Keraia
Mark 6

Mark 6:15

The Beheading of John · Mark 6:14–29
Read Mark 6

Translations

Modern
Others were saying, “He is Elijah,” and still others, “He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.”
Traditional
Others said, That it is Elias. And others said, That it is a prophet, or as one of the prophets.
Literal
But others were saying, “He is Elijah,” and others were saying, “A prophet, like one of the prophets.”
Latin
Alii autem dicebant: Quia Elias est; alii vero dicebant: Quia propheta est, quasi unus ex prophetis.

Original

Greek
English
Others were saying, “He is Elijah,” and still others, “He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.”

Notes

Mark 6:15

The return of the prophet Elijah had been prophesied in Malachi 3:1 and 4:5–6 (see also Mark 9:11–13).

Mark 6:14–29

The story of John the Baptist's death, placed between the disciples' mission and return, emphasizes the authority and power of Jesus (see 6:7, 14). John's end and the warning to the disciples during their mission also point ahead to the death of Jesus (6:11). The one greater even than John (1:8) would soon be handed over to religious and political leaders and put to death (8:31; 9:31; 10:33).

Theme notes and profiles

Elijah Herod Antipas John the Baptist

Events

Parallels

Matthew 14:1–12 Luke 9:7–9

People

Elijah: A prophet during the reigns of Ahab and Ahaziah

Glossary

Apostle, Apostleship Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Herod, Herodian Family Mark, Gospel of Mediate, Mediator Miracle Prophecy Prophet, Prophetess Teacher

Topics

Jesus, the Christ: Herod (Antipas) Falsely Supposes Him to be John, Whom he had Beheaded