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In this lesson:
John the Baptist is beheaded. Study Tip: Take notes. Notes help us learn and remember. They keep us focused and are a great help when we want to follow up on thoughts and ideas. Plus, we can carry notes with us to review and meditate on. |
John the Baptist beheaded
By the Italian painter Vincenzo Carducci (1576-1638) |
Who was -
King Herod -
Herod Antipas was the son of Herod the Great (who ruled during the time of Jesus' birth and tried to kill the infant Messiah in Matthew 2:16). Ambitious, self-destructive and without principle, the Romans appointed Herod tetrarch (ruler) over Galilee (Luke 3:1) and Perea after his father's death. Jesus called him a "fox" (Luke 13:32) due to his reputation for being cunning, cowardly, and sordid. Herod had John the Baptist beheaded for criticizing his incestuous marriage to his niece and brothers ex-wife, Herodias (Matthew 14:3-12; Mark 6:17-18; Luke 9:9). At the time, Herod was at war with Aretas, the Arabian king of Petraea for divorcing Aretas' daughter so he could marry Herodias. After Jesus was arrested, He was brought before Herod and mocked (Luke 23:6-12). Herod was eventually dethroned by the Romans for "confederating with the king of Parthia against the Roman empire" ("Unger's Bible Dictionary" by Merrill F. Unger, published by Moody Press, Chicago, Illinois; page 473). Herod and Herodias died in exile in Spain.
Elias -
Elias (Greek for Elijah) is perhaps the most famous of Israel's prophets, no other is mentioned as often in the New Testament. Elijah came from Tishbeh in Gilead, was devoutly religious, and prepared Israel to accept God. After the breakup of King David's Israel in 931 BC, Elijah preached against the growing paganism and idol worship under King Ahab and his gentile wife, Jezebel. As Jews turned away from God, Elijah called on Israel to repent of its sins and was given the power to perform miracles (1 Kings 17:1). He caused the rain to stop for three and a half years (James 5:17) and ascended into heaven without dying (2 Kings 2:11). During the Transfiguration, he appeared with Moses at Jesus' side (Matthew 17:1-13). The Old Testament prophesied that Elijah would return just before "the day of the Lord" (Malachi 4:5-6). To learn more about Elijah see 1 Kings 17:1-20, 1 Kings 18:1-46
and 2 Kings 1-2.
Herodias -
Herod Antipas' niece (daughter of Aristobulos, Herod's half-brother) and wife. She divorced her husband Philip (Herod Antipas's half-brother) to marry Herod Antipas. After being condemned by John the Baptist for marrying her husband's brother (her uncle), she masterminded John's beheading. Herod Antipas and Herodias both died in exile in Spain.
Philip -
Herod Philip, the son of Herod the Great and Cleopatra, half brother to Herod Antipas, and the tetrarch (ruler) of Ituraea and Trachonitis (Luke 3:1), two territories located northeast of the Sea of Galilee. His brother Tiberius Caesar was the Roman emperor from 14 AD until 37 A.D. Philip's rule lasted thirty-seven years and was a period of peace and prosperity. He built the city of Caesarea Philippi and named it after Caesar and himself. Philip married his niece Herodias, but she divorced him to marry her other uncle, Herod Antipas. He was well thought of by his subjects and died in A D 34.
King Herod -
Herod Antipas was the son of Herod the Great (who ruled during the time of Jesus' birth and tried to kill the infant Messiah in Matthew 2:16). Ambitious, self-destructive and without principle, the Romans appointed Herod tetrarch (ruler) over Galilee (Luke 3:1) and Perea after his father's death. Jesus called him a "fox" (Luke 13:32) due to his reputation for being cunning, cowardly, and sordid. Herod had John the Baptist beheaded for criticizing his incestuous marriage to his niece and brothers ex-wife, Herodias (Matthew 14:3-12; Mark 6:17-18; Luke 9:9). At the time, Herod was at war with Aretas, the Arabian king of Petraea for divorcing Aretas' daughter so he could marry Herodias. After Jesus was arrested, He was brought before Herod and mocked (Luke 23:6-12). Herod was eventually dethroned by the Romans for "confederating with the king of Parthia against the Roman empire" ("Unger's Bible Dictionary" by Merrill F. Unger, published by Moody Press, Chicago, Illinois; page 473). Herod and Herodias died in exile in Spain.
Elias -
Elias (Greek for Elijah) is perhaps the most famous of Israel's prophets, no other is mentioned as often in the New Testament. Elijah came from Tishbeh in Gilead, was devoutly religious, and prepared Israel to accept God. After the breakup of King David's Israel in 931 BC, Elijah preached against the growing paganism and idol worship under King Ahab and his gentile wife, Jezebel. As Jews turned away from God, Elijah called on Israel to repent of its sins and was given the power to perform miracles (1 Kings 17:1). He caused the rain to stop for three and a half years (James 5:17) and ascended into heaven without dying (2 Kings 2:11). During the Transfiguration, he appeared with Moses at Jesus' side (Matthew 17:1-13). The Old Testament prophesied that Elijah would return just before "the day of the Lord" (Malachi 4:5-6). To learn more about Elijah see 1 Kings 17:1-20, 1 Kings 18:1-46
and 2 Kings 1-2.
Herodias -
Herod Antipas' niece (daughter of Aristobulos, Herod's half-brother) and wife. She divorced her husband Philip (Herod Antipas's half-brother) to marry Herod Antipas. After being condemned by John the Baptist for marrying her husband's brother (her uncle), she masterminded John's beheading. Herod Antipas and Herodias both died in exile in Spain.
Philip -
Herod Philip, the son of Herod the Great and Cleopatra, half brother to Herod Antipas, and the tetrarch (ruler) of Ituraea and Trachonitis (Luke 3:1), two territories located northeast of the Sea of Galilee. His brother Tiberius Caesar was the Roman emperor from 14 AD until 37 A.D. Philip's rule lasted thirty-seven years and was a period of peace and prosperity. He built the city of Caesarea Philippi and named it after Caesar and himself. Philip married his niece Herodias, but she divorced him to marry her other uncle, Herod Antipas. He was well thought of by his subjects and died in A D 34.
The Gospel According to St. Mark
The King James Bible
The King James Bible
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Mark: 6:14-32
Herod beheads John the Baptist 14 And king Herod heard of him; (for his name was spread abroad:) and he said, That John the Baptist was risen from the dead, and therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in him. 15 Others said, That it is Elias. And others said, That it is a prophet, or as one of the prophets. 16 But when Herod heard thereof, he said, It is John, whom I beheaded: he is risen from the dead. 17 For Herod himself had sent forth and laid hold upon John, and bound him in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife: for he had married her. 18 For John had said unto Herod, It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother's wife. 19 Therefore Herodias had a quarrel against him, and would have killed him; but she could not: 20 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. 21 And when a convenient day was come, that Herod on his birthday made a supper to his lords, high captains, and chief estates of Galilee; 22 And when the daughter of the said Herodias came in, and danced, and pleased Herod and them that sat with him, the king said unto the damsel, Ask of me whatsoever thou wilt, and I will give it thee. 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, 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. 32 And they departed into a desert place by ship privately. |
Margin notes:
"His name was spread abroad." (6:14) - "His (Jesus') name was well known." "John the Baptist was risen from the dead." (6:14) - King Herod believed that Jesus was the resurrected John the Baptist. "It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother's wife." (6:18) - It was against the Mosaic Law (Leviticus 18:16; 20:21). "Herodias had a quarrel against him." (6:19) - "Herodias had a grudge against him." Had a grudge because John the Baptist accused her and Herod of adultery (Leviticus 18:16; 20:21). "Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just man and an holy, and observed him." (6:20) -"Herod respected John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he watched over him." "Made a supper to his lords, high captains, and chief estates of Galilee" (6:21) - "Had a banquet for his civil officials, military leaders, and other important men of Galilee. "The daughter of the said Herodias." (6:22) - This is Salome, the granddaughter of the high priest Simeon and daughter of Herodias and Herod Philip. She danced at her uncle Herod Antipas' birthday party and so pleased Herod that he promised to give her anything she wanted. At the suggestion of her mother, she asked for the head of John the Baptist. "She came in straightway." (6:25) - "She came in immediately." "Give me by and by in a charger the head of John the Baptist." (6:25) - "Give me right now on a plate, the head of John the Baptist." "The apostles gathered." (6:30) - This is the only time Mark used the word apostles. The twelve were usually called disciples until after the crucifixion. "Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place." (6:31) - "Come, let's go off to a quiet place." "They had no leisure so much as to eat." (6:31) - "They didn't even have time to eat." |
Matthew details the beheading of John the Baptist in Matthew 14:1-12 (lesson 28).
