of injustice, as John, a prophet, is killed for speaking the truth. Herod's fear of losing face and his desire to please others lead to a grave sin, showcasing the dangers of compromising one's values for the sake of appearances or pressure from others.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Mark 6:27 to your life
This verse serves as a reminder to stand firm in our convictions, even when faced with pressure from others. It encourages us to evaluate our decisions carefully and to avoid compromising our values for the sake of pleasing others. We should seek to uphold truth and righteousness, regardless of the consequences.
Curated for this public verse page. Mark Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Mark 6:27 mean?
Mark 6:27 describes King Herod's decision to execute John the Baptist after being pressured by his stepdaughter, Salome. Despite knowing John's righteousness, Herod feels compelled to fulfill his promise, illustrating the tragic consequences of yielding to manipulation.
What is the significance of the executioner in Mark 6:27?
The executioner in Mark 6:27 symbolizes the harsh reality of carrying out unjust orders. His role highlights the theme of obedience to authority, even when it leads to moral wrongdoing, as he beheads John the Baptist at Herod's command.
What does this verse reveal about King Herod's character?
This verse reveals that King Herod is a man torn between his sense of justice and the fear of losing face. His quick decision to execute John shows his vulnerability to external pressures and his willingness to compromise his values.
How does Mark 6:27 relate to the theme of injustice?
Mark 6:27 exemplifies injustice as it depicts the wrongful execution of a righteous man, John the Baptist, due to Herod's fear of public opinion. This moment underscores the dangers of allowing personal insecurities to dictate moral choices.

The Book of Mark
Mark 1: John the Baptist and the Beginning of Jesus's Ministry
John the Baptist appears in the wilderness and preaches a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. People from Judaea and Jerusalem come to him, confess their sins, and are baptized in the river Jordan. John wears camel's hair and a leather belt and eats locusts and wild honey. He announces that someone stronger than he is coming after him and says he is not worthy to stoop down and untie his sandals. He baptizes with water, but the one coming will baptize with the Holy Ghost.
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