Matthew 14:1–12

John the Baptist’s Head Is Cut Off

14 At that time Herod, the ruler of Galilee and Perea, heard reports about Jesus. 2He said to his attendants, “This is John the Baptist. He has risen from the dead! That is why he has the power to do miracles.”

3Herod had arrested John. He had tied him up and put him in prison because of Herodias. She was the wife of Herod’s brother Philip. 4John had been saying to Herod, “It is against the Law for you to have her.” 5Herod wanted to kill John. But he was afraid of the people, because they thought John was a prophet.

6On Herod’s birthday the daughter of Herodias danced for Herod and his guests. She pleased Herod very much. 7So he promised with an oath to give her anything she asked for. 8Her mother told her what to say. So the girl said to Herod, “Give me the head of John the Baptist on a big plate.”

9The king was very upset. But he thought of his promise and his dinner guests. So he told one of his men to give her what she asked for. 10Herod had John’s head cut off in the prison. 11His head was brought in on a big plate and given to the girl. She then carried it to her mother.

12John’s disciples came and took his body and buried it. Then they went and told Jesus.