Herod Kills John the Baptist

14 And King Herod heard it,* because his name had become known. And they were saying, “John, the one who baptizes, has been raised from the dead, and because of this these miraculous powers are at work in him.” 15 But others were saying, “He is Elijah,” and others were saying, “He is a prophet like one of the prophets.” 16 But when* Herod heard it,* he said, “John whom I beheaded—this one has been raised!” 17 For Herod himself had sent and* arrested John and bound him in prison because of Herodias, the wife of Philip his brother, because he had married her. 18 For John had been saying to Herod, “It is not permitted for you to have your brother’s wife.” 19 So Herodias held a grudge against him and was wanting to kill him, and was not able to do so. 20 For Herod was afraid of John, because he* knew him to be a righteous and holy man and protected him. And when he* listened to him, he was greatly perplexed, and yet he listened to him gladly. 21 And a suitable day came when Herod, on his birthday, gave a banquet for his courtiers and military tribunes and the most prominent men of Galilee. 22 And whenc the daughter of Herodias herselfd came in and danced and pleasede Herod and ⌊his dinner guests⌋,f the king said to the girl, “Ask me for whatever you want, and I will give it* to you.” 23 And he swore to her,g “Anything whatever you ask me for I will give you, up to half my kingdom!” 24 And she went out and* said to her mother, “What should I ask for?” And she said, “The head of John the baptizer.” 25 And she came in immediately with haste to the king and* asked, saying, “I want you to give me the head of John the Baptist on a platter immediately.” 26 And although he* was deeply grieved, the king, because of hish oaths and ⌊dinner guests⌋,i did not want to refuse her. 27 And immediately the king sent an executioner and* ordered him* to bring his head. And he went and* beheaded him in the prison.