26 The king was greatly distressed, but because of his oaths and his dinner guests, he did not want to refuse her.
26 And the king was exceeding sorry; yet for his oath's sake, and for their sakes which sat with him, he would not reject her.
26 And the king was exceedingly sorry, but because of his oaths and his guests he did not want to break his word to her.
26 That sobered the king up fast. But unwilling to lose face with his guests, he caved in and let her have her wish.
26 And the king was exceedingly sorry; yet, because of the oaths and because of those who sat with him, he did not want to refuse her.
26 Then the king deeply regretted what he had said; but because of the vows he had made in front of his guests, he couldn't refuse her.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Mark 6:26
Commentary on Mark 6:14-29
(Read Mark 6:14-29)
Herod feared John while he lived, and feared him still more when he was dead. Herod did many of those things which John in his preaching taught him; but it is not enough to do many things, we must have respect to all the commandments. Herod respected John, till he touched him in his Herodias. Thus many love good preaching, if it keep far away from their beloved sin. But it is better that sinners persecute ministers now for faithfulness, than curse them eternally for unfaithfulness. The ways of God are unsearchable; but we may be sure he never can be at a loss to repay his servants for what they endure or lose for his sake. Death could not come so as to surprise this holy man; and the triumph of the wicked was short.