King James Version
What Does Mark 6:28 Mean?
“And brought his head in a charger, and gave it to the damsel: and the damsel gave it to her mother.”
Mark 6:28 · KJV
Context
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
28
And brought his head in a charger, and gave it to the damsel: and the damsel gave it to her mother.
29
And when his disciples heard of it, they came and took up his corpse, and laid it in a tomb.
30
And the apostles gathered themselves together unto Jesus, and told him all things, both what they had done, and what they had taught.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryAnd brought his head in a charger, and gave it to the damsel: and the damsel gave it to her mother. The macabre delivery completes Herodias's revenge. 'Brought his head in a charger' (ἤνεγκεν τὴν κεφαλὴν αὐτοῦ ἐπὶ πίνακι, ēnenken tēn kephalēn autou epi pinaki)—the prophet's severed head presented on serving platter like banquet food. This grotesque image reveals sin's ultimate degradation of human dignity and God's image. 'Gave it to the damsel, and the damsel gave it to her mother' (ἔδωκεν αὐτὴν τῷ κορασίῳ, καὶ τὸ κοράσιον ἔδωκεν αὐτὴν τῇ μητρὶ αὐτῆς, edōken autēn tō korasiō, kai to korasion edōken autēn tē mētri autēs)—the passive passing of the head emphasizes the transaction's casual horror.
Salome delivered to Herodias the trophy she craved: visible proof that the prophet who condemned her sin was silenced. Yet this apparent victory was actually defeat—John's testimony stood eternal; Herodias's guilt deepened. Later tradition held Herodias kept the head, stabbing the tongue that rebuked her. Whether historical or legendary, this reflects the hardened sinner's futile attempt to silence conviction. The scene's horror warns: persistent rejection of God's word leads to depths of wickedness unimaginable to those who repent quickly when convicted.
Salome delivered to Herodias the trophy she craved: visible proof that the prophet who condemned her sin was silenced. Yet this apparent victory was actually defeat—John's testimony stood eternal; Herodias's guilt deepened. Later tradition held Herodias kept the head, stabbing the tongue that rebuked her. Whether historical or legendary, this reflects the hardened sinner's futile attempt to silence conviction. The scene's horror warns: persistent rejection of God's word leads to depths of wickedness unimaginable to those who repent quickly when convicted.
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Historical & Cultural Context
Ancient sources describe various instances of severed heads as trophies—common in warfare and political assassinations. Herodias's keeping the head (if church tradition is accurate) mirrors ancient Near Eastern practice of displaying enemies' heads. The detail that Salome handed it to her mother emphasizes Herodias as mastermind—she orchestrated the plot, used her daughter as instrument, and received the final proof. Archaeological evidence from Machaerus includes storage jars large enough to preserve a head (per some traditions), though this is speculative. The image of John's head on a platter became powerful symbol in Christian art and literature—representing martyrdom, prophetic faithfulness, and sin's consequences. Medieval and Renaissance art frequently depicted this scene, often emphasizing Herodias's wickedness or Salome's role. Early church fathers drew parallels: as John's head was served at banquet, Christ's body would be broken and given at Last Supper—both martyrdoms resulting from conspiracy and betrayal. The narrative served as warning to Christians facing persecution: faithfulness may cost everything, yet eternal reward awaits.
Reflection Questions
- How does this scene's horror—God's prophet's head on a dinner platter—illustrate the depths of wickedness possible when hearts are completely hardened against divine truth?
- What does Herodias's ultimate 'victory' (silencing John) teach about the futility of trying to escape guilt by eliminating sources of conviction rather than repenting?
Original Language Analysis
Greek · 20 wordsκαὶ1 of 20
“And”
G2532and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἤνεγκεν2 of 20
“brought”
G5342to "bear" or carry (in a very wide application, literally and figuratively, as follows)
κεφαλὴν4 of 20
“head”
G2776the head (as the part most readily taken hold of), literally or figuratively
αὐτῆς5 of 20
“his”
G846the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ἐπὶ6 of 20
“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
καὶ8 of 20
“And”
G2532and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἔδωκεν9 of 20
“gave”
G1325to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
αὐτῆς10 of 20
“his”
G846the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
καὶ13 of 20
“And”
G2532and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἔδωκεν16 of 20
“gave”
G1325to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
αὐτῆς17 of 20
“his”
G846the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
αὐτῆς20 of 20
“his”
G846the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
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 6:28 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.