Mark 6:20 because Herod feared John and protected him, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man. When he heard John's words, he was greatly perplexed; yet he listened to him gladly.

◄ Mark 6:20 ►

New International Version
because Herod feared John and protected him, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man. When Herod heard John, he was greatly puzzled; yet he liked to listen to him.

New Living Translation
for Herod respected John; and knowing that he was a good and holy man, he protected him. Herod was greatly disturbed whenever he talked with John, but even so, he liked to listen to him.

English Standard Version
for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he kept him safe. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed, and yet he heard him gladly.

Berean Standard Bible
because Herod feared John and protected him, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man. When he heard John’s words, he was greatly perplexed; yet he listened to him gladly.

Berean Literal Bible
For Herod was afraid of John, knowing him a righteous and holy man; and he kept him safe. And having heard him, he was greatly perplexed, and heard him gladly.

King James Bible
For Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just man and an holy, and observed him; and when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly.

New King James Version
for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just and holy man, and he protected him. And when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly.

New American Standard Bible
for Herod was afraid of John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he had been protecting him. And when he heard him, he was very perplexed; and yet he used to enjoy listening to him.

NASB 1995
for Herod was afraid of John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he kept him safe. And when he heard him, he was very perplexed; but he used to enjoy listening to him.

NASB 1977
for Herod was afraid of John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and kept him safe. And when he heard him, he was very perplexed; but he used to enjoy listening to him.

Legacy Standard Bible
for Herod was afraid of John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he was keeping him safe. And when he heard him, he was very perplexed; but he used to enjoy listening to him.

Amplified Bible
because Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he continually kept him safe. When he heard John [speak], he was very perplexed; but he enjoyed listening to him.

Christian Standard Bible
because Herod feared John and protected him, knowing he was a righteous and holy man. When Herod heard him he would be very perplexed, and yet he liked to listen to him.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
because Herod was in awe of John and was protecting him, knowing he was a righteous and holy man. When Herod heard him he would be very disturbed, yet would hear him gladly.

American Standard Version
for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and kept him safe. And when he heard him, he was much perplexed; and he heard him gladly.

Contemporary English Version
because Herod was afraid of John and protected him. He knew that John was a good and holy man. Even though Herod was confused by what John said, he was glad to listen to him. And he often did.

English Revised Version
for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous man and a holy, and kept him safe. And when he heard him, he was much perplexed; and he heard him gladly.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
because Herod was afraid of John. Herod knew that John was a fair and holy man, so he protected him. When he listened to John, he would become very disturbed, and yet he liked to listen to him.

Good News Translation
Herod was afraid of John because he knew that John was a good and holy man, and so he kept him safe. He liked to listen to him, even though he became greatly disturbed every time he heard him.

International Standard Version
because Herod was afraid of John. He knew that John was a righteous and holy man, and so he protected him. Whenever he listened to John, he did much of what he said. In fact, he liked listening to him.

Majority Standard Bible
because Herod feared John and protected him, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man. When he heard John’s words, he did many things, and he listened to him gladly.

NET Bible
because Herod stood in awe of John and protected him, since he knew that John was a righteous and holy man. When Herod heard him, he was thoroughly baffled, and yet he liked to listen to John.

New Heart English Bible
for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and kept him safe. And when he heard him, he was very perplexed, but he heard him gladly.

Webster's Bible Translation
For Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just and holy man, and observed him: and when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly.

Weymouth New Testament
for Herod stood in awe of John, knowing him to be an upright and holy man, and he protected him. After listening to him he was in great perplexity, and yet he found a pleasure in listening.

World English Bible
for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and kept him safe. When he heard him, he did many things, and he heard him gladly.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
for Herod was fearing John, knowing him [to be] a righteous and holy man, and was keeping watch over him, and having heard him, was doing many things, and hearing him gladly.

Berean Literal Bible
For Herod was afraid of John, knowing him a righteous and holy man; and he kept him safe. And having heard him, he was greatly perplexed, and heard him gladly.

