King James Version
What Does Mark 6:29 Mean?
“And when his disciples heard of it, they came and took up his corpse, and laid it in a tomb.”
Mark 6:29 · KJV
Context
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.
31
And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryAnd when his disciples heard of it, they came and took up his corpse, and laid it in a tomb. John's disciples perform final act of devotion to their martyred teacher. 'When his disciples heard of it' (ἀκούσαντες οἱ μαθηταὶ αὐτοῦ, akousantes hoi mathētai autou) indicates news spread quickly—John's followers learned of his execution. 'They came' (ἦλθον, ēlthon) shows courage—approaching Herod's officials to request the body involved risk. They honored their teacher even when association with executed criminal could bring suspicion. 'Took up his corpse' (ἦραν τὸ πτῶμα αὐτοῦ, ēran to ptōma autou) describes retrieving the body (whether they also recovered the head is unstated). 'Laid it in a tomb' (ἔθηκαν αὐτὸ ἐν μνημείῳ, ethēkan auto en mnēmeiō)—proper burial honored Jewish custom requiring respectful treatment of deceased.
This detail foreshadows Jesus' burial (Mark 15:45-46) where Joseph of Arimathea similarly requests the body for honorable interment. John's disciples' devotion models faithful discipleship extending beyond teacher's death—their commitment survived martyrdom. The burial also testifies that John truly died; later resurrection claims would need to overcome eyewitness knowledge of burial. Reformed theology sees in John's death preview of Christ's: both righteous men unjustly executed by compromised political rulers, both buried by devoted followers, both deaths serving God's redemptive purposes despite apparent tragedy.
This detail foreshadows Jesus' burial (Mark 15:45-46) where Joseph of Arimathea similarly requests the body for honorable interment. John's disciples' devotion models faithful discipleship extending beyond teacher's death—their commitment survived martyrdom. The burial also testifies that John truly died; later resurrection claims would need to overcome eyewitness knowledge of burial. Reformed theology sees in John's death preview of Christ's: both righteous men unjustly executed by compromised political rulers, both buried by devoted followers, both deaths serving God's redemptive purposes despite apparent tragedy.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Jewish burial customs required interment within 24 hours of death. John's disciples' quick action ensured proper burial according to Torah. Requesting executed criminals' bodies for burial was permitted in both Jewish and Roman practice—family or followers could claim bodies for decent burial. Machaerus fortress, where John died, had tomb areas nearby—Jewish practice placed tombs outside living areas. The fact that Herod released the body suggests he felt some guilt or wanted to avoid further controversy. John's tomb location became matter of tradition and debate. Various sites claim to be his burial place, including Sebastia (ancient Samaria). Early Christian pilgrims visited what they believed was John's tomb. The disciples who buried John likely later became Jesus' followers—several of Jesus' disciples were formerly John's (John 1:35-40). This connection between John and Jesus' movements continued: John's martyrdom foreshadowed Jesus' death, strengthening disciples' understanding that following God's truth might cost everything.
Reflection Questions
- How does the disciples' courage in claiming John's body and providing honorable burial model faithfulness that extends beyond a leader's death?
- What does this burial scene teach about honoring those who have faithfully served God, even when their ministry ended in apparent defeat?
Original Language Analysis
Greek · 17 wordsκαὶ1 of 17
“And”
G2532and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτὸ5 of 17
“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
ἦλθον6 of 17
“of it they came”
G2064to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
καὶ7 of 17
“And”
G2532and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἦραν8 of 17
“took up”
G142to lift up; by implication, to take up or away; figuratively, to raise (the voice), keep in suspense (the mind), specially, to sail away (i.e., weigh
αὐτὸ11 of 17
“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
καὶ12 of 17
“And”
G2532and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἔθηκαν13 of 17
“laid”
G5087to place (in the widest application, literally and figuratively; properly, in a passive or horizontal posture, and thus different from g2476, which pr
αὐτὸ14 of 17
“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 6:29 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 6:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge