¹At that time Herod, ruler of Galilee, heard the news about Jesus. ²He said to his officials, “This is John the Baptizer! He has come back to life. That’s why he has the power to perform these miracles.”

³Herod had arrested John, tied him up, and put him in prison. Herod did this for Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip. ⁴John had been telling Herod, “It’s not right for you to be married to her.” ⁵So Herod wanted to kill John. However, he was afraid of the people because they thought John was a prophet.

⁶When Herod celebrated his birthday, Herodias’ daughter danced for his guests. Herod was so delighted with her that ⁷he swore he would give her anything she wanted.

⁸Urged by her mother, she said, “Give me the head of John the Baptizer on a platter.”

⁹The king regretted his promise. But because of his oath and his guests, he ordered that her wish be granted. ¹⁰He had John’s head cut off in prison. ¹¹So the head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, who took it to her mother.

¹²John’s disciples came for the body and buried it. Then they went to tell Jesus.

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