Young's Literal Translation
for Herod was fearing John, knowing him a man righteous and holy, and was keeping watch over him, and having heard him, was doing many things, and hearing him gladly.

Smith's Literal Translation
For Herod feared John, knowing him a just and holy man, and he observed him: and having heard him, did many things, and heard him cheerfully.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
For Herod feared John, knowing him to be a just and holy man: and kept him, and when he heard him, did many things: and he heard him willingly.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For Herod was apprehensive of John, knowing him to be a just and holy man, and so he guarded him. And he heard that he was accomplishing many things, and so he listened to him willingly.

New American Bible
Herod feared John, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man, and kept him in custody. When he heard him speak he was very much perplexed, yet he liked to listen to him.

New Revised Standard Version
for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he protected him. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed; and yet he liked to listen to him.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
For Herod was afraid of John, because he knew that he was a righteous and holy man, and he guarded him; and he heard that he was doing a great many things, and he heard him gladly.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Herodus had been afraid of Yohannan because he had known that he was a righteous and holy man, and he protected him and he heard many things that he had said and did services for him, and he heard him with pleasure.

NT Translations

Anderson New Testament
for Herod feared John, because he knew him to be a just and holy man; and he kept him in safety. And having heard him, he did many things, and heard him with pleasure.

Godbey New Testament
for Herod was afraid of John, knowing him to be a just and holy man, and he continued to hold him in prison: and hearing him, he continued to do many things, and he was hearing him gladly.

Haweis New Testament
for Herod feared John, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man; and paid great attention to him and when he heard him, did many things, and heard him with delight.

Mace New Testament
because Herod had a respect for John, knowing him to be a very honest good man, and therefore protected him; having reform'd many things upon his remonstrances, which he us'd to receive very graciously.

Weymouth New Testament
for Herod stood in awe of John, knowing him to be an upright and holy man, and he protected him. After listening to him he was in great perplexity, and yet he found a pleasure in listening.

Worrell New Testament
for Herod was fearing John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he was preserving him.

Worsley New Testament
but could not; for Herod revered John, knowing him to be a just and holy man, and protected him: and when he heard him he did many things according to John's instructions, and heard him willingly.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

The Beheading of John
…19So Herodias held a grudge against John and wanted to kill him. But she had been unable, 20because Herod feared John and protected him, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man. When he heard John’s words, he was greatly perplexed; yet he listened to him gladly. 21On Herod’s birthday, her opportunity arose. Herod held a banquet for his nobles and military commanders and the leading men of Galilee.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Matthew 14:5
Although Herod wanted to kill John, he was afraid of the people, because they regarded John as a prophet.

Luke 9:7-9
When Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was happening, he was perplexed. For some were saying that John had risen from the dead, / others that Elijah had appeared, and still others that a prophet of old had arisen. / “I beheaded John,” Herod said, “but who is this man I hear such things about?” And he kept trying to see Jesus.

Matthew 11:9
What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.

Luke 7:24-26
After John’s messengers had left, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swaying in the wind? / Otherwise, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? Look, those who wear elegant clothing and live in luxury are found in palaces. / What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.

Matthew 21:26
But if we say, ‘From men,’ we are afraid of the people, for they all regard John as a prophet.”

Luke 20:6
But if we say, ‘From men,’ all the people will stone us, for they are convinced that John was a prophet.”

Matthew 21:46
Although they wanted to arrest Him, they were afraid of the crowds, because the people regarded Him as a prophet.

Luke 20:19
When the scribes and chief priests realized that Jesus had spoken this parable against them, they sought to arrest Him that very hour. But they were afraid of the people.

Matthew 21:11
The crowds replied, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”

Luke 1:66
And all who heard this wondered in their hearts and asked, “What then will this child become?” For the Lord’s hand was with him.

