Matthew 14:1–12

The Death of John the Baptist

14At that time Herod, the ruler of Galilee, heard about Jesus. ²“He is really John the Baptist, who has come back to life,” he told his officials. “That is why he has this power to perform miracles.”

^3*For Herod had earlier ordered John’s arrest, and he had him chained and put in prison. He had done this because of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife. ^4*For some time John the Baptist had told Herod, “It isn’t right for you to be married to Herodias!” ⁵Herod wanted to kill him, but he was afraid of the Jewish people, because they considered John to be a prophet.

⁶On Herod’s birthday the daughter of Herodias danced in front of the whole group. Herod was so pleased ⁷that he promised her, “I swear that I will give you anything you ask for!”

⁸At her mother’s suggestion she asked him, “Give me here and now the head of John the Baptist on a dish!”

⁹The king was sad, but because of the promise he had made in front of all his guests he gave orders that her wish be granted. ¹⁰So he had John beheaded in prison. ¹¹The head was brought in on a dish and given to the girl, who took it to her mother. ¹²John’s disciples came, carried away his body, and buried it; then they went and told Jesus.