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

MARK 6:25KJV
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Mark 6:25 (KJV)

What does Mark 6:25 mean?

Mark 6:25 describes how the daughter of Herodias hurriedly approached King Herod and requested that he immediately give her the head of John the Baptist on a platter. The verse shows her urgency and directness in carrying out her mother’s wishes.

In this scene, the young woman is acting on instructions from her mother, Herodias, who holds a grudge against John the Baptist. The request is made publicly and with haste, putting pressure on King Herod during his banquet. This moment is a turning point in the story, as it leads directly to John the Baptist’s execution.

The Greek behind Mark 6:25

  • The word εὐθέως (eutheōs, "straightway") emphasizes how quickly the daughter acted, showing her eagerness or the urgency of the request.
  • The word σπουδῇ (spoudē, "with haste") adds to the sense of urgency, highlighting that she did not delay or hesitate.
  • The phrase ἐπὶ πίνακι (epi pinaki, "in a charger") refers to a platter or serving dish, making the request for John’s head even more shocking and specific.

Why Mark 6:25 matters

  • Mark 6:25 makes clear that the daughter’s request was not her own idea, but something she carried out quickly and publicly, underlining her role as a messenger for her mother’s grudge.
  • The verse’s details about urgency and the public setting help explain why Herod felt trapped into granting such a gruesome request, despite his personal reluctance.
  • This verse connects directly to the fate of John the Baptist, showing how a personal vendetta and a rash promise led to a tragic outcome.

Where else these words appear

“charger” Greek G4094 · used in 5 verses

  • Matthew 14:8 And she, being before instructed of her mother, said, Give me here John Baptist's head in a charger.
  • Matthew 14:11 And his head was brought in a charger, and given to the damsel: and she brought it to her mother.
  • Mark 6:28 And brought his head in a charger, and gave it to the damsel: and the damsel gave it to her mother.

“by” Greek G1824 · used in 6 verses

  • Acts 10:33 Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.
  • Acts 11:11 And, behold, immediately there were three men already come unto the house where I was, sent from Caesarea unto me.
  • Acts 23:30 And when it was told me how that the Jews laid wait for the man, I sent straightway to thee, and gave commandment to his accusers also to say before thee what they had against him. Farewell.

“haste” Greek G4710 · used in 12 verses

  • Luke 1:39 And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda;
  • 2 Corinthians 7:11 For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.
  • 2 Corinthians 8:16 But thanks be to God, which put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you.

“Baptist” Greek G910 · used in 14 verses

  • Matthew 3:1 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,
  • Matthew 14:8 And she, being before instructed of her mother, said, Give me here John Baptist's head in a charger.
  • Mark 8:28 And they answered, John the Baptist: but some say, Elias; and others, One of the prophets.