King James Version
What Does Mark 6:25 Mean?
“And she came in straightway with haste unto the king, and asked, saying, I will that thou give me by and by in a charger the head of John the Baptist.”
Mark 6:25 · KJV
Context
23
And he sware unto her, Whatsoever thou shalt ask of me, I will give it thee, unto the half of my kingdom.
24
And she went forth, and said unto her mother, What shall I ask? And she said, The head of John the Baptist.
25
And she came in straightway with haste unto the king, and asked, saying, I will that thou give me by and by in a charger the head of John the Baptist.
26
And the king was exceeding sorry; yet for his oath's sake, and for their sakes which sat with him, he would not reject her.
27
And immediately the king sent an executioner, and commanded his head to be brought: and he went and beheaded him in the prison, an: or, one of his guard
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryAnd she came in straightway with haste unto the king, and asked, saying, I will that thou give me by and by in a charger the head of John the Baptist. Salome's urgent return demonstrates the conspiracy's urgency and cruelty. 'She came in straightway with haste' (εἰσελθοῦσα εὐθὺς μετὰ σπουδῆς, eiselthousa euthys meta spoudēs) emphasizes immediate action—no delay, no reflection, just swift execution of her mother's plan. The haste prevented Herod from sobering up or reconsidering. 'I will that thou give me by and by' (Θέλω ἵνα ἐξαυτῆς δῷς μοι, Thelō hina exautēs dōs moi) uses emphatic language: 'I want... immediately'—demanding instant fulfillment, not allowing time for second thoughts.
'In a charger the head of John the Baptist' (ἐπὶ πίνακι τὴν κεφαλὴν Ἰωάννου τοῦ βαπτιστοῦ, epi pinaki tēn kephalēn Iōannou tou baptistou)—the 'charger' (πίναξ, pinax) was a large serving platter, typically for presenting food at banquets. This gruesome detail—serving a prophet's severed head as though it were dinner—reveals the conspiracy's depravity. The request's specificity and urgency trapped Herod: public vow before nobles, drunk and prideful, manipulated by female sexuality and family pressure. His weak character, sinful choices, and compromised position culminated in judicial murder of God's prophet. This illustrates how patterns of compromise create circumstances where doing right becomes increasingly difficult.
'In a charger the head of John the Baptist' (ἐπὶ πίνακι τὴν κεφαλὴν Ἰωάννου τοῦ βαπτιστοῦ, epi pinaki tēn kephalēn Iōannou tou baptistou)—the 'charger' (πίναξ, pinax) was a large serving platter, typically for presenting food at banquets. This gruesome detail—serving a prophet's severed head as though it were dinner—reveals the conspiracy's depravity. The request's specificity and urgency trapped Herod: public vow before nobles, drunk and prideful, manipulated by female sexuality and family pressure. His weak character, sinful choices, and compromised position culminated in judicial murder of God's prophet. This illustrates how patterns of compromise create circumstances where doing right becomes increasingly difficult.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
The Greek εὐθὺς μετὰ σπουδῆς (euthys meta spoudēs, 'immediately with haste') emphasizes conspiracy's time-pressure strategy—move quickly before Herod sobers or reconsiders. Ancient banquets lasted hours, involving much wine; Herodias knew Herod's judgment was impaired. The demand for John's head 'by and by' (exautēs, 'immediately, this very hour') prevented delay that might enable escape or intervention. Requesting the head on a serving platter (pinax) was shocking even by ancient standards—treating human remains as banquet food violated all decency. Some scholars see possible mockery: John spoke of repentance; Herodias serves his head at feast. Archaeological discoveries include large serving platters from Herodian period, typically used for roasted meat at banquets. The size would accommodate a severed head. Ancient writers (Josephus) confirm this execution but locate it at Machaerus fortress; Mark's account suggests it occurred near the banquet site. Early church tradition embellished the story: Herodias piercing John's tongue with needles, Salome's later death by beheading—reflecting horror at the crime and belief in divine justice.
Reflection Questions
- How does the urgency and pressure in this request illustrate how Satan moves quickly to prevent reflection or repentance when tempting God's people?
- What does the macabre detail of serving John's head on a banquet platter reveal about the depths of wickedness possible when hearts are hardened against God?
Original Language Analysis
Greek · 22 wordsκαὶ1 of 22
“And”
G2532and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
μετὰ4 of 22
“with”
G3326properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
πρὸς6 of 22
“unto”
G4314a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
λέγουσα10 of 22
“saying”
G3004properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Θέλω11 of 22
“I will”
G2309to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
δῷς14 of 22
“thou give”
G1325to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
ἐπὶ16 of 22
“in”
G1909properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
κεφαλὴν19 of 22
“the head”
G2776the head (as the part most readily taken hold of), 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 6:25 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 6:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge