Mark 6:26

26 That sobered the king up fast. But unwilling to lose face with his guests, he caved in and let her have her wish.

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 She went back to her mother and said, "What should I ask for?" "Ask for the head of John the Baptizer."

25 Excited, she ran back to the king and said, "I want the head of John the Baptizer served up on a platter. And I want it now!"

26 That sobered the king up fast. But unwilling to lose face with his guests, he caved in and let her have her wish.

27 The king sent the executioner off to the prison with orders to bring back John's head. He went, cut off John's head,

28 brought it back on a platter, and presented it to the girl, who gave it to her mother.