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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Mark 6:27 So without delay, the king commanded that John's head be brought in. He sent an executioner, who went and beheaded him in the prison.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/mark/6-27.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/10/41_Mrk_06_27.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Mark 6:27 - The Beheading of John" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="So without delay, the king commanded that John's head be brought in. He sent an executioner, who went and beheaded him in the prison." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/mark/6-27.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/mark/6-27.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/mark/">Mark</a> > <a href="/mark/6.htm">Chapter 6</a> > Verse 27</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad7.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/mark/6-26.htm" title="Mark 6:26">◄</a> Mark 6:27 <a href="/mark/6-28.htm" title="Mark 6:28">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/mark/6.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/mark/6.htm">New International Version</a> So he immediately sent an executioner with orders to bring John&#8217s head. The man went, beheaded John in the prison, <a href="/nlt/mark/6.htm">New Living Translation</a> So he immediately sent an executioner to the prison to cut off John’s head and bring it to him. The soldier beheaded John in the prison, <a href="/esv/mark/6.htm">English Standard Version</a> And immediately the king sent an executioner with orders to bring John’s head. He went and beheaded him in the prison <a href="/bsb/mark/6.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> So without delay, the king commanded that John’s head be brought in. He sent an executioner, who went and beheaded him in the prison. <a href="/blb/mark/6.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And immediately the king, having sent an executioner, commanded to be brought his head. And having gone, he beheaded him in the prison, <a href="/kjv/mark/6.htm">King James Bible</a> And immediately the king sent an executioner, and commanded his head to be brought: and he went and beheaded him in the prison, <a href="/nkjv/mark/6.htm">New King James Version</a> Immediately the king sent an executioner and commanded his head to be brought. And he went and beheaded him in prison, <a href="/nasb_/mark/6.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Immediately the king sent an executioner and commanded him to bring back his head. And he went and beheaded him in the prison, <a href="/nasb/mark/6.htm">NASB 1995</a> Immediately the king sent an executioner and commanded him to bring back his head. And he went and had him beheaded in the prison, <a href="/nasb77/mark/6.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And immediately the king sent an executioner and commanded him to bring back his head. And he went and had him beheaded in the prison, <a href="/lsb/mark/6.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And immediately the king sent an executioner and commanded him to bring back his head. And he went and beheaded him in the prison, <a href="/amp/mark/6.htm">Amplified Bible</a> So the king immediately sent for an executioner and commanded him to bring back John’s head. And he went and had John beheaded in the prison, <a href="/csb/mark/6.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> The king immediately sent for an executioner and commanded him to bring John’s head. So he went and beheaded him in prison, <a href="/hcsb/mark/6.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> The king immediately sent for an executioner and commanded him to bring John&#8217s head. So he went and beheaded him in prison, <a href="/asv/mark/6.htm">American Standard Version</a> And straightway the king sent forth a soldier of his guard, and commanded to bring his head: and he went and beheaded him in the prison, <a href="/cev/mark/6.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> At once he ordered a guard to cut off John's head there in prison. <a href="/erv/mark/6.htm">English Revised Version</a> And straightway the king sent forth a soldier of his guard, and commanded to bring his head: and he went and beheaded him in the prison, <a href="/gwt/mark/6.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Immediately, the king sent a guard and ordered him to bring John's head. The guard cut off John's head in prison. <a href="/gnt/mark/6.htm">Good News Translation</a> So he sent off a guard at once with orders to bring John's head. The guard left, went to the prison, and cut John's head off; <a href="/isv/mark/6.htm">International Standard Version</a> So without delay the king sent a soldier and ordered him to bring John's head. The soldier went and beheaded him in prison. <a href="/msb/mark/6.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> So without delay, the king commanded that John?s head be brought in. He sent an executioner, who went and beheaded him in the prison. <a href="/net/mark/6.htm">NET Bible</a> So the king sent an executioner at once to bring John's head, and he went and beheaded John in prison. <a href="/nheb/mark/6.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> So immediately the king sent out a soldier of his guard, and commanded to bring John's head, and he went and beheaded him in the prison, <a href="/wbt/mark/6.