Mark 3:6
And the Pharisees went forth, and straightway took counsel with the Herodians against him, how they might destroy him.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Φαρισαῖοι
the Pharisees
G5330
Φαρισαῖοι
the Pharisees
Strong's:
G5330
Word #:
4 of 15
a separatist, i.e., exclusively religious; a pharisean, i.e., jewish sectary
μετὰ
with
G3326
μετὰ
with
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
6 of 15
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
συμβούλιον
counsel
G4824
συμβούλιον
counsel
Strong's:
G4824
Word #:
9 of 15
advisement; specially, a deliberative body, i.e., the provincial assessors or lay-court
ἐποίουν
took
G4160
ἐποίουν
took
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
10 of 15
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
κατ'
against
G2596
κατ'
against
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
11 of 15
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
12 of 15
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ὅπως
how
G3704
ὅπως
how
Strong's:
G3704
Word #:
13 of 15
what(-ever) how, i.e., in the manner that (as adverb or conjunction of coincidence, intentional or actual)
Cross References
Mark 12:13And they send unto him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, to catch him in his words.Matthew 22:16And 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.Matthew 12:14Then the Pharisees went out, and held a council against him, how they might destroy him.Mark 8:15And he charged them, saying, Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, and of the leaven of Herod.
Historical Context
Herodians were political supporters of Herod's dynasty under Roman authority. Their alliance with Pharisees was unusual—these groups normally opposed each other. This demonstrates Jesus' threat to both establishments. Plotting death on Sabbath compounds irony—they violate Sabbath's purpose while condemning Jesus. This conspiracy succeeds at crucifixion (Mark 15:1-15).
Questions for Reflection
- What does the murderous response to evidence reveal about human rebellion?
- How do unlikely alliances against truth today mirror this conspiracy?
- What does this teach about persecution and gospel ministry?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The Pharisees' response: 'they went forth, and straightway took counsel with the Herodians against him, how they might destroy him.' Rather than repenting, they plotted murder. 'Straightway' (εὐθύς) indicates immediate action. 'Took counsel' (συμβούλιον) describes formal conspiracy. Pharisees allied with Herodians—strange bedfellows united by opposition to Christ. The goal: 'destroy him' (ἀπολέσωσιν)—kill, not merely discredit. This occurs early (chapter 3), showing opposition was immediate and lethal.