1 Kings 21:20
When Elijah arrived, Ahab said to him, “So you have found me out, my enemy.” He replied, “I have found you out because you have sold yourself to do evil in the sight of the LORD.

1 Kings 22:8
The king of Israel answered, “There is still one man through whom we can inquire of the LORD, but I hate him because he never prophesies anything good for me, but only bad. He is Micaiah son of Imlah.” “The king should not say that!” Jehoshaphat replied.

Jeremiah 26:16
Then the officials and all the people told the priests and prophets, “This man is not worthy of death, for he has spoken to us in the name of the LORD our God!”

Jeremiah 36:19
Then the officials said to Baruch, “You and Jeremiah must hide yourselves and tell no one where you are.”

Ezekiel 2:5
And whether they listen or refuse to listen—for they are a rebellious house—they will know that a prophet has been among them.

Treasury of Scripture

For Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just man and an holy, and observed him; and when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly.

feared.

Mark 11:18
And the scribes and chief priests heard it, and sought how they might destroy him: for they feared him, because all the people was astonished at his doctrine.

Exodus 11:3
And the LORD gave the people favour in the sight of the Egyptians. Moreover the man Moses was very great in the land of Egypt, in the sight of Pharaoh's servants, and in the sight of the people.

1 Kings 21:20
And Ahab said to Elijah, Hast thou found me, O mine enemy? And he answered, I have found thee: because thou hast sold thyself to work evil in the sight of the LORD.

observed him.

Mark 4:16
And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness;

Psalm 106:12,13
Then believed they his words; they sang his praise…

Ezekiel 33:32
And, lo, thou art unto them as a very lovely song of one that hath a pleasant voice, and can play well on an instrument: for they hear thy words, but they do them not.

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Afraid Awe Conscious Ear Fear Feared Found Gladly Great Greatly Heard Hearing Herod Holy John Kept Listening Observed Perplexed Perplexity Pleasure Protected Puzzled Righteous Safe Stood Troubled Upright Used

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Mark 6

1. Jesus is a prophet without honor in his own country.
7. He gives the twelve power over unclean spirits.
14. Various opinions of Jesus.
16. John the Baptist is imprisoned, beheaded, and buried.
30. The apostles return from preaching.
34. The miracle of five loaves and two fishes.
45. Jesus walks on the sea;
53. and heals all who touch him.

Berean Study Bible

because Herod feared John
The word "feared" in Greek is "ἐφοβεῖτο" (ephobeito), which implies a reverential fear or respect. Herod Antipas, the tetrarch of Galilee, recognized something extraordinary in John the Baptist. This fear was not merely terror but a recognition of John's moral and spiritual authority. Herod's fear indicates an acknowledgment of John's divine mission and the power of his message, which resonated with Herod despite his own moral failings.

and protected him
The Greek word for "protected" is "συντηρεῖν" (synterein), meaning to keep safe or preserve. Herod's protection of John suggests a complex relationship where Herod, despite his political power, felt compelled to safeguard John from harm. This protection can be seen as an acknowledgment of John's righteousness and a subconscious desire to align with the truth John represented, even if Herod's actions later contradicted this.

knowing that he was a righteous and holy man
"Righteous" in Greek is "δίκαιον" (dikaion), and "holy" is "ἅγιον" (hagion). These terms underscore John's moral integrity and his consecration to God's service. Herod's recognition of John's righteousness and holiness highlights the undeniable impact of John's character and mission. It serves as a testament to the power of a life lived in obedience to God, which can influence even those in positions of power.