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And immediately the king sent an executioner, and commanded his head to be brought: and he went and beheaded him in the prison, <a href="/wey/mark/6.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> He at once sent a soldier of his guard with orders to bring John's head. So he went and beheaded him in the prison, <a href="/web/mark/6.htm">World English Bible</a> Immediately the king sent out a soldier of his guard and commanded to bring John’s head; and he went and beheaded him in the prison, <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/mark/6.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and immediately the king having sent a guardsman, commanded his head to be brought, <a href="/blb/mark/6.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And immediately the king, having sent an executioner, commanded to be brought his head. And having gone, he beheaded him in the prison, <a href="/ylt/mark/6.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and immediately the king having sent a guardsman, did command his head to be brought, <a href="/slt/mark/6.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And quickly the king, having sent a scout, commanded his head to be brought:<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/mark/6.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> But sending an executioner, he commanded that his head should be brought in a dish. <a href="/cpdv/mark/6.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> So, having sent an executioner, he instructed that his head be brought on a platter. <a href="/nabre/mark/6.htm">New American Bible</a> So he promptly dispatched an executioner with orders to bring back his head. He went off and beheaded him in the prison. <a href="/nrsvce/mark/6.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Immediately the king sent a soldier of the guard with orders to bring John’s head. He went and beheaded him in the prison,<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/mark/6.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> So the king immediately sent the executioner, and commanded to bring the head of John. And he went and beheaded John in the prison, <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/mark/6.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> The King sent the executioner at once and commanded to bring the head of Yohannan and he went and cut off the head of Yohannan in the prison.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/mark/6.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> And the king immediately sent one of his guards, and commanded his head to be brought. <a href="/godbey/mark/6.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> And the king immediately sending forth a soldier of his guard, commanded that his head should be brought. <a href="/haweis/mark/6.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> And the king immediately sending a centinel, commanded his head to be brought thither: and he went, and beheaded him in the prison, <a href="/mace/mark/6.htm">Mace New Testament</a> but immediately dispatch'd the proper officer with orders to bring the head of John the Baptist. <a href="/wey/mark/6.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> He at once sent a soldier of his guard with orders to bring John's head. So he went and beheaded him in the prison, <a href="/worrell/mark/6.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> And the king, straightway sending off one of his guard, gave orders to bring his head; and, departing, he beheaded him in the prison, <a href="/worsley/mark/6.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> and ordered his head to be brought: <a href="/parallel/mark/6-27.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DmwDTC71zvQ?start=1806" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/mark/6.htm">The Beheading of John</a> …26The king was consumed with sorrow, but because of his oaths and his guests, he did not want to refuse her. 27<a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">So</a> <a href="/greek/2112.htm" title="2112: euthys (Adv) -- Immediately, soon, at once. Adverb from euthus; directly, i.e. At once or soon.">without delay,</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/935.htm" title="935: basileus (N-NMS) -- A king, ruler, but in some passages clearly to be translated: emperor. Probably from basis; a sovereign.">king</a> <a href="/greek/2004.htm" title="2004: epetaxen (V-AIA-3S) -- To give order, command, charge. From epi and tasso; to arrange upon, i.e. Order.">commanded that</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autou (PPro-GM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">John’s</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2776.htm" title="2776: kephalēn (N-AFS) -- From the primary kapto; the head, literally or figuratively.">head</a> <a href="/greek/5342.htm" title="5342: enenkai (V-ANA) -- To carry, bear, bring; I conduct, lead; perhaps: I make publicly known. A primary verb.">be brought in.</a> <a href="/greek/649.htm" title="649: aposteilas (V-APA-NMS) -- From apo and stello; set apart, i.e. to send out literally or figuratively.">He sent</a> <a href="/greek/4688.htm" title="4688: spekoulatora (N-AMS) -- A body-guardsman; an executioner. Of Latin origin; a speculator, i.e. Military scout (by extension) life-guardsman).">an executioner,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/565.htm" title="565: apelthōn (V-APA-NMS) -- From apo and erchomai; to go off, aside or behind, literally or figuratively.">who went</a> <a href="/greek/607.htm" title="607: apekephalisen (V-AIA-3S) -- To behead. From apo and kephale; to decapitate.">and beheaded</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: auton (PPro-AM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">him</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tē (Art-DFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/5438.htm" title="5438: phylakē (N-DFS) -- From phulasso; a guarding or, the act, the person; figuratively, the place, the condition, or, the time, literally or figuratively.">prison.