New Living Translation
Mark: 6:14-32
The Death of John the Baptist
14 Herod Antipas, the king, soon heard about Jesus, because everyone was talking about him. Some were saying, "This must be John the Baptist raised from the dead. That is why he can do such miracles."
15 Others said, "He's the prophet Elijah." Still others said, "He's a prophet like the other great prophets of the past."
16 When Herod heard about Jesus, he said, "John, the man I beheaded, has come back from the dead."
17 For Herod had sent soldiers to arrest and imprison John as a favor to Herodias. She had been his brother Philip's wife, but Herod had married her.
18 John had been telling Herod, "It is against God's law for you to marry your brother's wife."
19 So Herodias bore a grudge against John and wanted to kill him. But without Herod's approval she was powerless,
20 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.
21 Herodias's chance finally came on Herod's birthday. He gave a party for his high government officials, army officers, and the leading citizens of Galilee.
22 Then his daughter, also named Herodias, came in and performed a dance that greatly pleased Herod and his guests. "Ask me for anything you like," the king said to the girl, "and I will give it to you."
23 He even vowed, "I will give you whatever you ask, up to half my kingdom!"
24 She went out and asked her mother, "What should I ask for?"
Her mother told her, "Ask for the head of John the Baptist!"
25 So the girl hurried back to the king and told him, "I want the head of John the Baptist, right now, on a tray!"
26 Then the king deeply regretted what he had said; but because of the vows he had made in front of his guests, he couldn't refuse her.
27 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, 28 brought his head on a tray, and gave it to the girl, who took it to her mother.
29 When John's disciples heard what had happened, they came to get his body and buried it in a tomb.
30 The apostles returned to Jesus from their ministry tour and told him all they had done and taught.
31 Then Jesus said, "Let's go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile." He said this because there were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his apostles didn't even have time to eat.
32 So they left by boat for a quiet place, where they could be alone.
This second Bible text from the "New Living Translation" (Tyndale House, Publishers, Wheaton, Illinois) is a paraphrase and not an accurate word for word translation of the Bible. However, it is a helpful tool when read with the "King James Version."
The Death of John the Baptist
14 Herod Antipas, the king, soon heard about Jesus, because everyone was talking about him. Some were saying, "This must be John the Baptist raised from the dead. That is why he can do such miracles."
15 Others said, "He's the prophet Elijah." Still others said, "He's a prophet like the other great prophets of the past."
16 When Herod heard about Jesus, he said, "John, the man I beheaded, has come back from the dead."
17 For Herod had sent soldiers to arrest and imprison John as a favor to Herodias. She had been his brother Philip's wife, but Herod had married her.
18 John had been telling Herod, "It is against God's law for you to marry your brother's wife."
19 So Herodias bore a grudge against John and wanted to kill him. But without Herod's approval she was powerless,
20 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.
21 Herodias's chance finally came on Herod's birthday. He gave a party for his high government officials, army officers, and the leading citizens of Galilee.
22 Then his daughter, also named Herodias, came in and performed a dance that greatly pleased Herod and his guests. "Ask me for anything you like," the king said to the girl, "and I will give it to you."
23 He even vowed, "I will give you whatever you ask, up to half my kingdom!"
24 She went out and asked her mother, "What should I ask for?"
Her mother told her, "Ask for the head of John the Baptist!"
25 So the girl hurried back to the king and told him, "I want the head of John the Baptist, right now, on a tray!"
26 Then the king deeply regretted what he had said; but because of the vows he had made in front of his guests, he couldn't refuse her.
27 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, 28 brought his head on a tray, and gave it to the girl, who took it to her mother.
29 When John's disciples heard what had happened, they came to get his body and buried it in a tomb.
30 The apostles returned to Jesus from their ministry tour and told him all they had done and taught.
31 Then Jesus said, "Let's go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile." He said this because there were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his apostles didn't even have time to eat.
32 So they left by boat for a quiet place, where they could be alone.
This second Bible text from the "New Living Translation" (Tyndale House, Publishers, Wheaton, Illinois) is a paraphrase and not an accurate word for word translation of the Bible. However, it is a helpful tool when read with the "King James Version."
