Mark 6:26

26 And the king was exceeding sorry; but for the sake of his oaths, and of them that sat at meat, he would not reject her.

Mark 6:26 Meaning and Commentary

Mark 6:26

And the king was exceeding sorry
(See Gill on Matthew 14:9)

yet for his oath's sake, [and] for their sakes which sat with him;
as Matthew adds, "at meat", ( Matthew 14:9 ) ; for it seems as if supper was not over, when all this was transacting.

He would not reject her;
deny her her request, or send her away without granting it which could not be without grieving her, and treating her with contempt, and defrauding her of the promise; all which ideas are expressed by some versions.

Mark 6:26 In-Context

24 And she went out, and said unto her mother, What shall I ask? And she said, The head of John the Baptizer.

25 And she came in straightway with haste unto the king, and asked, saying, I will that thou forthwith give me on a platter the head of John the Baptist.

26 And the king was exceeding sorry; but for the sake of his oaths, and of them that sat at meat, he would not reject her.

27 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,

28 and brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the damsel; and the damsel gave it to her mother.