Mark 6:18

18 For John had provoked Herod by naming his relationship with Herodias "adultery."

Mark 6:18 Meaning and Commentary

Mark 6:18

For John had said unto Herod
He had been personally with him, and had plainly and freely told him of his sin, and faithfully reproved him for it; alleging what he had done was contrary to the law of God:

it is not lawful, for thee to have thy brother's wife:
(See Gill on Matthew 14:4).

Mark 6:18 In-Context

16 But Herod wouldn't budge: "It's John, sure enough. I cut off his head, and now he's back, alive."

17 Herod was the one who had ordered the arrest of John, put him in chains, and sent him to prison at the nagging of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife.

18 For John had provoked Herod by naming his relationship with Herodias "adultery."

19 Herodias, smoldering with hate, wanted to kill him, but didn't dare

20 because Herod was in awe of John. Convinced that he was a holy man, he gave him special treatment. Whenever he listened to him he was miserable with guilt - and yet he couldn't stay away. Something in John kept pulling him back.