θέλων : cf. Matthew 1:19. Mark gives a fuller statement as to Herod's feelings towards John. No injustice is done Herod here by ascribing to him a wish to get rid of John. There are always mixed feelings in such cases. Compare the relations of Alcibiades to Socrates as described by Plato (Συμπόσιον). ἐφοβήθη τ. ὀ.: that for one thing; also feared God and his conscience a little, not enough. It is well when lawless men in power fear anything. ὅτι … εἶχον : they took John to be, regarded him as, a prophet. εἶχον does not by itself mean to hold in high esteem (in pretio habere, Kypke). The point is that John for the people passed for a prophet, belonged to a class commanding religious respect (so Fritzsche, Meyer, etc.). Vide Matthew 21:46.

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Old Testament