And the Pharisees went forth, and straightway took counsel with the Herodians against him, how they might destroy him.

MARK 3:6KJV
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Mark 3:6 (KJV)

What does Mark 3:6 mean?

Mark 3:6 describes how, immediately after Jesus healed a man on the Sabbath, the Pharisees left and began plotting with the Herodians about how they might destroy Jesus. This verse shows that opposition to Jesus was serious and involved different groups working together against him.

In this scene, Mark is narrating events that happened after Jesus challenged the religious leaders' strict Sabbath rules. The Pharisees, who were known for their devotion to Jewish law, joined forces with the Herodians, a group connected to the political rulers, even though these groups usually had little in common. Their shared concern about Jesus’ influence led them to cooperate in planning how to get rid of him.

The Greek behind Mark 3:6

  • συμβούλιον (symboulion, "counsel" or "plotting together"): This word suggests not just a casual conversation, but a deliberate and strategic meeting to decide on a course of action against Jesus.
  • ἀπολέσωσιν (apolesōsin, "destroy"): The Greek here carries the sense of complete removal or ruin, showing that their intent was not just to silence or discredit Jesus, but to eliminate him entirely.

Why Mark 3:6 matters

  • Mark 3:6 highlights how Jesus’ actions and teachings provoked strong reactions, leading even rival groups to unite against him, which underscores the threat he posed to both religious and political establishments.
  • This verse marks a turning point in Mark’s Gospel, showing that opposition to Jesus was not just growing but becoming organized and deadly.
  • Understanding the collaboration between the Pharisees and Herodians helps clarify the seriousness of the plot against Jesus, setting the stage for later events in the Gospel.

Where else these words appear

“Herodians” Greek G2265 · used in 3 verses

  • Matthew 22:16 And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men.
  • Mark 12:13 And they send unto him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, to catch him in his words.

“counsel” Greek G4824 · used in 8 verses

  • Matthew 12:14 Then the Pharisees went out, and held a council against him, how they might destroy him.
  • Matthew 27:1 When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death:
  • Matthew 28:12 And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers,

“how” Greek G3704 · used in 55 verses

  • Matthew 2:8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
  • Mark 5:23 And besought him greatly, saying, My little daughter lieth at the point of death: I pray thee, come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live.
  • Acts 23:15 Now therefore ye with the council signify to the chief captain that he bring him down unto you to morrow, as though ye would enquire something more perfectly concerning him: and we, or ever he come near, are ready to kill him.

“straightway” Greek G2112 · used in 80 verses

  • Matthew 4:20 And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.
  • Mark 2:12 And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion.
  • Mark 14:45 And as soon as he was come, he goeth straightway to him, and saith, Master, master; and kissed him.