</a> 28The man brought John’s head on a platter and presented it to the girl, who gave it to her mother.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/matthew/14-10.htm">Matthew 14:10</a> and sent to have John beheaded in the prison. <a href="/matthew/11-11.htm">Matthew 11:11</a> Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has risen no one greater than John the Baptist. Yet even the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. <a href="/luke/9-9.htm">Luke 9:9</a> “I beheaded John,” Herod said, “but who is this man I hear such things about?” And he kept trying to see Jesus. <a href="/john/3-24.htm">John 3:24</a> (For John had not yet been thrown into prison.) <a href="/acts/12-1.htm">Acts 12:1-2</a> About that time, King Herod reached out to harm some who belonged to the church. / He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword. <a href="/revelation/20-4.htm">Revelation 20:4</a> Then I saw the thrones, and those seated on them had been given authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their testimony of Jesus and for the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or hands. And they came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. <a href="/2_kings/6-32.htm">2 Kings 6:32</a> Now Elisha was sitting in his house, and the elders were sitting with him. The king sent a messenger ahead, but before he arrived, Elisha said to the elders, “Do you see how this murderer has sent someone to cut off my head? Look, when the messenger comes, shut the door to keep him out. Is not the sound of his master’s footsteps behind him?” <a href="/1_samuel/22-18.htm">1 Samuel 22:18-19</a> So the king ordered Doeg, “You turn and strike down the priests!” And Doeg the Edomite turned and struck down the priests himself. On that day he killed eighty-five men who wore the linen ephod. / He also put to the sword Nob, the city of the priests, with its men and women, children and infants, oxen, donkeys, and sheep. <a href="/2_chronicles/24-21.htm">2 Chronicles 24:21</a> But they conspired against Zechariah, and by order of the king, they stoned him in the courtyard of the house of the LORD. <a href="/jeremiah/26-23.htm">Jeremiah 26:23</a> They brought Uriah out of Egypt and took him to King Jehoiakim, who had him put to the sword and his body thrown into the burial place of the common people. <a href="/daniel/3-19.htm">Daniel 3:19-20</a> At this, Nebuchadnezzar was filled with rage, and the expression on his face changed toward Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. He gave orders to heat the furnace seven times hotter than usual, / and he commanded some mighty men of valor in his army to tie up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and throw them into the blazing fiery furnace. <a href="/esther/7-9.htm">Esther 7:9-10</a> Then Harbonah, one of the eunuchs attending the king, said: “There is a gallows fifty cubits high at Haman’s house. He had it built for Mordecai, who gave the report that saved the king.” “Hang him on it!” declared the king. / So they hanged Haman on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai. Then the fury of the king subsided. <a href="/genesis/40-19.htm">Genesis 40:19</a> Within three days Pharaoh will lift off your head and hang you on a tree. Then the birds will eat the flesh of your body.” <a href="/1_kings/19-2.htm">1 Kings 19:2</a> So Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, “May the gods deal with me, and ever so severely, if by this time tomorrow I have not made your life like the lives of those you killed!” <a href="/2_kings/1-9.htm">2 Kings 1:9-10</a> Then King Ahaziah sent to Elijah a captain with his company of fifty men. So the captain went up to Elijah, who was sitting on top of a hill, and said to him, “Man of God, the king declares, ‘Come down!’” / Elijah answered the captain, “If I am a man of God, may fire come down from heaven and consume you and your fifty men.” And fire came down from heaven and consumed the captain and his fifty men.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And immediately the king sent an executioner, and commanded his head to be brought: and he went and beheaded him in the prison,the king.<a href="/matthew/14-10.htm">Matthew 14:10,11</a> And he sent, and beheaded John in the prison… an executioner.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/matthew/27-27.htm">Armed</a> <a href="/mark/6-16.htm">Beheaded</a> <a href="/mark/5-41.htm">Command</a> <a href="/mark/6-8.htm">Commanded</a> <a href="/mark/6-24.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/matthew/28-11.htm">Guard</a> <a href="/mark/6-25.htm">Head</a> <a href="/mark/6-25.htm">Immediately</a> <a href="/mark/6-25.htm">John</a> <a href="/mark/2-18.htm">John's</a> <a href="/mark/6-25.htm">Once</a> <a href="/mark/6-12.htm">Order</a> <a href="/mark/5-43.htm">Ordered</a> <a href="/mark/6-7.htm">Orders</a> <a href="/mark/6-17.htm">Prison</a> <a href="/amos/2-15.htm">Soldier</a> <a href="/mark/6-25.htm">Straight</a> <a href="/mark/6-25.htm">Straightway</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/mark/14-43.htm">Armed</a> <a href="/mark/6-28.htm">Beheaded</a> <a href="/mark/7-8.htm">Command</a> <a href="/mark/6-39.htm">Commanded</a> <a href="/mark/6-34.