Key verses from this passage
"But when Herod heard thereof, he said, It is John, whom I beheaded: he is risen from the dead. For Herod himself had sent forth and laid hold upon John, and bound him in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife: for he had married her. For John had said unto Herod, It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother's wife." (6:16-18)
"And when the daughter of the said Herodias came in, and danced, and pleased Herod and them that sat with him, the king said unto the damsel, Ask of me whatsoever thou wilt, and I will give it thee. And he sware unto her, Whatsoever thou shalt ask of me, I will give it thee, unto the half of my kingdom. And she went forth, and said unto her mother, What shall I ask? And she said, The head of John the Baptist." (6:22-24)
"And immediately the king sent an executioner, and commanded his head to be brought: and he went and beheaded him in the prison, And brought his head in a charger, and gave it to the damsel: and the damsel gave it to her mother." (6:27-28)
"And when the daughter of the said Herodias came in, and danced, and pleased Herod and them that sat with him, the king said unto the damsel, Ask of me whatsoever thou wilt, and I will give it thee. And he sware unto her, Whatsoever thou shalt ask of me, I will give it thee, unto the half of my kingdom. And she went forth, and said unto her mother, What shall I ask? And she said, The head of John the Baptist." (6:22-24)
"And immediately the king sent an executioner, and commanded his head to be brought: and he went and beheaded him in the prison, And brought his head in a charger, and gave it to the damsel: and the damsel gave it to her mother." (6:27-28)
Today's Question:
1. Why did King Herod believe that Jesus was the resurrected John the Baptist?
Let us know your suggestions on improving the lessons.
1. Why did King Herod believe that Jesus was the resurrected John the Baptist?
Let us know your suggestions on improving the lessons.
Answer: (Do you agree?)
1. Herod didn't believe that Jesus was the Messiah, so he made up reasons to explain Jesus' miracles. Herod knew that John the Baptist was "a just man" (6:20) and felt guilty that he had him beheaded. Herod's guilty conscience, his superstitious nature, and the many rumors swirling around Jerusalem about Jesus (Luke 9:7-9) combined to create a mind ghost that haunted Herod. According to "Robertson's New Testament Word Studies, "Herod's "fears got the best of him and so (he) settled down on this nightmare. Herod could still see that charger containing John's head coming towards him in his dreams."
Application thought for the day:
Instead of admitting her sin and repenting, Herodias found it easier to get rid of the very person who could help her, John the Baptist. What do you do when you stumble? Out of embarrassment or shame, we sometimes avoid the people who can help get us back on track. Whenever we succumb to temptation, we should admit our sin and seek spiritual strength and guidance from God, our church, or other Christians. We are all human and in need of a spiritual hand from time to time.
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Thanks to the writings and commentary of John Wesley and Adam Clarke. Also, "The Layman's Bible Study Notebook" by Irving Jensen published by Harvest House Publishing, Irvine, California; the "Life Change Series" published by NavPress Books, Colorado Springs, Colorado; the "Life Application Study Bible" published by Tyndale House Publishing, Carol Stream, Illinois; "The Quest Study Bible" published by The Zondervan Corporation, Grand Rapids, Michigan; "Robertson's New Testament Word Studies"; "The MacArthur Bible Commentary" by John MacArthur published by Thomas Nelson, Nashville, Tennessee; "Wisdom of the Bible" CD by Topics Entertainment, Inc., Renton, Washington for their inspiring pictures; "My utmost for His Highest" by Oswald Chambers published by Barbour publishing, Inc., Uhrichsville, Ohio; The "Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge" by Reuben Archer Torrey; "Hope For Each Day" by Billy Graham published by J. Countryman, a division of Thomas Nelson, Inc., Nashville, Tennessee; "Easton's Bible Dictionary" by Matthew George Easton; "Unger's Bible Dictionary" by Merrill F. Unger, published by Moody Press, Chicago, Illinois; "Halley's Bible Handbook" by Henry H. Halley, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan; "The Living New Testament" published by Tyndale house; "The New Living Translation" published by Tyndale House; BibleGateway.com for all their wonderful links; and of course the "King James Bible". All were critical in putting these lessons together.
© 2025 evolke
© 2025 evolke