Mark 6:20 - An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

It was because Herod was afraid of John, knowing he was a righteous and holy man, so he protected him. And Herod became very disturbed whenever he listened to John, yet he heard him gladly.

More versions

King James Version (Oxford) 1769

for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just man and an holy, and observed him; and when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly.

Amplified Bible - Classic Edition

For Herod had [a reverential] fear of John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and [continually] kept him safe [under guard]. When he heard [John speak], he was much perplexed; and [yet] he heard him gladly.

American Standard Version (1901)

for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and kept him safe. And when he heard him, he was much perplexed; and he heard him gladly.

Common English Bible

This was because Herod respected John. He regarded him as a righteous and holy person, so he protected him. John’s words greatly confused Herod, yet he enjoyed listening to him.

Catholic Public Domain Version

For Herod was apprehensive of John, knowing him to be a just and holy man, and so he guarded him. And he heard that he was accomplishing many things, and so he listened to him willingly.

Douay-Rheims version of The Bible - 1752 version

For Herod feared John, knowing him to be a just and holy man: and kept him, and when he heard him, did many things: and he heard him willingly.

Mark 6:20 Cross References

Matthew 14:5

Now Herod wanted to have him put to death, [but hesitated], fearing the crowd, because they considered John to be a prophet.

Matthew 21:26

But if we say, ‘from men,’ we are afraid the crowd will oppose us because they all consider John to be a prophet.”

Mark 11:18

The leading priests and experts in the Law of Moses heard this and began looking for some way to kill Jesus, because they were afraid of Him, since the whole crowd was amazed at His teaching.

Mark 4:16

And in the same way, some [of the seed] that was sown on rocky soil represented those who heard ‘the word’ and immediately accepted it gladly,

John 5:35

John was the lamp that was burning and glowing and you people were willing to enjoy the light that he projected for awhile.

Acts 2:12

And they were amazed and perplexed [over this] and began saying to one another, “What does all this mean?”

Acts 5:24

Now when the captain of the Temple [guard] and the leading priests heard about this, they became frustrated over how far this [teaching] would [eventually] spread.