Matthew 14:1–12

¹At that time Herod the tetrarch heard of the fame of Jesus, ²and said to his servants, This is John the baptist: he is risen from the dead, and because of this these works of power display their force in him. ³For Herod had seized John, and had bound him and put him in prison on account of Herodias the wife of Philip his brother. ⁴For John said to him, It is not lawful for thee to have her. ⁵And while desiring to kill him, he feared the crowd, because they held him for a prophet. ⁶But when Herod’s birthday was celebrated, the daughter of Herodias danced before them, and pleased Herod; ⁷whereupon he promised with oath to give her whatsoever she should ask. ⁸But she, being set on by her mother, says, Give me here upon a dish the head of John the baptist. ⁹And the king was grieved; but on account of the oaths, and those lying at table with him, he commanded it to be given. ¹⁰And he sent and beheaded John in the prison; ¹¹and his head was brought upon a dish, and was given to the damsel, and she carried it to her mother. ¹²And his disciples came and took the body and buried it, and came and brought word to Jesus.