When Herod heard John
The act of hearing, "ἀκούων" (akouon), implies more than just listening; it suggests an engagement with the message. Herod's willingness to hear John indicates an openness to the truth, albeit conflicted. This phrase suggests that the Word of God, as spoken by John, penetrated Herod's heart, challenging him and stirring his conscience.

he was greatly perplexed
The Greek word "ἠπόρει" (ēporei) conveys a state of confusion or being at a loss. Herod's perplexity reflects the internal conflict between his sinful lifestyle and the call to repentance that John's message demanded. This inner turmoil is a common human experience when confronted with the truth of God's Word, which calls for transformation and surrender.

yet he listened to him gladly
"Gladly" in Greek is "ἡδέως" (hēdeōs), indicating a sense of pleasure or delight. Despite his perplexity, Herod found joy in listening to John. This paradoxical reaction reveals the deep-seated human longing for truth and righteousness, even when it challenges one's current way of life. Herod's gladness in hearing John suggests that the message of repentance and the Kingdom of God resonates with the soul's deepest desires, offering hope and the possibility of redemption.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(20) For Herod feared John.--The full description of Herod's feelings towards the Baptist is peculiar to St. Mark.

A just man and an holy.--The two words indicate--the first, righteousness as seen in relation to man; the second, the same element of character in relation to God.

Observed him.--The word has been differently interpreted, but Luke 2:19, where it is translated "kept," seems decisive as to its meaning that Herod had a certain reverence for his prisoner. In English, however, to "keep" a man is ambiguous, and the "observed" of our version seems on the whole preferable to any other.

He did many things.--The better MSS. give, "he was much perplexed."

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 20. - The words in the Authorized Version are, When he heard him, he did many things (πολλὰ ἐποίει), and heard him gladly. But according to the best authorities the reading should be (πολλὰ ἠπόρει), he was much perplexed. In St. Luke, as stated above, we have (διηπόρει), "he was much perplexed." Nor is there any inconsistency in the next clause in St. Mark, if we accept this reading. Herod was not utterly depraved. There was to him a charm, not only in the character, but in the discourses of John the Baptist. But he was an inconsistent man, and was continually the victim of a conflict between the good and the evil within him, in which evil, alas! triumphed. Herodias, on the other hand, had always wished to get rid of John, as the stern and uncompromising reprover of her adultery and incest; and so at length she persuaded Herod to give way. "For," says Bede, "she feared lest Herod should at length repent, and yield to the exhortations of John, and dissolve this unreal marriage, and restore Herodias to her lawful husband."

Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

because
γὰρ (gar)
Conjunction
Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.

Herod
Ἡρῴδης (Hērōdēs)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2264: Compound of heros and eidos; heroic; Herod, the name of four Jewish kings.

feared
ἐφοβεῖτο (ephobeito)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 5399: From phobos; to frighten, i.e. to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e. Revere.

John
Ἰωάννην (Iōannēn)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2491: Of Hebrew origin; Joannes, the name of four Israelites.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

protected
συνετήρει (synetērei)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 4933: From sun and tereo; to keep closely together, i.e. to conserve; mentally, to remember.

him,
αὐτόν (auton)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

knowing
εἰδὼς (eidōs)
Verb - Perfect Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1492: To know, remember, appreciate.

he [was]
αὐτὸν (auton)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

a righteous
δίκαιον (dikaion)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1342: From dike; equitable; by implication, innocent, holy.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

holy
ἅγιον (hagion)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 40: Set apart by (or for) God, holy, sacred. From hagos; sacred.

man.
ἄνδρα (andra)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 435: A male human being; a man, husband. A primary word; a man.

When
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

he heard
ἀκούσας (akousas)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 191: To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.

[John’s words],
αὐτοῦ (autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

he was greatly perplexed;
ἠπόρει (ēporei)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 639: From a compound of a and the base of poreuomai; to have no way out, i.e. Be at a loss.

yet
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

he listened
ἤκουεν (ēkouen)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 191: To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.

to him
αὐτοῦ (autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

gladly.
ἡδέως (hēdeōs)
Adverb
Strong's 2234: Gladly, pleasantly, with pleasure. Adverb from a derivative of the base of hedone; sweetly, i.e. with pleasure.

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NT Gospels: Mark 6:20 For Herod feared John knowing that he (Mar Mk Mr)