The Death of John the Baptist

14:1 At that time Herod the tetrarch1 heard reports about Jesus, 14:2 and he said to his servants, “This is John the Baptist. He has been raised from the dead! And because of this, miraculous powers are at work in him.” 14:3 For Herod had arrested John, bound him,2 and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, 14:4 because John had repeatedly told3 him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.”4 14:5 Although5 Herod6 wanted to kill John,7 he feared the crowd because they accepted John as a prophet. 14:6 But on Herod’s birthday, the daughter of Herodias danced before them and pleased Herod, 14:7 so much that he promised with an oath8 to give her whatever she asked. 14:8 Instructed by her mother, she said, “Give me the head of John the Baptist here on a platter.” 14:9 Although it grieved the king,9 because of his oath and the dinner guests he commanded it to be given. 14:10 So10 he sent and had John beheaded in the prison. 14:11 His11 head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, and she brought it to her mother. 14:12 Then John’s12 disciples came and took the body and buried it and went and told Jesus.