Mark 6:20

gives the reason. ἐφοβεῖτο, feared, a mixture of reverence and superstitious dread towards the prophet and man of God. συνετήρει, not merely observed him (A. V [47]) this, too neutral and colourless kept him safe (R. V [48]) from her fixed malice often manifested but not likely to have its way with him in ordinary circumstances. ἀκούσας πολλὰ implies frequent meetings between the Baptist and the king, either at Machaerus or at Tiberias. ἠπόρει, the true reading, not only on critical grounds (attested by [49] [50] [51]), but also on psychological, corresponding exactly to the character of the man a δίψυχος ἀνὴρ drawn two ways, by respect for goodness on the one hand, by evil passions on the other. He was at a loss what to do in the matter of his wife's well-known purpose, shiftless (ἀπορεῖν, to be without resources); half sympathised with her wish, yet could not be brought to the point. ἡδέως α. ἤκουεν, ever heard him with pleasure; every new hearing exorcising the vindictive demon, even the slightest sympathy with it, for a time.

[47] Authorised Version.

[48] Revised Version.

[49] Codex Sinaiticus (sæc. iv.), now at St. Petersburg, published in facsimile type by its discoverer, Tischendorf, in 1862.

[50] Codex Vaticanus (sæc. iv.), published in photographic facsimile in 1889 under the care of the Abbate Cozza-Luzi.

[51] Codex Regius--eighth century, represents an ancient text, and is often in agreement with א and B.