King James Version

What Does Mark 3:6 Mean?

Mark 3:6 in the King James Version says “And the Pharisees went forth, and straightway took counsel with the Herodians against him, how they might destroy him. — study this verse from Mark chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And the Pharisees went forth, and straightway took counsel with the Herodians against him, how they might destroy him.

Mark 3:6 · KJV


Context

4

And he saith unto them, Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath days, or to do evil? to save life, or to kill? But they held their peace.

5

And when he had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, he saith unto the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it out: and his hand was restored whole as the other. hardness: or, blindness

6

And the Pharisees went forth, and straightway took counsel with the Herodians against him, how they might destroy him.

7

But Jesus withdrew himself with his disciples to the sea: and a great multitude from Galilee followed him, and from Judaea,

8

And from Jerusalem, and from Idumaea, and from beyond Jordan; and they about Tyre and Sidon, a great multitude, when they had heard what great things he did, came unto him.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The Pharisees' response: 'they went forth, and straightway took counsel with the Herodians against him, how they might destroy him.' Rather than repenting, they plotted murder. 'Straightway' (εὐθύς) indicates immediate action. 'Took counsel' (συμβούλιον) describes formal conspiracy. Pharisees allied with Herodians—strange bedfellows united by opposition to Christ. The goal: 'destroy him' (ἀπολέσωσιν)—kill, not merely discredit. This occurs early (chapter 3), showing opposition was immediate and lethal.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Herodians were political supporters of Herod's dynasty under Roman authority. Their alliance with Pharisees was unusual—these groups normally opposed each other. This demonstrates Jesus' threat to both establishments. Plotting death on Sabbath compounds irony—they violate Sabbath's purpose while condemning Jesus. This conspiracy succeeds at crucifixion (Mark 15:1-15).

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the murderous response to evidence reveal about human rebellion?
  2. How do unlikely alliances against truth today mirror this conspiracy?
  3. What does this teach about persecution and gospel ministry?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
καὶ1 of 15

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐξελθόντες2 of 15

went forth

G1831

to issue (literally or figuratively)

οἱ3 of 15
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Φαρισαῖοι4 of 15

the Pharisees

G5330

a separatist, i.e., exclusively religious; a pharisean, i.e., jewish sectary

εὐθὲως5 of 15

and straightway

G2112

directly, i.e., at once or soon

μετὰ6 of 15

with

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

τῶν7 of 15
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἡρῳδιανῶν8 of 15

the Herodians

G2265

herodians, i.e., partisans of herod

συμβούλιον9 of 15

counsel

G4824

advisement; specially, a deliberative body, i.e., the provincial assessors or lay-court

ἐποίουν10 of 15

took

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

κατ'11 of 15

against

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

αὐτὸν12 of 15

him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ὅπως13 of 15

how

G3704

what(-ever) how, i.e., in the manner that (as adverb or conjunction of coincidence, intentional or actual)

αὐτὸν14 of 15

him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἀπολέσωσιν15 of 15

they might destroy

G622

to destroy fully (reflexively, to perish, or lose), literally or figuratively


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Mark. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Mark 3:6 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Mark 3:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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