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/mark/8-15.htm">Guard</a> <a href="/mark/6-28.htm">Head</a> <a href="/mark/6-45.htm">Immediately</a> <a href="/mark/8-28.htm">John</a> <a href="/mark/6-29.htm">John's</a> <a href="/mark/8-10.htm">Once</a> <a href="/mark/7-4.htm">Order</a> <a href="/mark/6-39.htm">Ordered</a> <a href="/mark/7-36.htm">Orders</a> <a href="/mark/6-28.htm">Prison</a> <a href="/john/19-23.htm">Soldier</a> <a href="/mark/6-50.htm">Straight</a> <a href="/mark/6-45.htm">Straightway</a><div class="vheading2">Mark 6</div>1. <a href="/mark/6-1.htm">Jesus is a prophet without honor in his own country.</a> 7. <a href="/mark/6-7.htm">He gives the twelve power over unclean spirits.</a> 14. <a href="/mark/6-14.htm">Various opinions of Jesus.</a> 16. <a href="/mark/6-16.htm">John the Baptist is imprisoned, beheaded, and buried.</a> 30. <a href="/mark/6-30.htm">The apostles return from preaching.</a> 34. <a href="/mark/6-34.htm">The miracle of five loaves and two fishes.</a> 45. <a href="/mark/6-45.htm">Jesus walks on the sea;</a> 53. <a href="/mark/6-53.htm">and heals all who touch him.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/mark/6.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/mark/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/mark/6.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>So without delay This phrase indicates the urgency and immediacy of Herod's decision. Herod Antipas, the tetrarch of Galilee, was known for his impulsive and often morally questionable decisions. The immediacy reflects Herod's fear of losing face in front of his guests after making a rash promise to Herodias' daughter. This aligns with the cultural importance of honor and shame in the ancient Near East, where a ruler's word was binding and public perception was crucial.the king commanded Although Herod Antipas is referred to as a king here, he was technically a tetrarch, a ruler of a quarter of a province. The title "king" is used informally, reflecting his authority in the region. This command shows Herod's absolute power over life and death, a power that was often abused by rulers of the time. It also highlights the political tension and moral corruption present in Herod's court.that John’s head be brought in John the Baptist was a significant prophetic figure, preparing the way for Jesus Christ. His beheading is a stark reminder of the cost of prophetic ministry and the opposition faced by those who speak truth to power. This act of bringing John's head on a platter was a gruesome fulfillment of Herodias' vengeful request, illustrating the depth of her animosity towards John for condemning her marriage to Herod.He sent an executioner The executioner, likely a member of Herod's guard, was tasked with carrying out the king's orders. This reflects the Roman influence on Herod's rule, as executioners were common in Roman judicial practices. The presence of an executioner in Herod's court underscores the harsh realities of justice and punishment during this period.who went and beheaded him in the prison John's imprisonment and subsequent execution took place in the fortress of Machaerus, located east of the Dead Sea. This fortress served as a prison and a place of execution, highlighting the precariousness of John's situation. The act of beheading was a common method of execution, symbolizing the silencing of John's prophetic voice. This event foreshadows the suffering and death of Jesus Christ, who also faced opposition from political and religious authorities.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/k/king_herod_antipas.htm">King Herod Antipas</a> The ruler of Galilee and Perea, known for his moral weaknesses and political maneuvering. He ordered the execution of John the Baptist. 2. <a href="/topical/j/john_the_baptist.htm">John the Baptist</a> A prophet and forerunner of Jesus Christ, known for his call to repentance and his baptism of Jesus. He was imprisoned and executed by Herod. 3. <a href="/topical/e/executioner.htm">Executioner</a> A servant of Herod tasked with carrying out the beheading of John the Baptist. 4. <a href="/topical/p/prison.htm">Prison</a> The location where John the Baptist was held and ultimately executed. 5. <a href="/topical/h/herodias.htm">Herodias</a> The wife of Herod, who harbored a grudge against John for condemning her marriage to Herod, which was unlawful according to Jewish law.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_cost_of_discipleship.htm">The Cost of Discipleship</a> John the Baptist's unwavering commitment to truth and righteousness led to his martyrdom. As followers of Christ, we must be prepared to face opposition and sacrifice for our faith. <a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_unchecked_sin.htm">The Danger of Unchecked Sin</a> Herod's moral failings and Herodias' vindictiveness illustrate how unchecked sin can lead to destructive actions. We must guard our hearts and seek repentance. <a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_influence.htm">The Power of Influence</a> Herodias' influence over Herod demonstrates the impact others can have on our decisions. We should surround ourselves with godly influences and seek wisdom from the Holy Spirit. <a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_suffering.htm">God's Sovereignty in Suffering</a> Despite the tragic circumstances, God’s purposes are not thwarted. John’s death, though unjust, was part of God’s larger redemptive plan. We can trust God’s sovereignty even in suffering.