Mark 6:18 Meaning and Explanation
“For John had said unto Herod, It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother’s wife.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →John had told Herod plainly that it was not lawful for him to have the wife of his brother.
What Does Mark 6:18 Mean?
Here is the offense that put John in chains: he said to the king what the law of God says, that taking the wife of a living brother is forbidden. John did not soften the word for a royal audience or save the rebuke for safer company.
Faithfulness sometimes costs everything. John loved Herod enough to tell him the truth, for a warning withheld is not kindness. The verse honors a courage every generation needs: to speak the commandments of God with respect and without retreat, even when the listener holds the power to punish.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mark 6:18
What does Mark 6:18 mean?
John had told Herod plainly that it was not lawful for him to have the wife of his brother.