Home > Glossary > TOC > Mark 6 > Death of John Baptist > Verses > Mark 6:26c
| 14a - 20e | 21a 21b 21c 21d 21e | 22a 22b 22c | 23 | 24a 24b | 25a 25b | 26a 26b 26c | 27a - 29b |

Mk 6:26c ... not did-he-want to-refuse her.

The 3rd phrase has these 4 narrator words, ... "ouk ēthelēsen athetēsai autēn" (not did-he-want to-refuse her).

The 4 words are top down tangent to the king, his witnesses, and the maiden, his step-daughter. The diagram shows a solid wall of green triangles filled with witnesses watching her and enclosing him. The king could not refuse her request because the second promise that he even repeated to her, was a solemn promise. The king's guests are waiting to see if he will actually behead John. If he refuses her request, all his future promises to them could not be trusted. The kings own life would be in danger if he did not have their support. The king trapped himself with his own words, he had no escape clause. He had to keep his promise immediately!

6:26b < Verses > 6:27a