Mark 6:19

19 So Herodias held a grudge against John and wanted to kill him. But she had been unable,

Mark 6:19 Meaning and Commentary

Mark 6:19

Therefore Herodias had a quarrel against him
Was angry with him, conceived wrath, and laid up hatred against him, and was an adversary to him; which is the sense of the Oriental versions. She bore him an inward grudge, and lay in wait to take the first opportunity of dispatching him:

and would have killed him, but she could not;
being hindered by Herod, who as yet would not suffer it; partly through fear of the people, and partly through the respect he had for John.

Mark 6:19 In-Context

17 For Herod himself had ordered that John be arrested and bound and imprisoned, on account of his brother Philip’s wife Herodias, whom Herod had married.

18 For John had been telling Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife!”

19 So Herodias held a grudge against John and wanted to kill him. But she had been unable,

20 because Herod feared John and protected him, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man. When he heard John’s words, he was greatly perplexed; yet he listened to him gladly.

21 On Herod’s birthday, her opportunity arose. Herod held a banquet for his nobles and military commanders and the leading men of Galilee.