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_mark_6.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Mark 6</a> <a href="/q/evidence_of_mass_execution_in_ezekiel_9.htm">Are there any historical or archeological records supporting a mass execution in Jerusalem as described in Ezekiel 9?</a> <a href="/q/what_is_the_essence_of_biblical_hebrew.htm">What led to John the Baptist's beheading?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_beheadings.htm">What does the Bible say about beheadings?</a> <a href="/q/who_was_herod_antipas_biblically.htm">Who was Herod Antipas in biblical history?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/mark/6.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(27) An executioner.--St. Mark uses a Latin word, speculator, a word which, originally meaning "watchman" or "sentinel," had come to be applied by Latin writers of the time specifically to soldiers employed, as in this instance, as couriers or messengers (Suet. Caligula, c. 44; Tacit. Hist. xi. 73).<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/mark/6.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 27. - He sent forth an executioner (σπεκουλάτωρα); literally, a soldier of his guard; one of his body-guard, in constant attendance as messenger or executioner. It is a Roman word from speculari, to watch. St. Jerome relates that when the head of the Baptist was brought, Herodias barbarously thrust the tongue through with a bodkin, as Fulvia is said to have done over and over again, the tongue of Cicero; thus verifying what Cicero had once said while living, that "nothing is more revengeful than a woman." Because they could not bear to hear the truth, therefore they bored through with a bodkin the tongue that had spoken the truth. <a href="/commentaries/mark/6-27.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>So καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. without delay, εὐθὺς (euthys) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_2112.htm">Strong's 2112: </a> Immediately, soon, at once. Adverb from euthus; directly, i.e. At once or soon. the ὁ (ho) Article - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. king βασιλεὺς (basileus) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> A king, ruler, but in some passages clearly to be translated: emperor. Probably from basis; a sovereign. commanded that ἐπέταξεν (epetaxen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2004.htm">Strong's 2004: </a> To give order, command, charge. From epi and tasso; to arrange upon, i.e. Order. John’s αὐτοῦ (autou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. head κεφαλὴν (kephalēn) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2776.htm">Strong's 2776: </a> From the primary kapto; the head, literally or figuratively. be brought in. ἐνέγκαι (enenkai) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_5342.htm">Strong's 5342: </a> To carry, bear, bring; I conduct, lead; perhaps: I make publicly known. A primary verb. He sent ἀποστείλας (aposteilas) Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_649.htm">Strong's 649: </a> From apo and stello; set apart, i.e. to send out literally or figuratively. an executioner σπεκουλάτορα (spekoulatora) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4688.htm">Strong's 4688: </a> A body-guardsman; an executioner. Of Latin origin; a speculator, i.e. Military scout (by extension) life-guardsman). who went ἀπελθὼν (apelthōn) Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_565.htm">Strong's 565: </a> From apo and erchomai; to go off, aside or behind, literally or figuratively. [and] beheaded ἀπεκεφάλισεν (apekephalisen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_607.htm">Strong's 607: </a> To behead. From apo and kephale; to decapitate. him αὐτὸν (auton) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. in ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. the τῇ (tē) Article - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. prison. φυλακῇ (phylakē) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5438.htm">Strong's 5438: </a> From phulasso; a guarding or, the act, the person; figuratively, the place, the condition, or, the time, literally or figuratively. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/mark/6-27.htm">Mark 6:27 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/mark/6-27.htm">Mark 6:27 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/mark/6-27.htm">Mark 6:27 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/mark/6-27.htm">Mark 6:27 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/mark/6-27.htm">Mark 6:27 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/mark/6-27.htm">Mark 6:27 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/mark/6-27.htm">Mark 6:27 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/mark/6-27.htm">Mark 6:27 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/mark/6-27.htm">Mark 6:27 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/mark/6-27.htm">Mark 6:27 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/mark/6-27.htm">NT Gospels: Mark 6:27 Immediately the king sent out a soldier (Mar Mk Mr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/mark/6-26.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Mark 6:26"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Mark 6:26" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/mark/6-28.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Mark 6:28"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Mark 6:28" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>